Retail: No Thai
In its expansion from two to three locations,NoThai! sought to optimize its inventory system. At the time, NoThai!’s methods were elementary and operated solely as a function of a few knowledgeable managers. The owners of NoThai! sought NCG to solve operations inefficiencies, become free of the limitations of the current system and increase confidence in their inventory management and ordering process. Keeping in mind the restaurant’s unique culture, NCG developed a sequence of deliverables that validated levels, increased inter-store communication, and forecasted future demand.
Local: UM Development Office
We worked with the Office of Development to increase alumni donation rates, specifically recent alumni that have graduated within the past five years. Our client allowed the team to learn more about the University of Michigan and the multiple departments that help contribute to the entire school. Throughout the process, we performed market research by meeting with various leaders of Student Organizations and members of other important philanthropy and fundraising organizations on campus. We also analyzed data on the alumni donation rates of comparable schools. Based on our research, we provided a plan of action with recommendations to improve donation awareness on campus and among alumni. We recommended strategies based on our research, models of other like-minded organizations and our client’s future goals. Working with a University department allowed the entire team to gain a better understanding of philanthropy, fundraising and student/alumni relations.
Startup: Geco Travel Co.
Geco Travel is a unique business start-up put together by several University of Michigan graduates. They provide adventure trips to Costa Rica that are environmentally and culturally sustainable. Passion for the protecting the environment is a key element to their business. Geco reached out to Nexecon seeking knowledge of how to use this commitment to sustainability as a selling point for their trips. After a thorough analysis of the travel industry, Nexecon was able to show significant growth in the eco-travel industry. With that information, the next step was providing growth and advertising strategies that would best prepare Geco to differentiate from competition in the market. A web analysis prompted an upgrade to the company’s website and implementation of buzz marketing ideas effectively established recognition of the Geco brand throughout campus. Geco anticipates further growth in preparation to sell trips for Spring Break 2011.
Non-Profit: The Neutral Zone
The Neutral Zone is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting personal growth in the youth community through artistic expression, community leadership and the exchange of ideas. In collaborating with Nexecon, The Neutral Zone hoped to develop their in-house recording studio into a fully teen-run business venture within the organization. As a primary focus, The Neutral Zone hoped to gain insight into the market trends, pricing schemes, and availability of locally competing recording studios. After performing background research on the local market, Nexecon was able to construct a 15-page market and industry analysis for The Neutral Zone to use in the second phase of the project – the pitch to investors. As a secondary focus, The Neutral Zone requested the help of Nexecon with constructing a pitchbook and presentation to be given by two of the teens involved in the recording studio; the hope was that local angel investors would provide the necessary funding to complete $20,000 in renovations to the recording studio, in order to remain relevant in the local market. At the culmination of the project, the two teens delivered their pitch flawlessly with the assistance of Nexecon as well as Neutral Zone staff, and we await confirmation on the angel investment. After the angel investors and venture capitalists met with the Neutral Zone team, they agreed to fund their new recording studio initiative, and the Neutral Zone was able to secure a $20,000 investment to support for their program.
