Activity

USS Biz Trek Activity #13: Never Let 'Em Get You Down

The phasers are flashing, the dilithium crystals are smoking, it looks like the entire crew of the ship is doomed. But suddenly things turn around. There was one last trick up the Captain’s sleeve, and all are saved. Another happy ending.

Sometimes running a business is just like this. It seems like all is lost. However, you should never let a setback discourage you. When things do look bad, be a problem-solver not a problem-maker. Pinpoint the trouble area and fix it. You may have to do some damage control, you might even have to reorganize your whole concept. Whatever the case, roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Silly Putty, a favorite toy for generations, almost didn’t make it. The Silly Putty site gives the history as well as the science behind Silly Putty.

Loggin’ On

Visit the Silly Putty site and scroll through the timeline. As you read about the history of this toy, consider the starts and almost stops. Answer the questions below in your notebook as you read the amazing history and facts behind this favorite toy.

Why was Silly Putty developed? What can you learn about product development?
How long did Silly Putty bounce around before someone discovered a use for it? What does this tell you about making snap judgments?
Peter Hodgson refused to give up on Silly Putty when everyone else thought it was a passing fad. What does this tell you about the value of determination?
What did people at the Toy Fair in New York think about Silly Putty? What would have happened if Peter Hodgson had decided to go along with the crowd?
Hodgson did not have a lot of money to spend on supplies for his company. Where did he get free egg crates to ship his eggs of Silly Putty? What are some creative and inexpensive ways you could package your product?
What happened in 1951 that hurt the Silly Putty business? Hodgson still did not give up. How did he make it through this slow period? What strategies can you use to help you in difficult times?

Finished?

Rocket back to Lesson 4

Rocket forward to Lesson 5