Kinko's is trying to be the green leader in the copy shop industry. Take a trip to your local Kinko's and discuss ways to eliminate waste, from energy consumption to paper waste. Check out competitors such as the The UPS Store and local independent businesses and see if the Kinko's difference is noticeable. What tactics could be used to push other companies into employing more environment-friendly tactics?

A strong poker face is critical in business, as Carleen Hawn points out in her article. Organize a CoF poker game with an extra emphasis on the game's strategical elements. Discuss the implications of a game that reward successful lying . Share stories of when your group members made a bluff in business and succeeded or failed. How can one call a bluff in negotiations without alienating the other parties?

Linda Tischler's article asserts that most companies are ignoring an important demographic in baby boomer women. Analyze the audience your members' businesses serve and compare how much attention is being paid to this group, and if your members think this market deserves more marketing energy. Chart out how a marketer might classify the demographics of your group (age, industry, race, interests) and design a strategy as to how you would try and appeal to yourselves as a target market. Follow this up with an activity on the town, whether it be at a bar, restaurant, movie theater, mall, gallery, etc. Are these businesses and their advertisers doing a good job of drawing your business?

Noon Products has transformed the public's access to Indian food. Compare the eating habits of your group -- does the typical weeknight dinner come from scratch, the microwave, a takeout bag or in a restaurant? Arrange for a potluck COF dinner using only ready-to-eat foods. How many ethnic cusines do you have to choose from? Compare them to each other and to your group's normal dinner meals in terms of health, convenience and price.

Daniel Richards contributed this month's Next Steps.

March 2004 Connexus | Flash Points | Next Steps

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