Session 5: Production
‣ Preparations for the Mentor:
1. Read this session and draft a plan so you know how to lead it.
2. Prepare notes on what you expect the participants to have achieved since Session 4. This will help you to evaluate their financial documents and their marketing implementation since Session 4.
3. Depending on the type of production that your social start up is focusing on, you may wish to invite a guest speaker to give a presentation about similar modes of production or best practices.
4. Ensure that participants understand that they need to begin production soon after this session.
‣ Beginning the Session:
Explain to the participants that the purpose of this session is threefold: a. Firstly, to explore production planning and implementation b. Secondly, to review the financial documentation from the previous session c. Finally, to monitor and follow up on the social start up process and the participants ‟ involvement
1. Explain to the participants that they have passed the half way mark of the programme so this is a good time to reflect on what has been achieved so far and what has yet to be done.
2. Ask participants to present to you an update about their financial planning and marketing implementation since the last session.
3. Provide feedback re the financials and the marketing implementation.
‣ Product Design:
Explain to the participants, that when designing the product, it is important to be clear about its specifications and which ones are essential and must be prioritized. Without these specifications, the product will not work.
After identifying the essential product specifications, the participants should consider and list the additional optional specifications. These can be included, but are not essential. With all these specifications clear and listed, the participants will have a clear, shared vision of their product.
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