Refer to the scenario below to answer the following questions.
Herb Marks was making wooden writing utensils as a hobby until Mel Yoder
recognized Herb’s talent. Mel immediately ordered 250 pens and pencils of various
styles to be displayed in his shop’s showcase. Within three months, the writing utensils
were a hit! Herb Marks had never thought of marketing his talent, but Mel’s enthusiasm
and the recent sales were enough to change his mind.
With limited resources, Herb contacted three additional specialty shops within 100
miles. He explained his manufacturing processes and engraving options to each. All
three shops’ owners placed a trial order. Within two months, just prior to the holiday
season, each shop owner placed an additional order. Herb was ecstatic!
“I figured business would slow down after that,” Herb stated, “but in February I was
contacted by Elmore Distributors. At that point, I had to make a huge decision about
how far I wanted to go with this business.”
Elmore Distributors provided products for school fundraisers in a seven-state area. Herb
was offered a two-year contract and immediate inclusion in Elmore’s promotional flyer.
Herb Marks accepted the offer and, along with it, the responsibility to produce
thousands of wooden pens and pencils.
“I had to get a grip on the magnitude of this project!” Herb added. “I couldn’t grow out
of control. I was already working to capacity.”
Herb decided to place his major focus on the large contract with Elmore. However, to
avoid placing his total emphasis with one customer, Herb continued nurturing his four
previously established accounts without targeting any additional customers.
“At this point, I had set up an assembly line in a rented building,” Herb explained. “I
had to hire three full-time employees to work the line while I managed the customer
orders and purchased materials.” Herb paused. “But I can’t take the Elmore project for
granted. It might not always be there. I’ll have to have a good alternate plan if that day
comes.”
Herb promises to provide his customers with “pens and pencils that are both
professional and personal.” This is Herb’s ________.
A. USP
B. target market
C. vision statement
D. brand positioning statement
E. product proposition