Case Study

Moubarak and de Blavous, a married couple, created a social enterprise in Lebanon known as, 2b Design. This company specializes in transforming salvage architecture into art that preserves Lebanon culture. The company began in 2006 as a social venture with an environmental mission. Over the course of 5 years, 2b Design's sale growth grew by 500% and the next couple years after that it grew by 200%. 2b Design conducts 90% of its business in different countries, primarily France, Japan, The  UK, and The US. Moubarak and de Blavous are passionate about social innovation, employing the unemployable, and their rich Lebanon heritage.

2b Design's largest struggle is creating awareness and increasing sales in Lebanon. As stated in the article, the Lebanon people are just not as interested in their own culture as those overseas. 2b  Design is looking to grow  and expand. They are hoping to provide more jobs and preserve more important heritage and cultural artifacts. They are also contemplating partners. However, in order to substain growth in the company, 2b Design needs to get the attention of the Lebanon community. The other issue 2b Design has is that similar products are coming out of China and India for cheaper than their price. 2b Design has started marketing to the wealthy market due to this controversy.

My number one suggestion to help create awareness in Lebanon is to for 2b Design is to re-think their marketing strategy. The article did not discuss much about what kind of marketing campaigns they are doing or if they are even doing anything along those lines at all. I suggest creating content that really hits home with the Lebanon culture. By creating  advertising that stimulates a nostalgic feeling, I believe the Lebanon market with grow more aware of 2b Design's overall mission. When marketing, they should probably begin by researching what the best medium would be to connect to the Lebanon people. If television is not readily accessible, perhaps a social media campaign or  a brouchure of sorts. There are so many possibilities when it comes to marketing; they would need to get a research team to brainstorm ideas or perhaps hire an advertising company.

Right now, I am actually an account executive for an advertising company, so I feel like I have an inside look on how marketing plays out behind the scenes. As a business major with an emphasis in marketing, I am particularly interested in entering this industry so that was the conclusion I jumped to in this case study. I recognize the importance of marketing in a company because if you don't get the word out to people that you have this company, then no one is going to know you exist! Research, development, marketing, etc. are all so vital and so important when it comes to the awareness and the growth of a company. I liked reading this case because I was able to brainstorm different things they could do with advertising to increase revenue. I truly believe by creating an effective advertising campaign, 2b Design will see growth in the Lebanon sector of their company.

Week 2: What is Social Innovation? What is Social Entrepreneurship?

1. I learned a lot this week just about the basics of what a social entrepreneur is, and how social innovation can be applied in my life. I think the most important aspect of this week's teaching was the truth that I do not need to be a social entrepreneur to make an impact. My favorite quote from the readings was, "But social entrepreneurs alone cannot change the world.They need artists, volunteers, development directors, communications specialists, donors, and advocates across all sectors to turn their groundbreaking ideas into reality. They need fundraisers, supporters who can change policies, someone to create a brochure describing their work. If everyone wants to start a new organization, who is going to do all the work?" I want to be a social entrepreneur and I believe I have the ability to do so, however, it is comforting to me to know that no matter what I chose to do with the rest of my life, I can always be striving to serve and to make a difference. Another thing I learned, was that in order to make a difference, my passions and my skills need to coincide. Otherwise, I will not be able to make as large an impact. I had never thought of social innovation in that way before, even though now it seems obvious. During class, I jotted down a list of what I am passionate about as well as my skills. It was definitely a rough list, but it helped get me brainstorming on how I can make a contribution to the world. The next thing that stood out to me were the logistics of non-profits and for-profits. Before this class, I was a bit naive and I really did not know how  non-profits make money. I mean they don't make profits, right? Wrong. I know it is a small thing, but it was good for me to learn before I embarrassed myself!

 2. Your mom/friend/roommate asks you about your classes this semester and you mention Social Innovation. How would you explain what social innovation is, what the class is about, and why you are taking the class?

So, this class has got me really excited and I have actually already been telling everyone I know about social innovation! When I discuss this class with other people I usually explain to them that it is a class about how to make a difference in the world. I explain that a social entrepreneur does not simply donate money, time or talents to a cause. Instead, social entrepreneurs invest in companies; they find the root of the problem and find innovative ways to solve that problem. I tell them that we get to read up on social entrepreneurs, incredible organizations, and the growing field of social innovation for homework, then we come to class and meet people who are making a difference and these people have panels and give presentations to us. I also explain that my teacher is a social entrepreneur and he and the TA are very passionate about this class which makes me want to get more involved. I am taking this class because I am so very passionate about equal rights. I am working on my business degree and I want to find a way to help those in need. Having a career will not be fulfilling to me until I know I am helping someone. Yes, I can 'help' someone  by performing a service, but I want to do more; be more. I want to help abolish slavery. I want to fight for the rights of women in other countries. I want to protect animals. There are so many things that I am passionate about and I am in this class to learn how to incorporate these passions in with my business degree. 

3. In the Ted Talk by Jake Harriman, he talked about a glass ceiling over solving the worlds problem, do you think there is or is not a glass ceiling. If there is, what is holding us back from breaking it? If there isn't, what can we do convince the world that? 

In a way, I do think there is a glass ceiling over the world's problems. Something I recently discussed in my economic class was the difference between our government and Sweden's government. Sweden's government gets 50% of the people's wages and in return provides services like free transportation, free health care, etc. This system is actually extremely proficient and the Swedish people are factually proven to be some of the happiest people on the planet. So why don't we implement a government strategy like  that in the United States? The answer is this; we care what people think. There is a stigma that we must remain completely free because we are America. I come at this example from an unbiased opinion, but I can't help but think it relates to the glass ceiling. We have answers to the world's problems but we in some ways think we have to act a certain way, or we think that we are just one person; we cant change the world's problems. I also believe there is an ignorance that encompasses more of the world. I think the key to breaking the glass ceiling is knowledge. We need to spread the word about the issues at hand and raise educated children that will be advocates for change. 

Southwest Creations Collaborative Case Study

Southwest Creations Collaborative (SCC) is a non-profit organization that helps low income women improve their social and economic welfare. Matteucci, the founder of SCC, is collaborating with a recently formed group called Social Venture Partners-New Mexico (SVPNM) regarding whether to accept a grant for financial assistance and business support from them. From Southwest Creations Collaborative's humble beginnings, the organization has blossomed into a thriving business with a growth in social programs, more job opportunities, and higher annual gain. Matteucci is very passionate about the work that she does and therefore is emotional attached to her organization.


SVPNM has made an offer of $25,000 per year for 2-5 years to SCC. In return however, they want to be involved with the company's growth. Essentially, SVPNM wants to expand the impact of SCC, entailing operations from new employees brought forth outside of the company's already tight knit group. SVPNM wishes to implement business training and many concepts that Matteucci feels confused and uncomfortable with. She has many questions and is afraid for the future of her company if she accepts the offer. Her other hesitation is SVPNM  a startup company with no previous experience in their field. SCC would be SVPNM's guinea pig so to speak, and that fact alone has got Matteucci concerned. On the other hand, the money from SVPNM would be very beneficial as SCC is working to find a larger facility as well as in marketing and operational strategies. Matteucci is caught between a rock and a hard place as she carefully deciphers her options.  


I believe an important part of being a 'business consultant' is being able to see both sides of an argument and keep an open mind. With that being said, I believe that before Matteucci makes her final decision, she should arrange another meeting with SVPNM to discuss their  terms more thoroughly. Before the meeting Matteucci should not go in blind; she should right down her concerns and be ready to ask questions. From my stand point as a business consultant, I think SVPNM is a risky company. They have never participated in this line of work before  and that is intimidating. However, I also believe Matteucci is stubbornly attached to her organization (and rightfully so.) In order to grow her business though, Matteucci will need to loosen the reins and perhaps take a chance. It seems that the initial meeting went well and that SVPNM  has good intentions for the company. In order to succeed in business, there needs to be a little risk and I think SVPNM's offer is SCC's shot at reaching more women and providing opportunities for them.
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I believe I am very much like Matteucci. When you build an organization from the ground up you will of course be attached to it and want to remain in control. However, I have acknowledged through this case study that sometimes the best thing for the company is  for you to allow help from other people, organizations, etc. You have to remember, Why did I begin this business in the first place? Matteucci saw a need among the low income New Mexican women and she filled it. Her passion derives from helping others. By accepting the grant she now has the ability to help more women, even if things are not run exactly the way she  prefers in the organization. The bottom line is SCC was created to provide for those in  need and even with the grant, it  still will. I have learned from this case study not to let my pride get in the way of  the greater good.

Social Innovations: Week 1

I was really inspired by our time in class this past week as well as inspired the reading. As I am getting my education, I look at the job field with an open mind. One thing is  for sure though--I want to help people. Whether I become a social entrepreneur or just an advocate of basic human rights in my community, I want to make sure I am making a difference and doing some good in the world. I took three quotes from the reading that really stuck out to me and inspired me. The first quote is, "Every change begins with a vision and a decision to take action." I  believe I am a person with a vision. I am creative and sensitive to my emotions and my thought process. However, sometimes I lack the will to take action. As I have learned in previous entrepreneurial courses, action is the most important part of the process. Just start. It is that simple. The next quote that really got me thinking is, "Offer better recipes, not just more cooking." As I  read this I was able to relate it to so many different aspects of society. If something is not working, why do we try to cover it up? What we need to do is get to the root of the problem and start doing something else about it. Our society is filled with greed and pride. We are constantly setting our sights on the next best thing. However, we do not take action where it is needed the most. We need to get back to the basics and execute new tactics. Lastly I really enjoyed this quote; "it takes creative individuals with fixed determination and indomitable will to propel the innovation that society needs to tackle its toughest problems." I suppose this quote basically sums up the two previous quotes, but I thought it was eloquently stated. We are the future. What we do now matters. I am excited to see what this next week will have in store for us! 

 Reflection Question #1: How would you answer Jeffery A. Thompson's question, "What is your calling in life? If you don't know yet, how will you find out?" 

As I continue my education, I am constantly asking myself this question. I am always trying to fit myself into a cookie cutter lifestyle; you could say I am 'trying to be like everyone else.' But when it comes to our callings, I don't think there is necessarily one thing you do that can describe all that you are capable of or all that the Lord expects of you. I know without a doubt that my true calling in life is to be a mother. I feel it in my heart so deeply and I cannot deny it. I also know a large part of my life is leading by example and helping others. These things are vital. I do not view them as work; I just have a responsibility to uphold. I know that and I am willing and glad to serve. I get distracted though by all the other things this world would have me believe I must do. I am in school to get a degree and get a job so I can provide for my family if necessary. I fear the future. None of us know what will happen so I am preparing myself for  whatever comes my way. Would I enjoy that cookie-cutter life? Sometimes I really believe I would. But, I know that I am here to learn and work hard. Life is messy, but I am so appreciative of the learning experience. I do not know much, but what I know for sure is the way you treat others says so much about you. I want to be remembered as someone who served her whole life and treated others well. I do not know if you would call that my 'calling.' I still have a lot to figure out! 

Reflection Question #2: Make an outline of what you'd like to include in your entrepreneur's journal and make a plan for how you'll add onto it in the future.

I kept an entrepreneur journal last semester that was truly beneficial when it came to my self-discovery. This semester I would love to include some of those same things! I was able to write out my bucket list which includes over 100 things. Some of those things I actually completed last semester, which was really cool. I would love to write out a list of my passions and start brainstorming ideas on how those passions can apply to social innovation. I have a blog which I plan to keep my journal entries for this class on. I would love to research some non-profit organizations and see who I could get involved in and to receive inspiration. I am so empowered already from our class on Thursday; I would love to discover more volunteer opportunities. As I go forward from this class I think I will continue to add to my bucket list, my volunteer opportunities, and hopefully my passions. I believe that you should never stop learning and never stop growing. My opportunities in life will only increase along with the experiences I will have. I think having a journal; of any kind; is important as we reflect on our lives and figure out our next move. I love rereading my old journals because they remind me of my vision and of how far I have come. 

Three Ways to Improve Your Writing Skills

Writing is considered a dying art. But, it does not have to be! Let's preserve writing  in all its compelling, indispensable glory. Here are a couple tips on improving your writing skills.

1. Do Your Research

Accuracy is essential to any well-written piece. There is nothing more devastating to the reader than discovering you have been mislead by inaccurate information. Additionally, adamantly researching your topic will unearth richer material for your piece. Your credentials as a writer are important in your professional as well as your moral life. Begin with deeply researching your topic. You will familiarize yourself first and foremost, then you will be able to progress towards your piece in full force, with a stronger knowledge and much more criteria to go off of.

2. Outline and edits are not just encouraged... they are necessary!

Jumping into a piece may seem tempting, but structure will get you far. Before you leap into your first draft, be sure to organize your thoughts by creating some sort of outline. Get creative with it! There is not "one size fits all" when it comes to outlining your work. What works for you and your particular style will satisfy your plan and get you started. 

One of the most important aspects of writing is editing. Unfortunately, your first draft will almost never be your last. This does not discredit your ability as a writer; in fact, your persistence will be extremely valuable! Perseverance through edits will strengthen your writing and give you the chance to clean up those sections which are unnecessary. A piece of writing is not a sprint; it is a marathon. Take your time and remain versatile.

3. Practice Makes Perfect!

You have heard it before, and you will hear it again; practice makes perfect! This truth is particularly relevant when it comes to improving your writing skills. The things that we do everyday define us more than those things we do every once in a while. By writing everyday, no matter what length, you are exercising your abilities and refining your skills. Make a goal to write every single day and watch how quickly you receive results. Your awareness will change. Your ability to think and to execute your thoughts on to the paper will grow. I would say the most beneficial thing you could ever chose to do to improve your writing would be to write often.