Question: Do you think that JC Penny's new marketing plan if going to help them succeed in the current competitive market?
I think JCPenney's has a lot of already loyal customers that have been going there for years. Yes, I can understand that they might see themselves as aging because they have been around for a long time and a lot of the repeat customers are probably older adults. However, by changing their design to something simplier and having way more new, trendy items I think they are starting to target more of the younger population. A huge plus for the store's new look and pricing is that a lot more families will go there to get their kids and themselves as parents clothes. The lower prices will get a lot more young adults to continue to come back because their income is very low or they are still dependent on their parents who want to save as much money as they can but still have their children in nice-looking, new clothes. I personally have been going there more since the new advertisements about low prices all the time have been out. So I do believe these changes will help the department store succeed and build up a larger customer base.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Are foreign beers becoming more popular in China?
Foreign beer consumption in China is on the increase
This article written by Bloomberg News says that domestic beers in China are sold at about 32 cents a bottle but companies such as Budweiser are trying to persaude drinkers to switch to their brand beers which are sold for triple the amount of China's local beer. Annual beer consumption in China is still relatively low compared to the United States and other high-consumption countries but even so their beer sales rose 4.8 percent last year (2011). Therefore, foreign companies such as Budweiser see the young people of China as a primary target market with their increasing acceptance and demand for foreign goods. These companies are also making the packaging more attractive to also win over higher-spending customers. However, some analysts in China say their economy is currently trending downward therefore the foregin brewers may not dominate the beer industry because of the low price of local beers.
*Is it an obtainable goal for foreign beer companies to influence a large amount of drinkers in China with their price being so high compared to local Chinese beers?
This article written by Bloomberg News says that domestic beers in China are sold at about 32 cents a bottle but companies such as Budweiser are trying to persaude drinkers to switch to their brand beers which are sold for triple the amount of China's local beer. Annual beer consumption in China is still relatively low compared to the United States and other high-consumption countries but even so their beer sales rose 4.8 percent last year (2011). Therefore, foreign companies such as Budweiser see the young people of China as a primary target market with their increasing acceptance and demand for foreign goods. These companies are also making the packaging more attractive to also win over higher-spending customers. However, some analysts in China say their economy is currently trending downward therefore the foregin brewers may not dominate the beer industry because of the low price of local beers.
*Is it an obtainable goal for foreign beer companies to influence a large amount of drinkers in China with their price being so high compared to local Chinese beers?
Thursday, April 19, 2012
In response to Danielle's post...
Question: What do you think of brands advertising on campus, through student ambassadors or sponsored activities? Should colleges allow this sort of thing, or should campuses be kept as ad-free as possible?
I think a lot of colleges and college students are always looking for ways to make money and if a company such as Target or American Eagle offered to hire students to promote their product or to sponsor an activity, most people would say yes. I personally think it is actually a really effective way to get their brand name out their but not necessarily the right thing to do because some students or campus organizations are in need of money any way they can get it. Since the majority of college students are essentially broke, they are vulnerable to this brand adversiting; an opportunity for free stuff or a promotional job to make money would probably be welcomed with open arms. Some would see adversiting on college-campuses as a problem but I know personally coming into college I already had loyalty to certain brands and it would take an overwhelming amount of adversiting to even get me to try an opposing brand. Also, there is already a lot of brand name advertising around the campus already with the clothes in the campus stores, the food/beverages sold and all the people who are ultimately walking advertisements for hundreds of different brands.
I think a lot of colleges and college students are always looking for ways to make money and if a company such as Target or American Eagle offered to hire students to promote their product or to sponsor an activity, most people would say yes. I personally think it is actually a really effective way to get their brand name out their but not necessarily the right thing to do because some students or campus organizations are in need of money any way they can get it. Since the majority of college students are essentially broke, they are vulnerable to this brand adversiting; an opportunity for free stuff or a promotional job to make money would probably be welcomed with open arms. Some would see adversiting on college-campuses as a problem but I know personally coming into college I already had loyalty to certain brands and it would take an overwhelming amount of adversiting to even get me to try an opposing brand. Also, there is already a lot of brand name advertising around the campus already with the clothes in the campus stores, the food/beverages sold and all the people who are ultimately walking advertisements for hundreds of different brands.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Will Sears' survive?
Sears ultimate demise?
Sears has provided many products with well-known brand names such as craftsman and lands end which for years customers have resonated these items to be found in a Sears store. However, as several Sears stores continue to close down due to lack of sales and staying in the competitive marketplace they are starting to sell their private-label brands to other retailers. The clothing portion of Sears has been declining as well because of lack of innovation and incorporation of the newest fashion trends. The department store will continue to try to sell their products in the remaining stores they have, online and in other closely related stores. Many loyal customers and people who have been purchasing hardware and appliances at Sears stores for years will remain in favor of the store's revival. Michael Stone, CEO of Beanstalk who wrote the above article is rooting for Sears survial but believes that without rethinking their apparel and certain unsucessful celebrity lines being sold in their stores they will not be able to stay afloat.
*What do you think will happen to Sears in the next 5-10 years?
Sears has provided many products with well-known brand names such as craftsman and lands end which for years customers have resonated these items to be found in a Sears store. However, as several Sears stores continue to close down due to lack of sales and staying in the competitive marketplace they are starting to sell their private-label brands to other retailers. The clothing portion of Sears has been declining as well because of lack of innovation and incorporation of the newest fashion trends. The department store will continue to try to sell their products in the remaining stores they have, online and in other closely related stores. Many loyal customers and people who have been purchasing hardware and appliances at Sears stores for years will remain in favor of the store's revival. Michael Stone, CEO of Beanstalk who wrote the above article is rooting for Sears survial but believes that without rethinking their apparel and certain unsucessful celebrity lines being sold in their stores they will not be able to stay afloat.
*What do you think will happen to Sears in the next 5-10 years?
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
In response to Christine's Post...
Question: What do you think will happen to Android products when they cant offer great app's for their consumers?
I personally have an Android phone and I like it a lot because all of the app opportunites and gadgets available. Most people would prefer Iphones over Androids but I actually like my phone because it was cheaper than an Iphone and I don't need an actual contract to have my phone. Also, I have most if not all of the app capabilities that Iphone users have. I think it would be very disappointing to consumers who love their Android phones if the developers lost interest in innovation of Android products. It was surprising to me when I read Christine's post because I feel like every time I hear ads about phones on the radio or television they are way more about new Android products than Iphones. Either way, I think it would a mistake for developers to lose interest in Android phones because their customer base will go way down if other companies such as Apple become way more innovative and advanced than Android products.
I personally have an Android phone and I like it a lot because all of the app opportunites and gadgets available. Most people would prefer Iphones over Androids but I actually like my phone because it was cheaper than an Iphone and I don't need an actual contract to have my phone. Also, I have most if not all of the app capabilities that Iphone users have. I think it would be very disappointing to consumers who love their Android phones if the developers lost interest in innovation of Android products. It was surprising to me when I read Christine's post because I feel like every time I hear ads about phones on the radio or television they are way more about new Android products than Iphones. Either way, I think it would a mistake for developers to lose interest in Android phones because their customer base will go way down if other companies such as Apple become way more innovative and advanced than Android products.
Monday, April 9, 2012
CEO's appearance in company's advertising
How far is too far?
This Forbes article is about whether or not CEOs should be incorporated into a company's advertisements or commercials. According to a study done by Ace Metrix about the level of sucess of companies using CEOs as a "front man" for their brand. This CEO strategy has been around for over 30 years and has shown to be successful for companies such as Papa John's and Sam Adams. Also, the results from the study show that on average the ads featuring CEOs outperform ads that do not have them. This strategy can provide consumers with an authentic feel to the brand and make the product more desirable. However, it does not work for all companies because sometimes CEOs are not as charismatic as others and come off as boring or unsuccessful communicators to the public.
*Do you think using CEOs in adversiting is an effective marketing strategy?
This Forbes article is about whether or not CEOs should be incorporated into a company's advertisements or commercials. According to a study done by Ace Metrix about the level of sucess of companies using CEOs as a "front man" for their brand. This CEO strategy has been around for over 30 years and has shown to be successful for companies such as Papa John's and Sam Adams. Also, the results from the study show that on average the ads featuring CEOs outperform ads that do not have them. This strategy can provide consumers with an authentic feel to the brand and make the product more desirable. However, it does not work for all companies because sometimes CEOs are not as charismatic as others and come off as boring or unsuccessful communicators to the public.
*Do you think using CEOs in adversiting is an effective marketing strategy?
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Rebranding an already well-known name?
No longer Kraft?
This article brings up the recent discussion and soon-to-be voted on name that Kraft Foods will be changing to, Mondelez. With the spanish and french origins the word's meaning is associated with "world delight" or "delicious world". Kraft is spliting their company up into two-industry leading companies, a North-American grocery company which will keep the Kraft name and a global snacks company that will require a new name (the new proposed corporate name Mondelez International will be the brand on the snack food). The new corporate name will be voted on in May of this year and supposed to be incorporated by the end of 2012. After being under the world renowned brand name of Kraft for decades the company says the only problem they forsee in their rebranding process is people having trouble correcting pronouncing the new name.
*Do you think the company's sales will decrease once they completely rebrand their products?
This article brings up the recent discussion and soon-to-be voted on name that Kraft Foods will be changing to, Mondelez. With the spanish and french origins the word's meaning is associated with "world delight" or "delicious world". Kraft is spliting their company up into two-industry leading companies, a North-American grocery company which will keep the Kraft name and a global snacks company that will require a new name (the new proposed corporate name Mondelez International will be the brand on the snack food). The new corporate name will be voted on in May of this year and supposed to be incorporated by the end of 2012. After being under the world renowned brand name of Kraft for decades the company says the only problem they forsee in their rebranding process is people having trouble correcting pronouncing the new name.
*Do you think the company's sales will decrease once they completely rebrand their products?
Monday, April 2, 2012
In response to Allison's Post...
Question: Would you be spending your money on “luxury” items if the economy was declining? Why do you think people tend to think this way, that’s its okay to waste money on lipstick instead of bills?
Personally, I do not have much extra money left over after paying for my bills (rent, electric, cable/internet, car, cellphone, groceries etc) so the answer for me would be no I would not be spending my money on luxury items. Even if the economy is good and I happen to have more hours at work and extra cash I will not spend my money on luxury things unless it is a special occasion such as someone's birthday or a holiday. I think a lot of people go by their own personal income even if the economy is declining they might have the money to spend on unnecessary things. Also, I know a lot of people that are very high matenience and buy things even if they can't really afford it to keep up with their lavish lifestyle. Another reason could be that people may feel depressed or less happy if the economy is bad so they might go out and spoil themselves on smaller but still expensive items to make themselves feel better or fill that void that economy decline may give some people.
Personally, I do not have much extra money left over after paying for my bills (rent, electric, cable/internet, car, cellphone, groceries etc) so the answer for me would be no I would not be spending my money on luxury items. Even if the economy is good and I happen to have more hours at work and extra cash I will not spend my money on luxury things unless it is a special occasion such as someone's birthday or a holiday. I think a lot of people go by their own personal income even if the economy is declining they might have the money to spend on unnecessary things. Also, I know a lot of people that are very high matenience and buy things even if they can't really afford it to keep up with their lavish lifestyle. Another reason could be that people may feel depressed or less happy if the economy is bad so they might go out and spoil themselves on smaller but still expensive items to make themselves feel better or fill that void that economy decline may give some people.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
New television channel for preschoolers
Disney channel for preschoolers
This article on Bloomberg Businessweek written by Christopher Palmeri discusses the new preschool focused disney channel that was newly launched on March 23rd. These shows are to be viewed through the Junior Disney channel aimed at 2-7 year olds and requires a specific cable subscription. The advantages of this channel is the characters are the same age as the targeted audience and they are doing good in society such as taking on the role as a doctor. These still are cartoons but more virtual and real-looking than the competing companies' cartoons such as Nickelodeon. Also, this new Disney channel distinquishes from other children networks because they will be almost ad-free, just leaving room for brief disney movie/program promotions and limited sponsorships such as a lysol commerical reminding children to wash their hands. Disney plans to reach about 30 million U.S. households and expects many parents to resonate with the idea of minimal commercial programming for their children.
*Do you think this channel will be as successful as Disney hopes it will be?
This article on Bloomberg Businessweek written by Christopher Palmeri discusses the new preschool focused disney channel that was newly launched on March 23rd. These shows are to be viewed through the Junior Disney channel aimed at 2-7 year olds and requires a specific cable subscription. The advantages of this channel is the characters are the same age as the targeted audience and they are doing good in society such as taking on the role as a doctor. These still are cartoons but more virtual and real-looking than the competing companies' cartoons such as Nickelodeon. Also, this new Disney channel distinquishes from other children networks because they will be almost ad-free, just leaving room for brief disney movie/program promotions and limited sponsorships such as a lysol commerical reminding children to wash their hands. Disney plans to reach about 30 million U.S. households and expects many parents to resonate with the idea of minimal commercial programming for their children.
*Do you think this channel will be as successful as Disney hopes it will be?
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
In response to Maggie's Post...
Question: Do you think our modern uses of advertising/marketing are positive or negative?? Why??
I think some modern uses of advertising and marketing can be positive. However, I believe most of the advertising and marketing in our world today is negative. Whether people realize it or not consumerism is so engrained into each and every one of us in society that material objects in a lot of cases have become a priority in people's daily lives. Yes, I do think there is a lot of focus on children and they are definitely the most vulnerable to these images and mindsets because their mind is absorbing everything around them like a sponge. I think adults today have been exposed to so much adversiting and marketing, thousands of times a day, throughout their whole lives that they are immune to the effect by this point. I think so much emphasis has been put on expensive, name-brand products through advertising and marketing that it is the norm. So when companies put out all different kinds of the same product or service that essentially does the same thing as a hundreds of others, consumers are more apt to buy that product just because of the branded label. I do wonder what life would really be like if consumerism wasn't the media's main focus for so many years leading up to today.
I think some modern uses of advertising and marketing can be positive. However, I believe most of the advertising and marketing in our world today is negative. Whether people realize it or not consumerism is so engrained into each and every one of us in society that material objects in a lot of cases have become a priority in people's daily lives. Yes, I do think there is a lot of focus on children and they are definitely the most vulnerable to these images and mindsets because their mind is absorbing everything around them like a sponge. I think adults today have been exposed to so much adversiting and marketing, thousands of times a day, throughout their whole lives that they are immune to the effect by this point. I think so much emphasis has been put on expensive, name-brand products through advertising and marketing that it is the norm. So when companies put out all different kinds of the same product or service that essentially does the same thing as a hundreds of others, consumers are more apt to buy that product just because of the branded label. I do wonder what life would really be like if consumerism wasn't the media's main focus for so many years leading up to today.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
In response to Todd's Post...
Question: How do you guys feel about advertisers using temporary tattoos? Would you wear one?
I think by sending out temporary tattoos it would get people to look twice at the ad in the magazine wondering what the tattoo is for. Young adults may think it is cool or interesting to put one on for fun with their friends but wouldn't necessarily care what the ad is for. However, I think older adults would look at and be interested in the product but either chuckle or probably give the tattoo to their young children. The main group that is interested in temporary tattoos are young children so I think that if the kids wore them it they would be promoting something way past their age group. In most cases though I feel as if the children would just think they were cool, wear them and no one would really know they are promoting an alcholic beverage. I personally might put one on if my friends and I were just joking around having a good time but not with the intent of promoting the product or for many people to see it.
I think by sending out temporary tattoos it would get people to look twice at the ad in the magazine wondering what the tattoo is for. Young adults may think it is cool or interesting to put one on for fun with their friends but wouldn't necessarily care what the ad is for. However, I think older adults would look at and be interested in the product but either chuckle or probably give the tattoo to their young children. The main group that is interested in temporary tattoos are young children so I think that if the kids wore them it they would be promoting something way past their age group. In most cases though I feel as if the children would just think they were cool, wear them and no one would really know they are promoting an alcholic beverage. I personally might put one on if my friends and I were just joking around having a good time but not with the intent of promoting the product or for many people to see it.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Game-based marketing
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marc-stoiber/consumers-will-save-the-w_b_1365050.html
This article explains the concept of AIR MILES For Social Change which is a Canadian company that aims to get consumers to buy more green products. The advocates for this company discuss the green intiative and how most advertising doesn't make a significant change in consumers' buying habits. However, swiping the AIR MILES card for most any purchase helps buyers accumulate points which lead to rewards/prizes. This led to another company called Green Rewards which has the same concept except consumers get green intiative rewards when they make sustainable choices. The owner of Green Rewards believes this approach to help consumers become more green has been more effective than past expensive ad campaigns. He also thinks by putting the mainstream idea of green behavior/thoughful consuption into consumers heads this will make more people want to buy sustainable products which in turn collects profit to produce more green products.
*Is this an effective way to get consumers to buy into a more green lifestyle or will the recovering economy cause buyers to continute to consume the cheapest products they can find without thinking about sustainability?
This article explains the concept of AIR MILES For Social Change which is a Canadian company that aims to get consumers to buy more green products. The advocates for this company discuss the green intiative and how most advertising doesn't make a significant change in consumers' buying habits. However, swiping the AIR MILES card for most any purchase helps buyers accumulate points which lead to rewards/prizes. This led to another company called Green Rewards which has the same concept except consumers get green intiative rewards when they make sustainable choices. The owner of Green Rewards believes this approach to help consumers become more green has been more effective than past expensive ad campaigns. He also thinks by putting the mainstream idea of green behavior/thoughful consuption into consumers heads this will make more people want to buy sustainable products which in turn collects profit to produce more green products.
*Is this an effective way to get consumers to buy into a more green lifestyle or will the recovering economy cause buyers to continute to consume the cheapest products they can find without thinking about sustainability?
Saturday, March 10, 2012
In response to Professor Johnson...
Question: Should John Smith sell the names? Also, Does the AMA Statement of Ethics address this issue? Go to the AMA website (American Marketing Association) and look at their Statement of Ethics. What in the Statement relates to John Smith's dilemma?
I don't think it would be ethical for John Smith to sell the names because he would be violating the privacy of all the respondents. Also, it would be jeopardizing his 75 employees' jobs because the firm is supposed to be honest to the people they surveyed. The AMA Statement of Ethics addresses the ethical values of Honesty, Responsibility, Fairness, Respect, Transparency, and Citizenship- each one of those values has something to do with being ethical and true to all those invested in the company. The one I think it most relates to is Honesty because selling the names just for personal advantage is shady and goes against being "truthful in all situations at all times".
*What would be an alternative, more ethical way for John Smith to make money to avoid laying off employees?
I don't think it would be ethical for John Smith to sell the names because he would be violating the privacy of all the respondents. Also, it would be jeopardizing his 75 employees' jobs because the firm is supposed to be honest to the people they surveyed. The AMA Statement of Ethics addresses the ethical values of Honesty, Responsibility, Fairness, Respect, Transparency, and Citizenship- each one of those values has something to do with being ethical and true to all those invested in the company. The one I think it most relates to is Honesty because selling the names just for personal advantage is shady and goes against being "truthful in all situations at all times".
*What would be an alternative, more ethical way for John Smith to make money to avoid laying off employees?
Thursday, March 8, 2012
How to use LinkedIn Today
http://searchengineland.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-linkedin-today-how-to-optimize-your-presence-on-it-84029
This article written about 6 months ago written by Greg Finn explains the basics about the website LinkedIn Today. It is a website that is basically Facebook, StumbleUpon and Pinterest all in one. The site helps you connect with your peers about their interests and your interests to create common news about liked industries. I personally think this website is confusing and with Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon and even the new craze of Pinterest fans adding in another site that pretty much adds all that together is kind of overkill. I guess for certain people it could be helpful and interesting but to me I would get overstimulated which is why I only have a Facebook and StumbleUpon account and cannot even get into other popular sites such as Twitter.
*Do you think this site will become the next popular social networking type of site? Why or why not?
This article written about 6 months ago written by Greg Finn explains the basics about the website LinkedIn Today. It is a website that is basically Facebook, StumbleUpon and Pinterest all in one. The site helps you connect with your peers about their interests and your interests to create common news about liked industries. I personally think this website is confusing and with Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon and even the new craze of Pinterest fans adding in another site that pretty much adds all that together is kind of overkill. I guess for certain people it could be helpful and interesting but to me I would get overstimulated which is why I only have a Facebook and StumbleUpon account and cannot even get into other popular sites such as Twitter.
*Do you think this site will become the next popular social networking type of site? Why or why not?
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
In response to Rachel's Post...
Question: What was your New Year’s resolution? And have you stuck to it?
My New Year's resolution was to start eating healthier. The problem with this resolution is I am a college student on a tight budget who is living off-campus. Therefore, when I go shopping for groceries I tend to buy the cheapest things that last the longest and you can imagine those items aren't usually apples and bananas. I did start eating healthier for awhile when I was still home at my parent's house for the rest of winter break. Unfortunately, as soon as I returned to my apartment I was only able to eat healthy a few times a week which then turned into once a week and now I eat healthy once in a while when my finances allow me to.
*What ideas would you suggest to someone trying to eat healthier on a very slim budget?
My New Year's resolution was to start eating healthier. The problem with this resolution is I am a college student on a tight budget who is living off-campus. Therefore, when I go shopping for groceries I tend to buy the cheapest things that last the longest and you can imagine those items aren't usually apples and bananas. I did start eating healthier for awhile when I was still home at my parent's house for the rest of winter break. Unfortunately, as soon as I returned to my apartment I was only able to eat healthy a few times a week which then turned into once a week and now I eat healthy once in a while when my finances allow me to.
*What ideas would you suggest to someone trying to eat healthier on a very slim budget?
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
10 Ideas for Restaurant Marketing
According to foodservicewarehouse.com there are many marketing strategies for restaurants in today's society but the most important and innovative ones are:
1. Get good press
2. Create a website
3. Redesign the menu
4. Implement frequency marketing
5. Host events
6. Try up-selling
7. Market your take-out and delivery service
8. Promote through email
9. Commit to going green
10. Involve customers in a contest
I think all of these are good ideas to help restaurants market themselves but the one that I believe is the best one is to create a website. It seems as though every restaurant has a website these days but you'd be surprised at how many don't have one or if they do it's not very well put together. Not only having a website but having a well presented and appealing website is very important to draw customers in because a lot of people search the web to find a good place to go out to eat before they actually make a decision and head to the restaurant.
*What do you think is the most effective/useful technique mentioned above?
Source: http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/education/restaurant-marketing/top-ten-techniques.aspx
1. Get good press
2. Create a website
3. Redesign the menu
4. Implement frequency marketing
5. Host events
6. Try up-selling
7. Market your take-out and delivery service
8. Promote through email
9. Commit to going green
10. Involve customers in a contest
I think all of these are good ideas to help restaurants market themselves but the one that I believe is the best one is to create a website. It seems as though every restaurant has a website these days but you'd be surprised at how many don't have one or if they do it's not very well put together. Not only having a website but having a well presented and appealing website is very important to draw customers in because a lot of people search the web to find a good place to go out to eat before they actually make a decision and head to the restaurant.
*What do you think is the most effective/useful technique mentioned above?
Source: http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/education/restaurant-marketing/top-ten-techniques.aspx
Thursday, February 23, 2012
In response to Aislynn's Post...
Question: Which campaign do you think is more successful? Or will be more successful? Do you think these ads are useful and preventative at all?
I think the campaign showing the alternatives to drinking will be more successful. Teens in our society see so many bad things that they are pretty much immune to seeing images of what can happen to you under the influence. I think the ads could be useful to influence the kids who are on the border between trying drugs & alcohol and staying sober because it can show them that there are other options. Having examples/ideas of what to do instead of going out to party. On the other hand, peers have such an impact on each other that an ad can only do so much. So, yes I do think the campaign could be influential in some situations but there are other more effective ways to educate kids and help them stay away from substances.
*What are some other preventative efforts that may have more of an impact on teenagers?
I think the campaign showing the alternatives to drinking will be more successful. Teens in our society see so many bad things that they are pretty much immune to seeing images of what can happen to you under the influence. I think the ads could be useful to influence the kids who are on the border between trying drugs & alcohol and staying sober because it can show them that there are other options. Having examples/ideas of what to do instead of going out to party. On the other hand, peers have such an impact on each other that an ad can only do so much. So, yes I do think the campaign could be influential in some situations but there are other more effective ways to educate kids and help them stay away from substances.
*What are some other preventative efforts that may have more of an impact on teenagers?
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Text Message Marketing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcxaa2KgJ8s
There is a fairly new type of marketing that companies can do through text messaging. I thought it was an interesting topic because of the huge telemarketing phase in which the marketers would call people's house phones and it got to the point where people who have to put their phone numbers on do-not-call lists. I am not sure that calling house phones or even switching over to calling people's cellphones to try and sell them things is that effective. From my own experience, everyone in my family would always reject the calls and then we ended up just getting rid of our house phone all together because the only people who would call the phone were telemarketers. I think that if a lot of companies started to send constant texts to people's phones that it would get annoying and enrage people. Yes, most of society today has cellphones but the last thing people want are to be bothered by someone they don't know, trying to sell them something. We as consumers get marketing and ads thrown at us constantly throughout the day and in my opinion I think it would just be over the top.
*Do you think marketing through texts is effective marketing?
There is a fairly new type of marketing that companies can do through text messaging. I thought it was an interesting topic because of the huge telemarketing phase in which the marketers would call people's house phones and it got to the point where people who have to put their phone numbers on do-not-call lists. I am not sure that calling house phones or even switching over to calling people's cellphones to try and sell them things is that effective. From my own experience, everyone in my family would always reject the calls and then we ended up just getting rid of our house phone all together because the only people who would call the phone were telemarketers. I think that if a lot of companies started to send constant texts to people's phones that it would get annoying and enrage people. Yes, most of society today has cellphones but the last thing people want are to be bothered by someone they don't know, trying to sell them something. We as consumers get marketing and ads thrown at us constantly throughout the day and in my opinion I think it would just be over the top.
*Do you think marketing through texts is effective marketing?
Friday, February 17, 2012
In response to Maggie's Post...
Question: People think that the money they earn is all worth it at the end of the day, but is it really?? Why do people work at jobs they hate??
Yes it is true a lot of people do just work at jobs to get paid and don't necessarily like their jobs. Personally, I think it depends on where you are in your life and whether or not the job you are working at is temporary or going to be your lifetime career. For example, just like many college students these days I am working while going to school and the job I have is in food service and I have been working there since I was a Junior in high school. No, I don't really enjoy my job but its convenient and it is worth it to get through the stressful shifts because I know the end is near (aka I will be graduating college soon). But there are some people who choose to take on jobs as their careers just for the money and not for enjoyment and that I believe will be worth it at first but will ultimately wear someone down way more than having a job where they don't mind spending 40 hours a week at. At this point in my life sometimes I do think about getting another temporary job that I like better than the one I have now but then when I continue to hours of my choice and can take the time off I need that along with the paycheck changes my mind. I would advise anyone to make sure they at least somewhat enjoy where they work if they plan to work there for a long period of time and if that is not possible then either get a new job or find some way to make the situation positive and worthwhile.
*What would be the deciding factor in accepting a job offer...the salary, a flexible schedule or enjoyment?
Yes it is true a lot of people do just work at jobs to get paid and don't necessarily like their jobs. Personally, I think it depends on where you are in your life and whether or not the job you are working at is temporary or going to be your lifetime career. For example, just like many college students these days I am working while going to school and the job I have is in food service and I have been working there since I was a Junior in high school. No, I don't really enjoy my job but its convenient and it is worth it to get through the stressful shifts because I know the end is near (aka I will be graduating college soon). But there are some people who choose to take on jobs as their careers just for the money and not for enjoyment and that I believe will be worth it at first but will ultimately wear someone down way more than having a job where they don't mind spending 40 hours a week at. At this point in my life sometimes I do think about getting another temporary job that I like better than the one I have now but then when I continue to hours of my choice and can take the time off I need that along with the paycheck changes my mind. I would advise anyone to make sure they at least somewhat enjoy where they work if they plan to work there for a long period of time and if that is not possible then either get a new job or find some way to make the situation positive and worthwhile.
*What would be the deciding factor in accepting a job offer...the salary, a flexible schedule or enjoyment?
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
The photoshop effect
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbb8D-u8ues
This commercial is promoting women's self esteem and showing how you should just be yourself because all the beautiful people we see in ads are usually altered completely by makeup and photoshop. This commercial caught my attention when a professor played it during one of my sociology classes. I thought it would be a good topic to blog about because it is almost like having a behind the scenes look at how pictures for billboards and other ads are put together. Some argue that the commercial degrades the woman in it because they think it shows that she needs all that done to look beautiful. I don't think that makes much sense because if the woman doing the commercial felt degraded at all I'm pretty sure she wouldn't do it in the first place. Also, I think that the commercial is more about showing how no one is perfect even those gorgeous models that people use to compare themselves to.
*What exactly is this commercial's purpose?
This commercial is promoting women's self esteem and showing how you should just be yourself because all the beautiful people we see in ads are usually altered completely by makeup and photoshop. This commercial caught my attention when a professor played it during one of my sociology classes. I thought it would be a good topic to blog about because it is almost like having a behind the scenes look at how pictures for billboards and other ads are put together. Some argue that the commercial degrades the woman in it because they think it shows that she needs all that done to look beautiful. I don't think that makes much sense because if the woman doing the commercial felt degraded at all I'm pretty sure she wouldn't do it in the first place. Also, I think that the commercial is more about showing how no one is perfect even those gorgeous models that people use to compare themselves to.
*What exactly is this commercial's purpose?
Friday, February 10, 2012
In response to Danielle's post...
Question: What do you think about this commercial and the direction Dr. Pepper chose for its marketing? Is any press good press?
Honestly, I am not a fan of this commercial at all. It is absolutely stereotypical and I don't necessarily understand why the soda is just for men? I mean I don't like Dr.Pepper but I know girls that do and I also know plenty of females such as myself that enjoy action movies. I don't think the commercial really helps the product at all because just because an ad says it's a man's drink doesn't mean that more men are going to go buy it. I think that if they wanted more people to buy their new product they shouldn't be so sexist and just market the product generally. Responding to the second question, no I don't think any press is good press. If press is excluding a specific gender or type of person I think that it makes it bad press. Some press should not be out there if it cannot respectfully include all audiences.
*Would the commercial get a difference response if it were directly towards women and negatively portraying men?
Honestly, I am not a fan of this commercial at all. It is absolutely stereotypical and I don't necessarily understand why the soda is just for men? I mean I don't like Dr.Pepper but I know girls that do and I also know plenty of females such as myself that enjoy action movies. I don't think the commercial really helps the product at all because just because an ad says it's a man's drink doesn't mean that more men are going to go buy it. I think that if they wanted more people to buy their new product they shouldn't be so sexist and just market the product generally. Responding to the second question, no I don't think any press is good press. If press is excluding a specific gender or type of person I think that it makes it bad press. Some press should not be out there if it cannot respectfully include all audiences.
*Would the commercial get a difference response if it were directly towards women and negatively portraying men?
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Gendered Marketing?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CU040Hqbas&feature=related
Riley, the little girl in this video wonders why boys and girls toys are in different sections at the store. It is interesting to think about a different point of view about how toys are marketed to children and parents of these children because most people don't even notice there is motive behind the advertisements. Riley brings up a good point because what if girls like to play with "boy's toys" and boys like to play with "girl's toys"? Are they supposed to feel obligated to play with toys aimed at their gender only? I understand that it may be easier to find certain things if they are all grouped together by gendered colors and toys but it just puts expectations on young children to like princesses and dolls if you're a girl and action figures and trucks if you're a boy. It makes me question the values that we teach children in today's society and whether we are telling them what toys they should and shouldn't like. A lot of marketing is targeted towards males or females and very rarely it is to both. So if people go out of the social norm and choose to buy or play with the other gender's products then they are probably more susceptible to judgement and bullying from their peers.
*Is is right to market things only to specific genders?
Riley, the little girl in this video wonders why boys and girls toys are in different sections at the store. It is interesting to think about a different point of view about how toys are marketed to children and parents of these children because most people don't even notice there is motive behind the advertisements. Riley brings up a good point because what if girls like to play with "boy's toys" and boys like to play with "girl's toys"? Are they supposed to feel obligated to play with toys aimed at their gender only? I understand that it may be easier to find certain things if they are all grouped together by gendered colors and toys but it just puts expectations on young children to like princesses and dolls if you're a girl and action figures and trucks if you're a boy. It makes me question the values that we teach children in today's society and whether we are telling them what toys they should and shouldn't like. A lot of marketing is targeted towards males or females and very rarely it is to both. So if people go out of the social norm and choose to buy or play with the other gender's products then they are probably more susceptible to judgement and bullying from their peers.
*Is is right to market things only to specific genders?
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
In response to Lyndzi's Post...
Question: Do you think Facebook is a good form of marketing for certain businesses?
I think marketing on Facebook can be a useful technique to use if used right and if the business's product/service is relevant to those who use Facebook. I have seen plenty of ads while on Facebook that do not apply to me whatsoever. I think that a business should really research their target market and make sure that the people using Facebook are going to interested in what they are selling. A good thing about using Facebook for marketing is that as time goes on more and more people use networking sites such as Facebook and that makes the potential for customers larger. Also, if what you are trying to sell is targeted toward teenagers or young adults it will be easier to get there attention because they are constantly on Facebook. However, most advertisements online especially on Facebook are overlooked and people may just consider them viruses and not even pay attention to your marketing.
*What do you think is the best form of marketing?
I think marketing on Facebook can be a useful technique to use if used right and if the business's product/service is relevant to those who use Facebook. I have seen plenty of ads while on Facebook that do not apply to me whatsoever. I think that a business should really research their target market and make sure that the people using Facebook are going to interested in what they are selling. A good thing about using Facebook for marketing is that as time goes on more and more people use networking sites such as Facebook and that makes the potential for customers larger. Also, if what you are trying to sell is targeted toward teenagers or young adults it will be easier to get there attention because they are constantly on Facebook. However, most advertisements online especially on Facebook are overlooked and people may just consider them viruses and not even pay attention to your marketing.
*What do you think is the best form of marketing?
Monday, January 30, 2012
Why would a course in marketing be helpful even if you don't pursue marketing as a career?
I personally am a sociology major/management minor and I am taking marketing because it is required knowledge for those possibly pursuing some type of business career. However, a marketing course could be helpful to a student in any major because marketing is a huge part of everyday life. So much of a person's daily routine has marketing in it whether or not they directly notice it. For that reason and many others, taking a marketing class could help a person learn more about products and services and how they are advertised to society. Also, it is important to understand the difference between accurate and false marketing so as a consumer you can make well-educated decisions. Even if your future career doesn't seem as if it will require marketing or marketing skills I guarantee having a basic understanding of how things are marketed and why will be useful to have under your belt.
*What's another course you think could really make a difference in a student's future career of any kind?
*What's another course you think could really make a difference in a student's future career of any kind?
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
In response to Christine's Post...
Question: Do you think too much of consumers money is spent on marketing?
It surprised me to hear that 50-60% of a buyer's dollar goes to marketing costs because it seems like a high percentage. However, marketing is a huge part of selling a product or service. In order to spike a consumer's interest sometimes it takes a lot of marketing. I think the amount of marketing efforts a product or service needs really depends on what it is and the societal need of that good/service. If something isn't well known than consumers are less likely to spend their money on it. So, yes I do think sometimes too much of consumer's money is spent on marketing if the product or service is already popular enough and already has a good reputation. But if that product/service needs a lot of advertising and marketing in order to be profitable than it makes sense that over half of the consumer's dollar goes to marketing.
*Is it practical for over 50% of a consumer's dollar to go towards marketing efforts?
It surprised me to hear that 50-60% of a buyer's dollar goes to marketing costs because it seems like a high percentage. However, marketing is a huge part of selling a product or service. In order to spike a consumer's interest sometimes it takes a lot of marketing. I think the amount of marketing efforts a product or service needs really depends on what it is and the societal need of that good/service. If something isn't well known than consumers are less likely to spend their money on it. So, yes I do think sometimes too much of consumer's money is spent on marketing if the product or service is already popular enough and already has a good reputation. But if that product/service needs a lot of advertising and marketing in order to be profitable than it makes sense that over half of the consumer's dollar goes to marketing.
*Is it practical for over 50% of a consumer's dollar to go towards marketing efforts?
Think of yourself as "product"
Marketing a product takes a lot of preparation and planning. In order to market a product to a potential employer the three P's (place, promotion and price) have to be taken into account and integrated into the task. First, the product has to be at a convenient place and factors such as the cost included in the placement, how effective and efficient the product can be transported and how much inventory can fit there. To promote the product the process includes setting up effective advertising, sales promotion, the people who will be in charge of the publicity and the overall costs of each part of product promotion. Another important part would be to compare the product with similar existing products to figure out the price of the product. Included in the price would be the selling price, the possible discount price or rebates, the payment period and credit terms, and again the overall costs of figuring that all out.
*Which one of the three P's is the most important?
*Which one of the three P's is the most important?
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Marketing vs. Propaganda vs. Advertising
In my opinion, both marketing and propaganda are somewhat associated with advertising. Advertising has to do with spreading the word about a specific product or service to the public through several types of media and print. When a company promotes their products to consumers through advertising it directly connects to marketing. I believe marketing is when a business/company puts ideas together to target a group of people who are interested in selling or buying their product. On the other hand, I think propaganda sometimes includes advertising but essentially the idea is to persuade people to believe in the message or mindset they are portraying even if they are falsifying information to do so.
*Do you think propaganda is always negative?
*Do you think propaganda is always negative?
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