LABOUR MARKET INTEGRATION OPPORTUNITIES

Identify the target market for a new ceramic product and gather relevant data using primary and secondary research methods.

Analyse market research data to identify key insights about potential customers and competitors.

Apply market research findings to develop effective marketing strategies for a new product.

Online access to research tools such as Google Trends, social media, and industry reports

A list of questions for conducting customer surveys or interviews

What products do you currently use that are similar to the new product we are developing?

What features do you value most in the products you use?

How often do you buy products like the one we are developing?

What would you expect to pay for a product like this?

What factors would influence your decision to purchase a product like this? (Price, convenience, quality, brand, etc.)

Gather relevant industry reports and market data.

Set up access to online research tools.

1. Introduction: Introduce the concept of market research and its importance in product development. Discuss the different types of market research, such as primary and secondary research, and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
2. Define the target market: Have participants identify the target market for their new product. Encourage them to be as specific as possible, considering factors such as age, gender, income, location, and lifestyle.
3. Gather secondary data: Using online research tools such as Google Trends, social media, and industry reports, have participants gather secondary data related to their target market and competitors. Ask them to take notes on relevant trends, demographics, consumer behaviour, and market size.
4. Conduct customer surveys or interviews: Provide participants with a list of questions to ask potential ceramics customers in order to gather primary data on their needs, preferences, and buying behaviour. Encourage participants to conduct surveys or interviews in person, over the phone, or online.
5. Analyse the data: Have participants analyse the data they have gathered and identify key insights about their target market, such as their needs, preferences, and buying behaviour. Encourage them to compare this data with information about their competitors to identify gaps in the market and potential opportunities.
6. Present the findings: Ask participants to present their findings to the group, highlighting the key insights they have identified about the ceramic market and competitors. Encourage them to discuss the implications of their findings for their new product, such as potential marketing strategies, pricing, and product features.

Reflect on the key insights and how they can be applied to future product development.

Remind participants to consider ethical considerations and privacy concerns when conducting customer surveys or interviews.

“Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers” by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur

Batra, Rajeev, and Pamela Miles Homer. 2004. “The Situational Impact of Brand Image Beliefs.” Journal of Consumer Psychology 14 (3): 318–30.

Lamberton, Cait, and Andrew T. Stephen. 2016. “A Thematic Exploration of Digital, Social Media, and Mobile Marketing: Research Evolution from 2000 to 2015 and an Agenda for Future Inquiry.” Journal of Marketing 80 (6): 146–72.

To develop a clear vision and mission statement for a business.

To identify goals and objectives for a ceramic business.

To develop strategies for achieving ceramic business goals.

To create a financial projection for a ceramic business.

Whiteboard and markers

Business planning templates or worksheets

Calculator

Create a list of questions and prompts to guide participants through the process of developing a business plan, such as:

What is the purpose of your business?

What are your values and mission?

Who is your target market?

What products or services will you offer?

How will you market your business?

What are your short-term and long-term goals?

What is your pricing strategy?

What are your start-up costs and ongoing expenses?

How much revenue do you expect to generate?

How will you finance your business?

2.Vision and Mission: Have participants develop a clear vision and mission statement for their ceramic business. Encourage them to think about their values, purpose, and long-term goals.

3.Market Analysis: Have participants conduct market research to identify their target market, competition, and industry trends. Ask them to take notes on relevant demographic, psychographic, and behavioural information.

4.Product or Service Description: Have participants describe their products or services, including features, benefits, and pricing. Encourage them to consider the unique selling proposition of their offering and how it will meet the needs of their target market.

5.Marketing and Sales Strategies: Have participants develop a marketing and sales strategy to reach their target market. Encourage them to consider the most effective channels for reaching their audience, such as social media, advertising, events, and public relations.

6.Management Team: Have participants identify key members of their management team and describe their roles and responsibilities. Encourage them to consider the skills, experience, and expertise needed to run their business successfully.

7.Financial Projections: Have participants create a financial projection for their business, including start-up costs, ongoing expenses, revenue projections, and funding requirements. Encourage them to consider different scenarios and assumptions, such as different pricing strategies and sales volumes.

8.Conclusion: Have participants present their business plan to the group, highlighting their vision, goals, strategies, and financial projections. Encourage them to discuss the challenges and opportunities they anticipate, and the next steps they will take to launch their business.

Remind participants to be realistic when setting their goals and financial projections.

Encourage participants to seek feedback from others, including mentors and peers, as they develop their plan.

“How to Write a Business Plan” by Mike McKeever

The Business Plan Workbook by Colin Barrow; Paul Barrow; Robert Brown.

Prepare a portfolio that showcases their work and highlights their strengths

Practice their presentation skills to effectively communicate

Presentation software such as PowerPoint or Keynote

A list of potential buyers, investors, or collaborators to target

Feedback forms for participants to provide feedback to each other

Create a list of potential buyers, investors, or collaborators to target and share it with participants before the activity.

Prepare a feedback form for participants to provide feedback to each other on their pitches and presentations.

2.      Develop a compelling story: Discuss the key elements of a compelling story, such as identifying a problem, offering a solution, and highlighting the unique value of their work. Encourage participants to develop their own stories that communicate the value of their work.

3.      Prepare a portfolio: Discuss the key elements of a successful portfolio, such as showcasing their work and highlighting their strengths. Encourage participants to prepare their own portfolios using presentation software such as PowerPoint or Keynote.

4.      Practice presentation skills: Provide participants with opportunities to practice their presentation skills in a safe and supportive environment. Encourage them to use their prepared portfolios and stories to deliver effective presentations.

5.      Feedback: Provide participants with feedback forms to provide feedback to each other on their pitches and presentations. Encourage participants to reflect on their feedback and identify areas for improvement.

6.      Conclusion: Summarize the key takeaways from the activity and encourage participants to continue to practice their pitching and presenting skills in their personal and professional lives.

Provide opportunities for participants to share their reflections with the group.

Remind the participants to be concise and clear in their presentations, focusing on the key element of their story and portfolio.

Encourage participants to consider their audience and tailor their presentations to the specific needs and interests of potential buyers

Develop strategies for attending and making the most of industry events

Join local business organisations and online communities to connect with other marker and artists

Establish and maintain relationship with other makers and artist in the industry

Handouts with tips and resources for networking

Name tags

Business cards

Develop the presentation with information on the benefits of networking, strategies for attending industry events and tips for building relationship with other market

Prepare handouts with tips and resources for networking

2.Strategies for attending industry events: discuss the different types of industry events, such as trade shows, conferences and workshop. Provide tips on how to prepare for attending an event, how to make the most of the event and how to follow up with contacts after the event.

3.Joining local business organisations and online communities: discuss the benefits of joining local business organisations and online communities and provide information on how to find and join relevant groups.

4.Establishing relationships with other makers: discuss the importance of building relationships with other makers and artists and provide tips on how to start and maintain this relationship. Include the role-playing and hands-on activities to help participants practice networking skills into practice.

5.Conclusion: summarize the key takeaways from the session and encourage participants to start putting their networking skills into practice.

Ask participants to reflect on how they will incorporate networking into their professional development plans going forward.

Remind participants to follow up with contacts after events and to maintain relationships over time.

Encourage participants to step outside their comfort zones and approach new people at event

Learn how to create a social media strategy and content plan aligns with their brand

Develop skills in creating engaging and visually appealing social media content that resonates with their target audience

Pen and paper for note-taking

Develop a basic understanding of social media marketing strategies, including content creation and audience targeting.

1. Introduction: Begin by introducing the importance of social media marketing for promoting their work and building their brand. Discuss the different social media platforms available and their respective benefits.
2. Identify Target Audience: Help participants identify their target audience and understand their needs and preferences. Encourage them to consider demographic information, interests, and online behaviour.
3. Develop a Content Strategy: Guide participants in developing a content strategy that aligns with their brand and resonates with their target audience. Discuss the types of content that perform well on social media, including visuals, video, and text.
4. Create Social Media Content: Provide participants with hands-on experience in creating social media content that aligns with their brand and target audience. Encourage them to use their own work as inspiration and incorporate their personality into their content.
5. Understand Metrics and Analytics: Discuss the importance of tracking metrics and analytics to measure the success of their social media efforts. Teach participants how to use analytics tools to monitor their performance, identify areas for improvement, and adjust their strategy accordingly.
6. Engage with Followers and Build Relationships: Guide participants in developing skills to engage with followers and build relationships on social media. Discuss the importance of responding to comments and messages, and the benefits of establishing partnerships and collaborations with other brands and influencers.

Encourage participants to use visual elements such as images and videos to make their content more engaging.

Remind participants to monitor metrics and analytics regularly to identify areas for improvement and adjust their strategy accordingly.