In Response to Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson's Blog
In our modern day, it is apparent that the "Overspent American" is getting worse. Do you think that things will continue on that path? When will it eventually be too much?


Until society stops viewing personal assets as success, no, I don't think consumerism will decrease or stop.  The recent recession only made people cut back on materials they were buying, it didn't make them stop. There are standards that people feel they need to meet in order to be "happy"; they buy the million dollar home, the Range Rover, and have the most recent technologies so that they feel successful in the eyes of their peers.


We live in a very competitive society, and companies know that. Companies such as Apple and even UGG know that if they keep producing new products, they can continue to raise the price and people will still buy them because their products are what people "need".  People in our society feel that they need to have the newest products because that is the only way they will be noticed.  


As long as companies keep producing new and improved products, the percentage of "Overspent Americans" will keep growing.  Debt is going to increase in many American homes because people care more about image than they do on their income.  Even if this means working 70 hour work weeks in order to pay the mortgage on their customized Mansions.


Perhaps once our parents pass and we are handed bills for hundreds and thousands dollars in debt our generation will realize the severity of the "Overspent American".
Do you think by raising prices companies are playing a part in the amount of debt Americans have?

ELLE Magazine does Facebook

ELLE Magazine, known for their high fashion trends and shopping tips has recently spread to Facebook.  Customers no longer have to purchase the clothes found in ELLE to show their friends.  The ELLE fan page on Facebook now has the option to view their "Trend Guide", which allows users to view six different models in six different trends and choose if they "love", "want", or "own" a particular item.  After rating the article of clothing, it appears on the users Facebook page for their friends to see.  The fan page also has a link to the designers webpage where you can purchase the item.


The "Trend Guide" will be updated seasonally and will stay up to date with what ELLE is promoting in their magazines.  Vice President of ELLE, Kevin O'Malley made a statement that this campaign is not meant to completely increase their sales, but to increase their social networking with their customers.  However, O'Malley is unsure of how users will feel about this new movement.  The campaign hopes to widen their fan base to Facebook users who may not read ELLE Magazine by allowing other users to share the materials ELLE posts to Facebook.


In an attempt to strengthen their fan base by increase social networking, do you think Facebook is number one network to use?  How could an increase in use of Twitter and Blogging help strengthen their fan base?

Proctor and Gamble Respects Mothers

Proctor and Gamble, one of the largest advertising companies for some of the most popular products in everyday living has announced their new campaign; thanking mothers worldwide.  P&G's new campaign is focusing on mothers of past present and future Olympians.  The commercials are going to be a 20 second run through of a mothers day  as she wakes her young child up, brings them to practice, runs errands, cooks and cleans to emphasize the work that mom's do to assure the happiness and well-being of her child.


It seems that Proctor and Gamble wants to focus their marketing and advertising towards mothers due to the number of brands that mothers trust enough to supply to their children.  This seems like a genius way to target market in the most extreme ways.  P&G has learned that by flattering their target market (mothers) is an effective way to advertise.  In many American families, the mothers are in charge of grocery shopping and of course they are going to buy the brands that appeal to them.


Proctor and Gamble knows that they have many popular brands such as Pampers, Downy, Crest, Bounty, and Puffs which are important when raising children.  They also know that children have no control over what mom puts on the grocery list, which means their only hope is to market to appeal to the mothers.
Targeting mothers also results in brand loyalty as the children grow older.  Once the child starts shopping for themselves they are going to recognize the brands they grew up with.


Do you see any possibly disadvantages for Proctor and Gamble as they focus their marketing on mothers?

In Response to Tim

How can Nokia get off of the ropes?
http://21stcenturypox.blogspot.com/2012/04/nokia-shares-fall-to-14-year-low.html

It seems that Nokia needs to reevaluate their entire business strategy in order to keep from shutting down.  Can you say KODAK?!


If Nokia doesn't step up and change their products to the same product they market, they are going to find a massive drop in customers.  Every television station has been flaunting Nokia's new phone and the new apps for it.  However, shipping 900 phones with a software error which prevents the phone from being able to access the internet almost cancels out all of the efforts put forth by the marketing team.  


Nokia's employees need to work together as they find solutions to regain their reputation.  Marketing needs to work with the IT specialists to make sure that what they are marketing is accurate.  Perhaps to prevent going bankrupt, they should cut back on the marketing and advertising of the new product until all of the kinks are worked out.  Another solution to "get off of the ropes" could be to cut the price of the phone until they know that it is going to be a success for the company.


 As for the regaining their reputation immediately, marketing needs to release a statement apologizing for the software error.  They need to discuss what went wrong and what they are going to do to assure that it doesn't happen again.  The public eye wants to hear that they can once again trust Nokia phones.  


What other plans may Nokia want to consider to help regain their reputation?

Denny's creates a mini web series

Jason Bateman and Will Arnett have taken a on a new adventure by producing a new mini web series for Denny's Restuarants.  Although the new show "Always Open" may only be a couple of minutes long and only shown on CollegeHumor.com and the Denny's Facebook fan page, it features many celebrities in their attempt to change their target market.

Denny's attempt to appeal their food to customer between 18-25 is doing so in a comedic way.  With Hollywood stars such as Dave Koechner, Maya Roudolph, Conan O'Brian, and Sarah Silverman have been featured in the show that takes place at a Denny's on Sunset Boulevard.  Since the series started in March, they have already reached more than six million views.

The marketing director of Denny's reveals that there is no mention of the restaurant itself until the end of the show.  However, it is made quite obvious to its viewers that the show takes place in the family diner. 

It seems that Denny's has decided to flaunt it's 24 hour a day food supply to college aged students.  Perhaps they have realized that their locations may be relatively close to college campuses and local bars and are trying to appeal to this age group for a great place for a late night snack.

How do you think this new series will affect the business at Denny's?  Will the attempt to appeal to a younger crowd work?

In Response to Jaycelyn...

Do you think Apple is on the right track? If other businesses were to follow suit do you think they would do better in sales? ...Would our expectations change?
http://jkaypfenning.blogspot.com/2012/04/10-things-you-can-learn-from-apple.html


When people think of Apple, no one seems to think of the cookie cutter business man.  Students, Musicians, Intellectuals, Families and even Artists are avid fans and loyal customers to Apple.  Every time you walk by an Apple store, it's flooded with customers of all different interests, race, and gender.  By hiring people of different interests, I think Apple is doing the right thing in order to attract the large array of customers.  


As for the marketing aspect of Apple, their mentality of selling may be the biggest selling point for customers.  When you walk into an Apple store, their employees don't attack you with a million questions.  They allow you to look at their products and approach you after you show a great deal of interest in a product.  Also, each employee knows how to take each individual product and sell it to all different types of customers.  Last year when I went in for a new Ipod, they were realistic in talking about each product and actually sold me on the cheaper Ipod instead of the brand new one.  


Apple knows that their target market ranges from ages 10-95 (roughly) and they know how to sell products to each age group that walks into their store on a daily basis.  If more stores were to adapt the relaxed atmosphere practiced by Apple, I think they may find chaos... Not all companies or stores have such a large range of age, gender, ethnicity, and race in their target market.


For example, it's not very often an eight-five year old man will walk into Hollister looking for a new pair of jeans.  If other stores were to change their ways of selling products, they may find a decrease in business.


How do you think the outcome would be if other companies adapted Apple's way's?

Linsanity spreads to Volvo

Recently, Volvo has announced their new marketing campaign which hopes to bring in a customer base of more than just soccer moms and hand-me-downs.  Jeremy Lin, the Knick's all-star point-guard has agreed to appear in Volvo's advertisements for America, China, and other Chinese speaking countries.

Volvo is trying to widen their customer base by adjusting their target market to both the Chinese population and younger aged population.  By hiring Lin, both Chinese and one of the most recognized athletes, Volvo hopes that these two different types of population will purchase one of their cars.  By appearing in advertisements in China, Volvo also hopes to expand business with their young population as well as the middle-class Chinese population.


At the press release announcing the news, Lin took the podium and discussed why he agreed to take the offer with Volvo.  He admitted that they are affordable, and high quality cars and that it why he is trying to decide which Volvo he himself should purchase (although unsure about having a car in NYC.)


One thing to be cautious about with their new spokesman is the non-athletic, older population of both the USA and China.  By focusing their ad's on Lin, there may be a slip in their marketing to older men and women who may not be familiar with the basketball star.


What other troubles may Volvo face by hiring their new spokesman mainly to gain customers of young and Chinese populations?

In response to Michael Fratea

 If you were the marketing manager of BlackBerry, what would you do to increase revenue?


As the popularity of smart phones continues to rapidly increase, major phone companies have begun to adjust to different demands from their consumers.  Companies such as Apple and Android have taken the feedback given to them and adjusted their smart phone's to fit what their customers want.  The full touch screen allows for more options for game downloads, while the GPS and wireless internet options allows for easy on-the-go research.


What Blackberry has failed to do it adjust to what their consumers want.  Once popular for the business man or woman for the easy use keyboard to sending e-mails, Blackberry is becoming less popular for their lack of memory and speed.  


The problem within Blackberry is that marketing is not listening to the demands of their once faithful customers which is forcing them to switch brands.  Perhaps marketing should conduct a study for smart phone users asking what about Androids and Iphone's are appealing to them, this could open the eyes of Blackberry and the need for change.


More research needs to be done before Blackberry takes the final plunge into failure.  Listening to customers needs is the only way the marketing company will help Blackberry ease back into their old popularity.


How have Android and Iphone adjusted to the constant changing needs of smart phones?

In response to Aislynn...

Are you surprised it has taken so long for DD to open on the west coast? Why do you think it has taken this long?


As exciting as it is for Dunkin Donuts to be spreading more nationally, I can't say that I'm surprised.  Larger cities such as Denver and even L.A., Las Vegas and many others have a much larger market for coffee shops than we in New England do.  As some New Englander's get excited when they find a Starbucks in a new location, Starbucks is a normal coffee shop for people on the west coast.  There may even be more chains like Dunkin Donuts on the west coast that we do not have on the east coast.


I think that Dunkin Donuts was being cautious of spreading to the west coast and monitoring what kind of market they would have, as well as developing competitive advantages and finding a way to market themselves to a new audience.  Just like when any other chain spreads to a new location, there must be a lot of thought and caution that go into making the move.


Do you think Dunkin Donuts will make it on the West Coast? or will more upscale coffee chops remain victorious?

Living Social Expands

The growing special deals company, LivingSocial, has announced that they will soon release their very own credit card.  The company has decided to expand ways for their customers to earn more points to get better deals through the website.Chase has agreed to be the company in charge of the LivingSocial card and it will also be co-branded by Visa and are still working out specific details for the operations behind the card.

LivingSocial believes that releasing this card is going to help the businesses that are already involved in the company, especially the small ones.  By encouraging cardholders to shop at featured stores will not only result in better deals for them, it will help smaller businesses by gaining more loyal customers.  This is especially important for the businesses associated with LivingSocial who can not fund their own loyalty cards or programs.


We have seen through Companies such as Disney and Southwest Airlines that loyalty and credit cards are worth the investment because saving money is something everybody looks for.  How might this credit card have an effect on past, present and future customers?

In Response to Michael Thompson

Could Windows 8 be a huge breakthrough for Microsoft from its innovation? Or, could PC users frown upon the innovation since they appreciated the previous simplicity? 


By reviewing the preview and reading the article for the new Windows 8, it seems that once people take the time to adjust to such a drastic change that it will be a huge hit.  Windows is simply growing with the tech world and must remain one step ahead of the game in order to be successful.  For customers who already own tablets, this new adjustment may not take long to get used too.  However, for simple PC laptop users, it seems that even the creators of the new Windows is predicting a bit of resentment.


Most PC customers have chosen to use windows because it is simpler than navigating their ways around MACS.  This big of a change may cause a bit of an up roar for the simple fact that Windows users like simple.  They enjoy being able to find their ways around a computer and this change is not only an adjustment for the company, but all of it's current and future customers.


Windows may also find a new competition with Apple as they embark on this new technological journey. In what ways do you see Apple changing their program in order to remain competition with Apple?

School uses Ad's to make up for state budget cut

Since state wide budget cuts have taken over school districts, many schools have found themselves letting go of extra-curricular activities, electives, and even sports teams; in Texas however,  districts have taken it upon themselves to find new ways to fund their schools.


Recently, one district has arranged an account with an advertising company that allows them to post advertisements on the sides of buses, rename sports fields, press boxes and even textbook covers.  Humble Independent High School located in the prime flight spot near the Bush Intercontinental Airport has even offered their roof up as an advertisement billboard.  If a company were to buy into the schools roof all of the airplanes that fly in or out of the airport will be able to see the ad from the air.  A local Mazda dealership paid $350,000 for their name to be written across the turf field, as well as $100,000 a GMC Buick dealership spent for the naming rights of the entryway to the stadium.


Although the school is raising more than has been cut from their budget, many concerns have risen about exposing children to too many advertisements, many about fast food.  One bus has an advertisement for Chick-fil-A restaurants which some believe may contradict what children are being taught about nutrition in school.  School officials are aware of the concerns and have noticed that students are finding the Ad's as fun and say that it gives the different buses an "identity".


How do you think other districts are going to react to this approach to raise money?

Gap-Toothed Smile Makes A Mark.

Lara Stone for Mercedes Benz

Modeling is made to seem like all models have perfect hair, body, face, teeth; perfect everything.  Little girls idolize models and wish nothing more than to be like them when they grow up.  They do anything they can to look just like the women on television or in magazines.  Lately however, fashion experts are starting to admit that the "cookie cutter" beauty is failing to stand out anymore.  Gap-toothed models are becoming a norm more recently.  

While some may look at gap-teeth as a flaw, many people are starting to warm up to them.  Meaning a mark of fortune, gap-teeth are slowly taking over the modeling world- for now.  Fashion experts also throw caution to gap-toothed models for the sake that they may just be a temporary phenomenon.  Although most are fans of the gap-teeth, experts say that the fashion would needed a break from the "cookie cutter" to show that even flaws may be perfections.

Do you think this gap-toothed phenomenon will soon be a thing of the past? or will it stick around and make a name for itself?

In Response to Jaycelyn's MTV Post

Did MTV make a good switch in entertainment? How does their logo and new sense of diversity tie into the millennial generation?
http://jkaypfenning.blogspot.com/2012/02/mtv-no-longer-music-television.html

With the changing social interests with today's reality show junkies, MTV has done exactly what they should have.  Reality T.V. has taken over all television ratings whether it's Jersey Shore or American Idol.  If MTV were to remain focused on music videos, the company would be likely to shut down because that is not obtaining the same audience.  Even though a majority of MTV's reality shows are staged it is still what is making the company millions.  Not only has this change benefited viewers, it's also benefited MTV itself.  By focusing on the reality show crowd the company has been able to make more profit by producing original shows instead of buying the rights to music videos.


By changing the logo, the company has made a subtle gesture that they are now more than pure music entertainment.  By taking the music television out of the logo, it is an opportunity for non viewers to quickly become viewers. 


One thing that does come to mind when I think of the changes on MTV is what perceptions of a "perfect life" are younger children getting?  While I was growing up, the most influence MTV had on me was if N*sync or Backstreet boy's were number 1.  Today, Children are being influenced by bar fights, domestic violence, binge drinking and how to dress.  Do you think that MTV may cause a problem for teenagers and children?

Coconut water is the new soda?

As a growing phenomenon, coconut water is known to be the most natural drink that keeps you hydrated and is loaded with electrolytes.  Vita Coco is the leading coconut water brand in the United States with a revenue of $400 million out of the $100 billion revenue of nonalcoholic drinks.  After only seven shorts years this company had expanded world wide and is in close competition with Zico, the second leading coconut water brand.


Coca-Cola has gone public about their recent investments in Zico to expand their products, although they have not announced the amount they are investing they assure that it reaches Zico's revenues.  While Vita Coco remains untouched, PepsiCo Inc. has ifound themselves investing in the third coconut water company O.N.E.  


Rumor is said that coconut water sales sky rocketed after Rihanna was featured on a billboard for the water.  The billboard read "Hydrate naturally from a tree, not a lab" to express the artificial ingredients found in sports drinks such as Gatorade.


It seems that Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have fiercely been competing to be the largest drink market across the globe.  With coconut water creating a new market, what actions do you think the two companies will take in order to be #1 in coconut water sales?

In Response to Tim...

Do you think this marketing challenge is also a marketing strategy? Do you believe that you would benefit from participation in this challenge?


http://21stcenturypox.blogspot.com/2012/02/google-online-marketing-challenge.html


In the terms and conditions of the website for the Marketing Challenge, all companies being used must give permission to the students before they proceed with their project. So, why not take advantage of a free marketing plan?  Companies who allow students to use their organizations to form a marketing plan that will be viewed throughout the nation have no reason to turn down this opportunity.  It seems that this is a marketing strategy for any company that is asked permission.


  I do believe that I, as well as any other student would benefit from a challenge like this.  Being able to work in groups to form a real marketing plan using what have been taught in the classrooms is 100% beneficial for any student.  However, I could see trouble happening when the stress of this challenge floods over the group and causes tension.  It may happen that students put in groups don't get along and troubles forming the plan begin to put stress on the fun challenge.
How would you lay out your marketing plan with your group? How would you handle the common stress that comes with group work in both a school and professional environment?

In Response to Brooke's Post on Grocery Stores.

Do you believe the tricks work? Have you ever fallen for these tricks?

            I wouldn’t call them tricks as much as I would call them a strategy, but yes.  I think almost everyone falls into the trap that grocery stores set up for their customers.  It’s their marketing strategy to bring more money into the store than they would get for randomly placing items on selves.  Stores not only set up products in a way specific way for their target markets, they also emphasize sale items on shelves which are usually placed next to the same product of a different brand not on sale.  For example, if Hidden Valley Salad Dressing is on sale, it is more likely that Newman’s Own Dressing which isn’t on sale will be placed next to one another to draw customers to Hidden Valley.

            While grocery stores seem to have their marketing strategy mastered, other types of stores are starting to pick up on the trend.  For example Ikea, not only are you being lead through a maze forcing you through the entire store, at the end you are brought into the massive gallery where you can pick up the items you saw throughout the store.  You also find all of the sale items in one area and the larger furniture in the “lumber yard”.  Ikea seems to have created a brilliant marketing strategy for their stores and have also started to thrive from it.  Many times I find myself going to Ikea for simple room decorations and walk out with way more than I bargained for, and I am absolutely positive I am not the only one.  What other stores have you noticed focusing on the set-up of the store as the marketing strategy?

Superbowl Commercials

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/24/business/media/marketers-tease-super-bowl-commercials.html?ref=superbowl

Last week an article was released regarding Super Bowl commercials and the new approach they are taking to market their products.  Some companies, Volkswagen especially, have been releasing bits of their commercials to the public to create more of an audience for the actual air date of the full commercial.  Although some may think this is a waste of money to preview a commercial, Volkswagen is claiming that previews will promote conversation from customers to spread the word about the upcoming debut.  By showing pieces of a commercial it is allowing the company to advertise their business through word of mouth and internet sharing.

                The article states that doing this creates a “Halo Effect” on its viewers by encouraging them to watch their commercial as well as makes viewers feel in on the “joke” being made.  Companies know how to maintain their relationships with their customers, and they also know that the Super Bowl is the ultimate way to advertise their products.

                I agree that by releasing pieces of these commercials will make people want to watch their commercial to see the outcome, however, what happened to the element of surprise? I believe that many people look forward to the advertisements because it is a brand new commercial targeted for that specific audience.  I do not think that companies should be previewing their commercials in order to gain excitement from their customers simply because it seems like wasted money.  Companies are 100% aware that there will be millions of people watching the Super Bowl this coming Sunday, and they also know that millions of people are excited for the commercials. 

Do you think companies should be previewing their commercials before the Super Bowl? How might it help affect their marketing strategy?

In response to Georgianne L

http://georgiannelblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/if-i-were-product-how-would-i-market.html


In response to: Is it necessary to craft your resume for each job you apply for, highlighting specific areas instead of others, or will just one resume be sufficient for all the jobs you apply for?


When applying for jobs I think it is very important to show the organization your experience in a way that stands out to them.  Organizations want to hire the candidates who excel in areas employers strive for within their work place.  For example, an organization hiring a graphic designer may like to see a creative way to present their resume that shows their talent and experience. 
      I think that by reworking your resume to fit specific jobs helps companies to see your interest in their company.  When companies notice that you have made it a point to emphasize interest, their interest may increase in you as well.  It always helps you get a feel for the atmosphere of a company, knowing that an organization wants to see your experiences relevant to their work shows you that they only want the most qualified individuals. Hiring candidates who go out of their way to please a perspective employer may show that the organization has a passion for the job.


Thinking as an employer, who would have more of an advantage; the applicant who makes it a point to show his talent and experience by making them stand out more, or an applicant who submits a more generic, universal resume? Why?

My life as a product

Think of yourself as a "product".  Describe the other 3 P's of the marketing mix -- that is, how will you market yourself to a potential employer.


Product: As the only Molly Keereweer in the Unites States, I am a rare and unique item.  I bring a different background to the table in order to open the minds of others. I take all parties opinions into consideration when making work-related decisions in order to accurately choose the best option.  I have many different settings, with a flick of a switch I can go from joking around to focusing on the task at hand.  I take every moment of work seriously, but still let my sense of humor shine at appropriate times.  I am a high functioning product that completes tasks promptly and professionally. 


Place: Located just twenty minutes south of Hartford, Connecticut I can make a quick and easy commutes into New York City, Boston and of course, Hartford.  One day ground delivery to anywhere in New England free of charge.  For cross country delivery please allow four-six business days with your choice of transportation.  I work well in colder climates due to my manufacturing in New Hampshire and Connecticut.  No blizzard will stop me from traveling- guaranteed.

Promotion:  Surf the web for my Facebook and Twitter pages as well as my work background on Internships.com.  This is the best way to get to know me on a friendly level and understand my oddly charming personality.  Though I may be rough around the edges (not intended for children under the age of 5) my websites show the soft teddy bear I am.  Interviews are available upon request along with copies of my resume.  Co-workers past and present are willing to take emails or phone calls to answer any questions you may have about me.  They will answer truthfully to insure that you are getting the whole package- whether it is good or bad.  Contact any of my pages for more information!

Price: Hurry up and grab me before someone else does.  My background in customer service and sales gives me advantage against other leading competitors.  The creativity I will bring to the table is one of which you've only dreamed of.  Interested? shoot me a phone call or email and name your price! I negotiate.  Benefits and vacation time required.  Not intended for micro managing companies.

Transforming myself into a product seemed tricky at first, until I realized it was an opportunity to talk about myself in a way that employers may like to see.  My product reflects who I am and how exactly I am as unique as I claim.  Being able to lay out my qualities in these four P's I learned a little bit more about what my life may turn into within the next couple of years.  This put into perspective my comfort zones with distance and my ability to market and advertise.  If I am lucky enough to get a career in marketing or advertising I know from this blog that I am good at it.  So tell me, When did you realize that what you want to do with your college degree is something you are naturally talented at?

Marketing, Advertising and Propaganda: What's the difference?

What is the difference, in your opinion between marketing, advertising, and propaganda?

Marketing, advertising and propaganda are three types of media that never seem to sleep.  They are always there for us when we are in need of a new product or service, but how can someone tell the difference between the three?  Although very similar, these three types of media each have significant differences from one another.  

To me,it seems that marketing is the first step a company takes before they begin advertising and propaganda.  In order to be able to advertise, companies need customers that are interested in their products.  In order to find loyal customers, companies must develop a marketing strategy to gain and maintain relationships with customers.  Once a company has done that, I feel like advertising plays the next key role.  Advertising seems to be the way companies convey their products to customers through different mediums; whether it is television, radio, magazines or billboards.  When advertising, companies must find a way to effectively bring the service or product to customers attention.  As for propaganda, I see it as a form of advertising in a persuasive manner instead of just stating facts and information about the product or service.  It also seems that propaganda could be more about one company bringing down another company that produces a similar product in order to better their own product.  

Do you feel that propaganda is a way of advertising? why or why not?