Below are DECA-related questions I've received from students, plus my answers.
If you have a new question that hasn't been answered (anything DECA-related is fine, i.e. Business Plan, role-plays, pre-prepared, competitions, etc), please submit it via the form below, add to my question "parking lot" in class, send me an email, or ask aloud in class! Chances are, if you have the question, other students likely do too.
Q: When can I present Business Plan ideas to you?
A: Before presenting any ideas to me, please organize your thoughts. Think: what is your product/service, what problem is it addressing, what are the top features of the product/service that will solve the problem, and what is your unique value proposition? Condense your thoughts into a 1-minute elevator pitch and talk to me before/after/during class. If you want to meet with me before/after school, please email me to set up a time.
Q: What's the deal with DECA dues?
A: DECA dues cost $40. Some of your dues go to WA DECA and some to National DECA, as well as supporting the funding of SCDC and ICDC. Paying dues is not optional, but if you have a financial need, see me privately.
Q: Can SL students work with HL students on the Business Plan?
A: This will be a case-by-case situation that must be approved by me and Mr. Sherman.
Q: Can SL students work with Sales & Marketing students on the Business Plan?
A: Technically, yes. All IB Business Management SL students must complete a Business Plan. Sales & Marketing students have their own paper to complete, and you'd likely end up having to do both papers (= a lot of work for you).
Q: Can SL students work with non-IB Econ students or past DECA students on the Business Plan?
A: Technically, yes. You could work on the Business Plan with any student(s) who are Skyline DECA members (any current or past IBBM SL/HL, IB Econ, on-level Econ, Sales & Marketing, and Student Store students). However, these students will not have the content knowledge that you'll gain in my class. Therefore, a great deal of the work will be put on you.
Q: What types of competitive events are offered?
A: Aside from the Business Plan, there are many other events to compete in! Find more information on event offerings here.
Q: Can I revise my Business Plan between stages?
A: Yes, you can. If you'd like to revise your Business Plan after receiving feedback from judges, you certainly can. However, most students do not revise between stages. You'll be happy with your work once you submit it for review at the Area level!
Q: Do students with more DECA experience have a competitive advantage?
A: In short, sure. They have experienced the thrill of competition before and know what to expect. However, 1st year DECA students can and will make it to State and even ICDC!
Q: Can non-DECA members work on the Business Plan?
A: No. Students must currently be enrolled in a DECA class (or previously enrolled in one) to compete in DECA events.
Q: Will I for sure make it to State with my Business Plan?
A: You will submit/upload your Business Plan shortly after we come back from Winter Break in January, then judges will score your paper. You will not present your Business Plan at Area. If your Business Plan earns a minimum of 45/60 points, you'll move to State where you'll give your 15 minute presentation.
Q: What does the Business Plan presentation look like?
A: Essentially, you will present your paper in slide deck form. You may also want to utilize other visuals such as an easel or a handout. We'll have a FlexTime about presentations/visuals sometime in February.
Q: Can my Business Plan be focused on the CBD or cannabis industry?
A: No. While this is more accepted in the state of Washington, please keep in mind that ICDC will take place in Nashville (and the judges will be from Nashville).
Q: Does my International Business Plan need to focus on starting an American business in another country, or vice versa?
A: It doesn't have to! In short, your business plan just needs to cross A border (any border). You could introduce an existing Chinese business in Sweden, a Korean business in America, an American business in Australia, etc. The possibilities are endless!
Q: What types of Business Plan ideas should I stray away from?
A: "Core" manufactured products, or products that include complex manufacturing. Not to say you can't take on this challenge, but it will be more work for you. Services and retail/restaurants are the simplest/smoothest way to go.
Q: Are all companies "franchise-able"?
A: NO! Look this up. If you're interested in completing a Franchise Business Plan, I suggest googling the "top 50 franchises in the world" and going from there.
A: Before presenting any ideas to me, please organize your thoughts. Think: what is your product/service, what problem is it addressing, what are the top features of the product/service that will solve the problem, and what is your unique value proposition? Condense your thoughts into a 1-minute elevator pitch and talk to me before/after/during class. If you want to meet with me before/after school, please email me to set up a time.
Q: What's the deal with DECA dues?
A: DECA dues cost $40. Some of your dues go to WA DECA and some to National DECA, as well as supporting the funding of SCDC and ICDC. Paying dues is not optional, but if you have a financial need, see me privately.
Q: Can SL students work with HL students on the Business Plan?
A: This will be a case-by-case situation that must be approved by me and Mr. Sherman.
Q: Can SL students work with Sales & Marketing students on the Business Plan?
A: Technically, yes. All IB Business Management SL students must complete a Business Plan. Sales & Marketing students have their own paper to complete, and you'd likely end up having to do both papers (= a lot of work for you).
Q: Can SL students work with non-IB Econ students or past DECA students on the Business Plan?
A: Technically, yes. You could work on the Business Plan with any student(s) who are Skyline DECA members (any current or past IBBM SL/HL, IB Econ, on-level Econ, Sales & Marketing, and Student Store students). However, these students will not have the content knowledge that you'll gain in my class. Therefore, a great deal of the work will be put on you.
Q: What types of competitive events are offered?
A: Aside from the Business Plan, there are many other events to compete in! Find more information on event offerings here.
Q: Can I revise my Business Plan between stages?
A: Yes, you can. If you'd like to revise your Business Plan after receiving feedback from judges, you certainly can. However, most students do not revise between stages. You'll be happy with your work once you submit it for review at the Area level!
Q: Do students with more DECA experience have a competitive advantage?
A: In short, sure. They have experienced the thrill of competition before and know what to expect. However, 1st year DECA students can and will make it to State and even ICDC!
Q: Can non-DECA members work on the Business Plan?
A: No. Students must currently be enrolled in a DECA class (or previously enrolled in one) to compete in DECA events.
Q: Will I for sure make it to State with my Business Plan?
A: You will submit/upload your Business Plan shortly after we come back from Winter Break in January, then judges will score your paper. You will not present your Business Plan at Area. If your Business Plan earns a minimum of 45/60 points, you'll move to State where you'll give your 15 minute presentation.
Q: What does the Business Plan presentation look like?
A: Essentially, you will present your paper in slide deck form. You may also want to utilize other visuals such as an easel or a handout. We'll have a FlexTime about presentations/visuals sometime in February.
Q: Can my Business Plan be focused on the CBD or cannabis industry?
A: No. While this is more accepted in the state of Washington, please keep in mind that ICDC will take place in Nashville (and the judges will be from Nashville).
Q: Does my International Business Plan need to focus on starting an American business in another country, or vice versa?
A: It doesn't have to! In short, your business plan just needs to cross A border (any border). You could introduce an existing Chinese business in Sweden, a Korean business in America, an American business in Australia, etc. The possibilities are endless!
Q: What types of Business Plan ideas should I stray away from?
A: "Core" manufactured products, or products that include complex manufacturing. Not to say you can't take on this challenge, but it will be more work for you. Services and retail/restaurants are the simplest/smoothest way to go.
Q: Are all companies "franchise-able"?
A: NO! Look this up. If you're interested in completing a Franchise Business Plan, I suggest googling the "top 50 franchises in the world" and going from there.