The Context
Immediately after the Outbound Program, the student goes for the ‘Sell-On’ activity which lasts for four to five days depending upon their ability to sell. The entire task of going to NGOs to pick up the products made by underprivileged people sensitizes them toward reality & helps them understand the joy of inclusiveness. Facing the challenges of sales, help them break the inhibition and phobia towards the concept of “Selling”.
Practice
The students are given basic training in sales and negotiation techniques. There are faculty coordinators who monitor the entire activity. In the end, students are appreciated and motivated for their success.
Students are placed in NGOs across India based on their area of interest and preferred location. This exposure helps them to have actual on-field experience and understand the issues at the grassroots level. This also serves one of the missions of the B school to develop socially responsible, empathetic leaders and help them stand out in placements as nowadays companies prefer socially responsible managers.
Challenges
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Identifying the right product/concept to sell
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Onboarding NGOs with the product/concept as identified in point 1
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Organizing the logistics of product delivery to the student and cash handling
Impact
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Help the underprivileged members of society by helping them sell the products they make
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The activity exposes the students to the ground realities of society
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Students become more proficient in dealing with unknown people, handle rejections and learn selling and teamwork
Evidence of Success
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Students understand that revenue generation is the most important activity for any business organization.
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Students learn to pitch sales differently by understanding the customer and their mindset.
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Students learn how to work in a team in a productive and efficient manner.
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It is evidence to prove how a CSR activity can help NGOs.
