A Solid Business Footing: The 7Ps – That’s Right, Seven! (Part I of IX)

Marka had spent the last twelve hours trying to hash out what she’d finally decided to call the “Seven Ps.” She hadn’t slept all night, yet her thinking was clear as the Aegean Sea on a calm day. Marka glided into the conference room for FEI’s weekly marketing meeting sporting an uncanny confidence. Zoot and Org, each holding mugs of grogaccino, took their usual stumps at the conference table. Lucy, the greenhorn product development manager with bright eyes and a pink toga, was invited as well.

Marka took one last swig of grogaccino, and said, “Tribe, we need to have a discussion about the Seven Ps and how they impact everything we do. This is the foundation on which FEI will grow.”

“I may not have a fancy MBA from Olympus U, but even I know the term is the Four Ps, not Seven,” Zoot complained. “Plus, everyone already knows about the Four Ps. They’re old news.”

“Everyone knows the Four Ps for the same reason everyone knows the best way to race a chariot is to get in and whip the horse,” Marka retorted. “Winning still depends on using the right techniques at the right time. We’ll get to the extra three Ps in just a click of the sundial.”

Marka grabbed a piece of coal and wrote on the FEI whiteboard.

The First P: Product

“What are we selling?” Marka asked.

Zoot examined his manicured nails and chuckled. “Umm, fire? I think I got this one right. Nice marketing lesson—I’ll be at the Red Argus if you need me.”

“Let’s be serious, Zoot,” Marka said. “We have to pinpoint what products and services FEI offers to the marketplace. Our future market research, promotional and branding activities depend on this.”