The Archway

Issue date: 11/2/07 Section: Campus News

Media Credit: CEO

Business 101 is a class that freshmen here at Bryant must take in order to graduate. This class encompasses the basics of business and teaches students to work together to develop products or services. This past week business 101 students were involved in the Elevator Pitch competition, during which they had ninety seconds to describe to a group of judges what their company was about. After one round of presentations in individual rooms, the judges eliminated more than half. The remaining fifteen groups were then asked to present their pitches on the podium in the Stepan Grand Hall. All the judges collaborated and chose the top winners. The winners were classified by "Overall People's Choice Award," "Best Pitch," and "Most Likely to Succeed."

Each team making it into the finals demonstrated their extensive knowledge of business and what was necessary to attain a good e-pitch. Before the finals, numerous entrepreneurs spoke of their accomplishments. One in particular was Tom Mosey, who invented "Mini Melts Ice Cream." Mini Melts is an Inc 500 company which operates in 26 different countries. He spoke of the skills he had to develop and the lifestyle of always being on the move. He spoke of how glad he was to be an entrepreneur, but warned that "it is not for everyone." His speech held the audience's attention with his use of humor and real life application. He provided good advice to the students by telling them to "prepare to take advantage of whatever opportunity presents itself."

While watching the pitches, I noticed a student next to me, Dexter King Class of 2011, who seemed to be quite interested in the competition. I asked him how he had done with his group and he showed high hopes. When I asked him what he thought about the e-pitch he told me, "I think it's a good way for students to practice speaking in a high pressure situation and it might be helpful for those who choose to start business in the future." The competition allows students to develop their skills that will be necessary in a variety of career paths.

After Mr. Mosey spoke they began calling finalists up to the podium. Some of the finalists included I Five, Mr. Tees Clothing, The Big Swingers, Graphic Garb, UniversiTees, and Watch Dog. Some students found the crowd to be somewhat overwhelming, but others spoke with enthusiasm and confidence. Some teams used creative tactics to make their pitch more appealing to the audience, incorporating props, humor, and even samples of their product. One team, recruit RI.Com brought raging laughter throughout the Bello Center with their use of props. After them the MC remarked how they had found a competitor for "Overall People's Choice Award."

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