COB 300 Business Plan

During the spring semester of 2024, I had the invaluable opportunity to participate in an immersive semester-long business plan project. This initiative enabled me to collaborate with a diverse team of talented peers, allowing us to leverage our unique strengths to develop a viable business model from the ground up. Throughout this experience, I honed essential teamwork skills and deepened my understanding of the business landscape. I gained hands-on experience with various components essential to building a successful business, from market research to financial planning. This project not only enriched my knowledge but also enhanced my excitement for my future profession in the business world!

In the fall of 2024, I had the opportunity to develop an integrated marketing communications plan for White Oak Lavender Farm, a local business in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Working collaboratively with a team of four peers, our goal was to increase the farm’s profits by 20% by December 31st, 2025. Through this project, I gained hands-on experience in various aspects of marketing, including search engine optimization (SEO), strategic content planning, and the importance of consistent branding through the use of a brand guide. I also played a key role in creating targeted deliverables designed to effectively promote the business across multiple platforms. These skills have not only enhanced my understanding of marketing strategy but have also proven valuable in other professional roles I’ve taken on since.

Integrated Marketing Communications

Social Media Marketing

During my final semester of college in Spring 2025, I had the opportunity to develop a comprehensive social media marketing plan alongside a group of three peers. We partnered with a local Harrisonburg business, Aristocat Café, to help strengthen their brand presence and digital marketing strategy. Together, we created a detailed brand guide, a content calendar, and a pitch strategy designed to enhance engagement and visibility across platforms. This project aligned closely with previous group work I’ve done, allowing me to apply and build upon skills I’ve gained from past classes and campaigns. I focused on creating content that incorporated paid search strategies, search engine optimization (SEO), and learned how to effectively run different types of digital marketing campaigns. It was one of the most rewarding and hands-on experiences of my college career, and it confirmed my passion for strategic marketing work. I hope to take on similar projects in the future.