Adam Nishino Xcalibur Massage 12/13/2023

As the chief of sales at Xcalibur Massage, my journey throughout this course has
been both challenging and rewarding. My experience in the business incubator was
truly amazing and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to work with Alex, Jackson,
Theo and Gilbert.

During the semester I was able to help make six presale initiatives that positively
impacted our business. Leveraging my connections from the hockey team, I secured us
a valuable contact in the athletic department, resulting in the sale of four massage guns.
Additionally, having a proactive approach led us to two more successful pre-sales, with
commitments from both my hockey team and the student rec center, particularly with
Caitlyn Ratcliffe.

Navigating the B2B relationships with the athletic department and student rec
center also required me to have a deep understanding of the deliverables our product
can offer. The main struggle during these meetings was articulating the benefits of our
massage guns in a compelling manner. I felt that my connection from hockey was the
essential part for securing these deals and partnerships since I can personally vogue for
the performance benefits that it can have on a student athlete.

With the strategic use of the DreamWorks website and sixteen hours of work
outside the classroom, I was able to create a compelling logo for Xcalibur Massage,
contributing to our overall branding strategy. In total this semester I successfully
pre-sold six massage guns, establishing a solid foundation for our Kickstarter campaign.
It was a special experience for me being able to help Jackson take ideas from his head
and bring them to life.

On November 27th we posted up with our booth on Venice Beach to promote

and sell the Xcalibur Massage device. Alex and I approached the challenge
strategically, focusing on engaging skaters and basketball players. Our approach was
focused mainly on doing a demonstration. By strategically incorporating the massage
gun into our conversations and interactions, we effectively showcased its advantages to
the skaters and basketball players. Having a hands-on approach resonated very well
with our target audience, drawing attention and sparking some genuine interest from
other people walking by.

In our conversations with Jackson about his sales approach, we highlighted the
effectiveness of live demonstrations. Alex and I were confused as to why he didn't share
our perspective. This was one example that emphasized the importance of effective
communication, a valuable lesson that we all learned during the semester.
Adam Nishino Xcalibur Massage 12/13/2023

One key takeaway from this experience was the realization that communication
is not just about talking but also about understanding and being receptive to feedback.
Especially in the world of sales, adapting strategies based on real-time interactions and
feedback is crucial. Our success on Venice Beach was just one testament to the impact
of demonstrating the product rather than solely relying on verbal pitches. Each potential
customer had a unique set of preferences and needs and being aware of these nuances
allowed us to connect more effectively.

In conclusion, I felt that our day on Venice Beach provided many valuable
insights for the future of Xcalibur Massage. The success that we achieved by
emphasizing demonstrations reinforced the importance of engaging with our potential
customers on a personal level. The different perspectives on our sales approaches also
highlighted the need for open and effective communication. As we move forward, I feel
that we are better equipped to refine our methods, sales and customer engagement.

Another key lesson that I learned from the course was the importance of
adaptability. I recognize there are areas where I could have performed better or
differently. The major challenge I had personally was the team dynamics, particularly
Gilbert's lack of contribution and Jackson's challenging behavior, which posed many
additional hurdles. Having more of an assertive approach in addressing these issues
early on might have fostered a more collaborative and productive team environment.
The criticism from Jackson about my sales capabilities and approach was also a little
shocking to me as I felt I contributed to more than half of our sales.

However, it serves as a valuable learning point. In similar situations, seeking

direct and constructive feedback from team members could have clarified expectations
and provided a chance for improvement. I feel that it is essential to have clear
expectations and communication channels within the team. Not only does this minimize
conflicts and optimize for more collaboration. It ensures for more efficient workflow and
the successful achievement of shared goals. In conclusion, acknowledging these
missteps provides an opportunity for growth and improvement in future endeavors.

Moving forward, I aim to apply these lessons to enhance my skills and navigate
challenges more effectively. This course has also provided me with a ton of constructive
feedback for personal and professional growth. One crucial lesson for me was the
power of networking. My connections from the hockey world proved instrumental in
opening doors and creating opportunities. Building and maintaining our customer
relationships proved to be a major part of our success. Having the ability to pivot and
adjust strategies three separate times based on the evolving circumstances was not
very ideal, but a huge learning experience for our team.
Adam Nishino Xcalibur Massage 12/13/2023

In conclusion, my experience this semester with Xcalibur Massage has given me

the ability to get out of my comfort zone, listen more, expand my outlook and
accomplish specific goals. This semester has given me so many valuable skills, insights
and lessons that will help me improve as a person and my future endeavors in the world
of sales and business. Learning how to overcome challenges, embrace the lessons,
and acknowledge areas for improvement, I feel that I am better positioned to navigate
the complexities of running a startup company, my future business endeavors and most
importantly, my life!