By now you should have begun working on Assignment 1: Positioning Statement and Motto, due next week. You should have already selected your business and completed 1. Target Market/Users and 2. Competitors in the Assignment 1: Positioning Statement and Motto template. If you have not done so, read the Week 4 Positioning Statement and Motto assignment and rubric in the Course Guide. Download the Assignment 1: Positioning Statement and Motto Template [DOCX] to your computer and Save As using the following identifier: LastName_FirstName_Week4_Assignment 1. This week, we will focus on 3. USP (Unique Selling Point) and 4. Positioning Statement & Motto. For additional help with this section of the Assignment 1 template, review Chapter 6 in your textbook, and review the resources linked below. USP (UNIQUE SELLING POINT) How is your brand better than its competitors? Using your work from 2. Competitor’s section, to assess how your brand is different from the competitors that you assessed. What do you think your selected business does better than its competitors? What is the brand’s USP (Unique Selling Proposition)? Why would customers want this product or service over the leading competitors? Review 10 Examples of Killer Unique Selling Propositions on the Web before you craft your USP for your business. Follow these five steps to determine your USP. List the features and benefits that are unique about your product or service. Do a Google search and compare these features and benefits with your direct competitors. Identify the benefits that set your product apart. Decide what emotional need is being specifically met by your product or service. Think about this from your customer’s perspective and add it to your list. Identify aspects of your product or service that your competitors cannot imitate. Put a star beside anything that cannot be easily duplicated, reproduced, or copied. Create phrases about your unique product or service that are short, clear, and concise. Use the words from steps 1–3 that you singled out. Be sure they can be easily communicated and understood by your customers. Answering your customer’s primary question, “What’s in it for me?” Make it succinct and state it as a benefit to the customer. What is the brand’s uniqueness? What makes your brand unique, what makes it stand out? Why do you think this is attribute is unique? Why do you think customers will want this particular uniqueness? For example, Chick-Fil-A’s customer service is unique. Most fast food restaurants do not offer such high quality service. Many consumers flock to Chick-Fil-A to be treated well. What is the competitive advantage of the brand? How is it different from other competing brands? What does your brand do better than its leading competitors? What type of advantage do they have over the competitors? For example, when Steve Jobs invented the iPod touch technology, he knew it was going to be big. He purchased 10 years’ worth of raw material needed to build touch screens. Brands that wanted to copy Apple’s technology had to pay a much higher price for the supplies. This gave Apple the competitive advantage of being able to produce the product at half the cost of the competition. Does the brand have any attributes or benefits that dominate competitors? What attributes (properties) or benefits do you see that dominate the competitors? For example, iPhones dominate the smartphone market and have for many years. Other brands may have more features, lower costs, and a longer battery life, but iPhone buyers are loyal (sometimes jokingly referred to as a cult!). While iPhones were among the first touch screen phones, it was their user friendly platform and their ability to communicate seamlessly across other Apple devices that made them popular worldwide. POSITIONING STATEMENT AND MOTTO Develop a new positioning statement for the brand you selected. Define your actual positioning statement for the business and discuss why you have decided upon this actual positioning statement. Remember, once you write your positioning statement, make sure you address why you created the statement and why you think it will work. View How to Write Market Positioning Statements. It explains what needs to go inside of a positioning statement and provides examples. Develop a new motto for the brand you selected. Create the new motto for the business and then discuss why you created this specific motto. In most cases, businesses call their slogan, their motto; so as you are creating your motto, keep that in mind. Once you create your motto, make sure you address why you created the motto and why you think it will work. View How to Make a Business Motto for tips on how to get started. View 50 Examples of Catchy and Creative Slogans for ideas as you are creating a new motto for your selected business.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.