25 - What's Next?

Existing Market
I think the next thing in my venture, MettaliStraw's, future is to find a way to profitably pursue more direct environmentalist strategies. This includes actively working to improve the environment. An examples of this could be cleaning water to be reused for drinking or lower quality for other water uses. MetalliStraw could expand into bottled water.

I explained to three students about my company and venture idea, and asked what they thought I could look towards in the future. After some back and forth discussion there were some common things each of them brought up. One suggested that my company look into producing similar metal reusable products of often wasted materials. They tried to specify more, using toothpicks as an example. If my brand could be used to make a metallic reusable toothpick, that decreases waste even more. One student took my idea for straws and continued its theme by being more involved in sustainability in the beverage industry. I explained that my idea was for bottled water and they agreed it would be a good direction.

In the future, MetalliStraw will become more involved in beverages in two significant ways. On one side we will continue with our brand and product image, by making MetalliCups. Stemming from the idea to make other metal reusable products, and the current trend of shaker bottles and students carrying beverages throughout the day. Our product would be differentiated from Yeti cups and the likes because it would pair perfectly with our already established MetalliStraw.
Second, MetalliStraw will look into the bottle water industry. We will attempt to be among the most sustainable bottled water as far as plastic use, as well as using completely safe recycled drinking water.

New Market
I believe a radically different market would be a much older demographic, with less knowledge about environmental problems.

I think emphasizing the efficiency and benefits of my product rather than my mission could be appealing to this target market. Presenting my product as a infomercial type, fun product would be successful. Focusing on just the re-usability, but not the sustainability would be appealing. Highlighting benefits such as its ease of use and how it is machine washable would appeal to older people.

I spoke to the grandparents of two close friends. They enjoyed the idea of my product, and were genuinely surprised by the information I gave them on plastic's harm to the environment and oceans. They agreed that the background information might be lost on them if I hadn't explained it in greater detail. One said that they thought my product was quirky and interesting, a good gift. I told them my idea of presenting it more as an infomercial product and it paired very well with their gift idea.

While I did expect it to some extent, I was very surprised how unfamiliar the interviewees were with general environmental problems. They didn't see as if they had any need to be filled. From their perspective, a fun gift or unique conversation piece is a more recognized need. I can include this information in targeting this market by dropping some of the eco-friendly advertising and marketing, and solely display the product and its features, making it appear fun and trendy.