Creativity Strand
Participating in the Business Management Competition was a thrilling and transformative experience. Our team had the challenge of developing a sustainable business idea and presenting it in a Shark Tank-style competition. However, coming up with the right idea was a real struggle. We went through countless discussions, arguments, and disagreements before finally settling on Mismatch. Initially, we considered ideas like convertible furniture and draggable tables, but they felt too common, repetitive, and uninspiring. With just a week left before the competition, we pushed ourselves to think harder, divided tasks based on our strengths, and worked tirelessly to bring our vision to life.
LO2: Demonstrate Challenges Undertaken and Develop New Skills
Developing a business idea from scratch was no easy task. We faced multiple challenges, from refining our concept to ensuring that it was both sustainable and marketable. One of the biggest hurdles was reaching a consensus as a team,every idea we initially thought of lacked originality and excitement. When we finally decided on Mismatch, we had limited time to execute it effectively. This meant working under immense pressure, conducting quick market research, and designing a website prototype. I learned how to analyze consumer needs, think critically about feasibility, and improve my ability to work efficiently in a short timeframe. Additionally, presenting our idea in front of an audience required confidence and courage and not everyone in our team were good public speakers or conveying ideas to the audience. But through this experience we all managed to do great. Maintaining a smooth flow, making eye contact, and ensuring a seamless transition were a few essential things we tried to inculcate during our presentation to effectively engage with the audience and help them process our vision. This experience significantly enhanced my public speaking and presentation skills.
LO5: Work Collaboratively With Others
This experience would not have been possible without the collaboration of my team. Initially, our conflicting opinions made it difficult to finalize an idea, but we eventually learned how to listen, compromise, and combine different perspectives to create a strong business concept. Once we agreed on Mismatch, we strategically divided tasks based on each person’s strengths, ensuring efficiency. Through this, I learned the value of team dynamics, adaptability, and effective communication in overcoming creative roadblocks and successfully executing a project.
LO6: Engagement With Global Issues
Fast fashion and unsustainable consumer habits are growing concerns in today’s world. By creating a business model that focused on sustainable fashion choices and supporting local businesses, we directly addressed an important global issue. Our idea encouraged consumers to rethink their wardrobe choices, mix and match existing clothes creatively, and support ethical shopping. This experience deepened my understanding of sustainable fashion and reinforced the importance of using business as a tool to drive positive change.
Reflection
This competition was more than just a contest it was a journey of growth, creativity, and learning. We struggled, debated, and doubted ourselves at times, but in the end, our hard work and determination paid off. Winning first place was an incredible achievement, but the real reward was the experience itself and the lessons it imparted. I now feel more confident in my ability to think innovatively and tackle real-world problems with a creative mindset. This experience has reinforced my passion for sustainable business solutions and has encouraged me to explore further opportunities in this field.
