22A – Elevator Pitch No. 3

1) The pitch. 

Link to Youtube video: https://youtu.be/le3Y-bRcV1Y

2) A reflection on the feedback you received from your last pitch. 

I had several comments on my second elevator pitch, and it was all good feedback. I've attached the responses below. Similar to my last pitch, I found it extremely helpful that these individuals also believed I effectively connected the vision of the University of Florida as a community to the prospect of my new coffee service, Whidbey Coffee. From this feedback, I knew I was making the product more convincing to members of the UF community - and I wanted to make sure I kept this aspect of my pitch as I moved forward. 

My last comment was still extremely beneficial an insiteful, however; I don't want to come off as though I am attacking the Starbucks franchises on campus or students for enjoying them. I don't need to force prospective customers to see the opportunity, because they know it's there. It's factual. However, I could be more specific. Ultimately, my pitch has to walk a fine line between degrading Starbucks and promoting my brand and business. 

Feedback: 

"After seeing your post on this assignment about using your feedback, I have found things that I could have done better on my own post. I love how you tried to connect your product and your idea to the overall vision of this university. Having your brand/image being associated with our great UF culture is invaluable. Also, great statistics. Thank you for putting time into this assignment, it’s really good and your video is great. Good Job!"

"I think you did a great job analyzing your old pitch and identifying ways in which you could improve. I think you still did great job delivering your pitch and convincing people to support Whidbey Coffee! Personally, I would love to have more coffee options on UF's campus."

"Hi Caitlyn, thanks for sharing! I think it is very evident that you took suggestions into account and made improvements to this pitch from your last one. It definitely seems to me like the improvements you made would be effective to a potential investor or customer. I liked how specific you were with UF as well as you want to open this specific location at UF and as such need to be campus-specific. I would definitely be swayed by this pitch so I think you did a great job!"

"Thank you for the detailed elevator pitch. Since I wrote the previous feedback for the last elevator pitch you made, I appreciate the additional information you added to refine it - I think it did make it more appealing. Some of the pros of this pitch was your delivery: being engaged, clear, and concise. The examples you gave of the differences in this coffee to Starbucks were tangible and visual (spacing, food, taste). This was a strong improvement from your previous assignment descriptions. As well as the specific statistics you referenced that gave evidence of your research and knowledge on the subject of which coffee shops on campus are better than others and why this one is worth investing in. I believe areas to improve are to make the attributes that make Whidbey coffee even more specific compared to Starbucks. Why should I invest here if Starbucks clearly has popularity on campus? Even if it is the only place to go. What aspects of the food, the environment, and the coffee are unique compared to other brands. Is it the study resources that are provided in the environment or the way in which the beans are picked and processed? Some things to consider."

3) What did you change, based on the feedback?

I am certainly more comfortable in front of the camera and my pitch is almost memorized - and the pitch itself is better. Truthfully, given my feedback I only included a few more descriptive sentences regarding the innovative products, relaxing environment, and seating capabilities as well as comparing them to Starbucks. 

Given the recent developments with COVID-19, being an out-of-state student from Washington state, and having to stay at a colleagues apartment - it was extremely difficult to make this second pitch more dynamic. Moreover, I am stuck with no professional business attire - so I had to wear one of my work polos. My apologies!



Pitch:

"Are you a student or faculty member at the University of Florida? Do you enjoy coffee? Where do you purchase it? Well the only place to purchase it on campus, Starbucks. On the University of Florida campus we have over 7 Starbucks across campus.  

Are you tired of the same coffee selection and high costs? Limited to no seating availability? Long lines? Well wait no longer, because I am preparing to open a Whidbey Coffee franchise on campus! Whidbey Coffee is a well-known franchise within the Pacific Northwest. 

Whidbey Coffee offers varying product prices and new coffee products such as Frozen Mochas, Red Bull Spritzers, and more. As well as more seating availability in a relaxing and aesthetic environment. A typical Whidbey Coffee franchise incorporates at least one fireplace, open windows, and different types of seating like couches, chairs, and bar stools.  With varying prices, new and innovative products, and a relaxing environment with much more seating to support our University of Florida students and faculty.  

As a resident within the state of Washington, the coffee state some may say, where Starbucks originated, and as a military child... I've tried a great deal of coffee. And Whidbey Coffee has been the best. The best coffee. The best products. The best environment. And the best prices.  With 52,367 students at the University of Florida, 5,000 faculty members, and only Starbucks facilities - there is a great need for this opportunity. Do you want to spark a change and invest in our students and community? Invest in Whidbey Coffee."