DECA Member Chloe Mann Creates Award-Winning Business Plan

DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) is an organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management through business-related competition. I’ve always been captivated by Shark Tank, ordinary people turning everyday problems into brilliant, yet surprisingly simple, business ideas. When I faced the struggle of seeing a family member overwhelmed by technology, I decided to turn that frustration into a project.

During my freshman year of high school, my business teacher encouraged the class to join DECA. I hesitated because I thought I wouldn’t have time to participate. The following summer, I came up with a business idea I thought I could use in DECA. My younger cousin has autism and loves using his iPad.  However it easily overwhelms him. It’s hard to see him being alienated by modern technology, when it fosters connection for everyone else. I started looking into the effects of using smart devices.  I found they can inflame the nervous systems of people with autism spectrum disorder. This may include shorted attention spans and social deficits. So, I came up with a solution to this problem: an operating system designed to be less overstimulating.

To validate my idea, I created a survey and asked my cousin’s parents to share with their friends who have children with autism. The survey results confirmed that being overwhelmed by smart devices is a common problem. I then developed my idea further and outlined the operating system. This  included the apps, how caretakers can oversee its use, and the tools that can be incorporated to develop cognitive skills. I researched the project’s cost, identified similar products on the market, and determined the metrics a product like this would need to measure and reach.

My favorite part of the project was developing the brand of the business. I carefully chose brand colors for the overall look of the business plan to stand out against competitors while still aligning with my goal of being calming and user friendly.

A comprehensive written business plan was the first part of the project.  It was due a month before the competition.

 

DECA’S Competitions Develop Skills for Problem-solving and Collaboration

DECA’s competitions develop skills such as problem-solving and collaboration through real-world business scenarios. They also provide students with networking and scholarship opportunities. I competed in the “Start-Up Business Plan” category. Students created a comprehensive outline of customer segments, selling and marketing channels, and finances of a hypothetical business.

The judges read the plans. Then the students give a presentation which included all the information in the plan. This is accompanied by a slideshow. In the days leading up to my presentation, I practiced repeatedly by myself, in front of my peers, and DECA advisors. I prepared for any questions the judge may ask.

In the preliminary round, my judge had no questions and told me once she read my business plan, she was excited to meet me and hear my presentation. I entered the final round with no expectations; making the final round in my first year of DECA was already more than I had anticipated. To make the finals, I needed the highest score of the 15 competitors my judge saw in the preliminary round. In the finals, I had two judges who both asked me questions about my business plan. This was both a good sign, showing interest in it, and a challenge, as it could indicate areas needing more clarity.

Standing on stage with the rest of the finalists in my category was nerve-wracking. Starting at fifth place, they called the names of top competitors in the state. When they announced the second-place team was from a large school with many resources in their DECA chapter, I thought “There is no way I will beat a team from that school”. Much to my surprise, the announcer called my name in first place. I returned to my seat.  I couldn’t stop smiling, overwhelmed with support from my chapter and pride in my hard work and ambition.

 

CU Boulder’s First New Venture High School Challenge

A few weeks later, I learned about a start-up competition at Colorado University Boulder. I decided to participate in the competition with my operating system idea.

The format differed significantly from DECA. There was a three-minute pitch in front of five judges and hundreds of spectators. DECA’s was a 10-minute presentation given to one or two judges.I revised my presentation to balance essential information for potential investors with compelling phrases that highlighted the sentiment behind my idea.

Although the $4.2 million start-up costs for the company isn’t feasible for me, participating in DECA and the CU Boulder Competition allowed me to raise awareness about a significant issue and develop numerous professional and personal skills. These experiences have enhanced my business writing, design, and communication abilities.

Regardless of career interests, organizations like DECA can help students develop essential skills as they prepare to enter the workforce. And explore similar opportunities to discover how the students can impact their future!