New Ladder To Success

The teams returned to the lobby of Trump Towers for the next challenge. Everyone met up with Donald, Carolyn, Bill and two Arby’s executives.  When the teams gathered for instructions, Donald Trump pointed to a window where various items with his eponym were displayed. He talked about how important it was to build a brand.

TEAM SYNERGY:  Allie, Sean (project manager), Tammy Pepi, Andrea, Roxanne, Brent, Stacy and Michael.

TEAM GOLD RUSH: Tarek, Dan, Bryce (project manager), Charmaine, Leslie, Theresa, Lee, Summer and Lenny.

 THE ASSIGNMENT:  The week's task was about branding. Each team must create a 30-second music jingle for Arby's new, all-natural chicken line. Two Arby's executives would judge their work while Bill Rancic and Carolyn would act as Trump's eyes and ears. Both teams assembled to perform their jingles live for an audience of Arby's customers.

THE WINNING TEAM:   Synergy

FIRED CANDIDATE:   Bryce

LESSON LEARNED:

1) The deadly sin of being tardy

Gold Rush made an appointment to meet with the Arby's executives, but they showed up almost a half hour late. When the executives asked Bryce why they were delayed, Bryce ignored the question. When asked again, Bryce claimed they’re not familiar with the city, and didn’t realize how long it would take to get there. Also, he wasn’t aware what time they were supposed to be there. Arby’ CEO directly said to Bryce that ordinarily, he and Debbie would not have waited 25 minutes for them to show up. For sure, they missed the mark to win this task.

Fatal error to show up late for your appointment.

2) Deliver what people asked! It’s that simple.

As project manager for Synergy this week, Sean’s first step was to bring his team to meet with the Arby’s executives to find out what kind of jingle they had in mind. The Arby’s execs explained that they wanted a jingle that trumpeted the fact that their new chicken sandwiches are all-natural. Tammy asks the Arby executives a critical question, "…what is one thing they want to convey to their customers?" The response is that none of their competitors have a whole line of natural chicken products. The Arby’s executives picked Synergy’s jingle as the winner because it stressed the naturalness of their product.

Synergy’s jingle
When I’m thinking Arby’s, I’m thinking Chicken Naturals.
When I’m thinking tasty, I’m thinking Chicken Naturals.
Wholesome natural chickens here, you won’t find it anywhere.
A salad, sandwich or a wrap, chicken for that hunger attack.
When I’m thinking Chicken Naturals, I’m thinking Arby’s.

Though Gold Rush's jingle did a great job of describing the product and the menu, they didn't specifically say that Arby's is the only place to get the natural chicken.

Listen to Synergy and Gold Rush's Jingles: http://apprentice.tv.yahoo.com/trump/05/index.html

3)  Pride can hurt (and destroy) you!

After Gold Rush lost the task, the team assemble in the boardroom. Bryce argued and attempted to talk over Trump. At one point, Bryce arrogantly said, "yeah, that’s exactly what I said," then proceeds to interrupt Trump several times. Trump fired Bryce. Even after Bryce entered into the cab, he said with much mockery and self-importance, "I’m not afraid of Mr. Trump, Carolyn or Bill. They mean nothing to me! Nothing, I tell you! The best candidate for The Trumpster is sitting in this cab with me."

Best candidate or not, he lost the job.

Trump's Lesson of the Week: “Command Respect”

a leader commands respect of his people. You need to have the respect from your employees. It’s over if you don’t have the respect of your people. Go out and get a job.

Related links:   The Apprentice on NBC, The Apprentice on SirLinksalot.net,The Apprentice Rules, and The Next Apprentice