Lessons from Business: How to Run a Successful Club or Society

Introductions

Dave Jarman: Head of Enterprise Education Ex Careers Service & UBU Ex Sabbatical Officer Ex Society & JCR President

Principles: You’re all running a business

that provides a service to a customer (your members)

You’re trying to create value (profit) for your organisation

You’re trying to create a valued experience for your customers

The Lessons

1. Understanding your Market2. ‘Product vs. Price’3. USPs4. Goals, Culture, and Strategy5. Talent Management

Lesson #1

Understand your market Market = Audience Customers = Members You’re trying to encourage Customers to ‘buy’ a product or

service from you – a membership and then regular engagement Customers buy things that solve problems or fill gaps in their

lives Markets have segments of customers who buy different things in

different ways and for different reasons

What problem are you solving for your members?Could you describe your ‘average’ customer?Why do they buy your product or service?

Lesson #2

‘Product’ vs. ‘Price’ People buy a product or service because it makes them happy It also has to do this better than an alternative product or

service Every product or service also has a cost – financial, time &

effort, reputational, etc… Is your product worth your price?

Can you define the value of your product or service in 3 bullet-points?

How could you improve your product or reduce the ‘cost’ of membership?

Lesson #3

USPs – Unique Sales Proposition What is UNIQUE about what your group offers? What is better about your product or service than other

competitors or alternatives? Is your group distinctive in any way? Are you easily recognised

and does your activity and image send the right messages?

Can you define 1-3 USPs for your group?How could you improve your ‘brand’ with students –

what kinds of values do you want students to associate with your brand? Exciting, Professional, Friendly, Reliable, Caring, Convenient…

Lesson #4

Goals, Strategy, and Culture Do you have a vision for how your group will look and

operate in 1-2 year’s time? Do you have goals and strategies for achieving those goals

that your membership understands? Does your group’s strategy survive the handover process? What kind of culture do you need to create to run the group

you want to have?

Sketch out some goals and think about how you’d share these

What kinds of characteristics would you want to be part of a group culture?

Lesson #5

Talent Management: How do people find their way into power in your group? Do the right people find their way into power in your

group? How do you spot, support, and manage talented

members into power (without rigging elections)?

What characteristics do you think your group leadership should have?

How are new members likely to develop and improve those skills required?

• What is the RBS ESSA?A recognised national accreditation for student societies to reward and recognise these skills

• Why apply?• Give your CV a boost • Enter the awards to win a share of £61,000

prize money• Be invited to the RBS ESSA Awards attended by

top UK employers & sponsors • National press coverage for your society

How to apply:

• Visit www.rbsessa.com

• See if your society meets the entry criteria

• Apply for accreditation and enter the awards online

Societies

www.bristolinc.org.uk www.facebook.com/enactusbristol www.inhouse-media.com

New Enterprise Competition

Open to students, staff, and recent graduates

4-page Business Plan submission by May 2014

Shortlist through to presentation panel in Autumn 2014

£35,000 prize fundAdvice & workshops availableConcepts, Plans and Trading

start-ups all welcome and judged separately

www.bristol.ac.uk/red/nec

Business start-up support

Advice & guidanceSeed funding (£30k)Desk spaceEducation & Networking

events – ‘Monday Means Business’

Mentoring match-makingSummer Enternships (£1500

+ desk)Surgeries:

Book-keeping Branding IP & Legal Matters

www.businessbasecamp.co.ukTwitter @BristolBasecamp

Facebook search ‘Bristol Basecamp’

Basecamp Master-classes

Weekly short talks on start-up: Generating ideas Good Ideas vs. Good

Business ideas Understanding the market Company Formation Resources for start-ups IP for start-ups Finance Elevator Pitches Business plans

www.businessbasecamp.co.ukTwitter @BristolBasecamp

Facebook search ‘Bristol Basecamp’

www.bristol.ac.uk/studententerprise