Week 5 EOC: Social Networks and Job Hunting

“Marketers are now working to harness the newfound communications power of their everyday customers, turning them into influential brand ambassadors. Companies such as JetBlue, Sony, Microsoft, and McDonald’s, among others, are now developing a new breed of brand ambassador programs that organize and supercharge consumer-to-consumer interactions about their brands.” (Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation, pg. 143) The article in our book was fascinating. I didn’t realize there were entire companies devoted to finding marketing ambassadors for such high end companies. It’s true that this is important because whenever someone I know writes something about a company good or bad, I tend to believe them without even trying the product. I know many people who would be great at this because they have such a passion for specific brands. “Brand ambassador programs leverage the power of peer-to-peer communication. Consumers hear about products and brand experiences from others just like themselves—people they trust—rather than from commercial marketing sources.”(Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation, pg. 143)

“Facebook's use as a job-recruitment tool remains small, but its appeal may be growing. Some recruiters say they have all but eliminated their spending on job boards, which can charge a few hundred dollars per job posting, depending on volume. Others note that while LinkedIn contains a more comprehensive résumé database, candidates tend to value referrals from their connections on Facebook more.” (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903885604576490763)  I have seen so many of my friends post about either needing a job or that their company is hiring. I think it’s a great way to get a job through friends that are actually reliable or know that you would be reliable. Everyone is so active on Facebook right now that it could be a great tool for companies to use. They could see what their interests are and relate them back to their company. 

Week 4 EOC: Business to Business

“But here’s a fact that would startle most consumers. Did you know that GE’s consumer products contribute less than one-third of the company’s total $183 billion in annual sales? To the surprise of many, most of GE’s business comes not from final consumers but from commercial and industrial customers across a wide range of industries." (Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation, pg.158) As that quote reads above, Business to business is so much more important to companies than us consumers would even know. I just now learned that GE sold more than appliances that I can use in my house. It is not even half of their revenue and that’s all everyone thought they sold. The definition is “Business-to-business, or B2B, describes a transaction, product or service, or business strategy as targeted to a business rather than the consumer. A business-to-business sale means a sale to another business, even of a product normally sold to consumers.” (http://www.investorglossary.com/business-to-business.htm)  Many online companies have specific business pages that are only applicable if you are a business and buying in bulk. For example, Staples, which is an office supply company has a website called stapleslink.com. This was created to so that companies that needed to buy items in bulk would be able to save money and also get the sizes they need. So many industries thrive off of b2b sales. Fashion, which is my major, is a huge b2b industry because many designers purchase their fabric from other companies. “The fashion world’s digital focus is expanding beyond the confines of the style-conscious shopper to the B2B category, via a handful of Web sites catering to the forces driving the retail industry.” (http://www.wwd.com/media-news/digital/b2b-fashion-sites-on-the-rise-6083188?full=true)

Week 3 EOC: My Demographics

“They are the most ethnically and racially diverse cohort of youth in the nation's history. Among those ages 13 to 29: 18.5% are Hispanic; 14.2% are black; 4.3% are Asian; 3.2% are mixed race or other; and 59.8%, a record low, are white.They are starting out as the most politically progressive age group in modern history. They are the first generation in human history who regard behaviors like tweeting and texting, along with websites like Facebook, YouTube, Google and Wikipedia, not as astonishing innovations of the digital era, but as everyday parts of their social lives and their search for understanding. They are the least religiously observant youths since survey research began charting religious behavior..” (http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1437/millennials-profile) I do agree with much that is written here. I also can relate to most of it as well. Technology has never not been a part of my life. I grew up having internet and using Google to do all my research. I received a cell phone when I was 13 and got an iPod when I was 11. “Retailers also need to keep in mind that millennials tend to seek brands and products that are socially responsible; this generation is looking for products that are sustainable, fair-trade and offer lower carbon footprints, for example." (http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/12/living/millennials-shopping/index.html) This I completely agree with. I find myself wanting to know if a company uses recyclable material or if they are benefitting anyone else. Many companies now are donating, recycling, or giving back to the community and its because our generation demands it. "That emotional connection between brand and consumer is weakening. They don't need to rely on (brands) so heavily for inspiration and resources. They have 2,500 bloggers and a variety of social networks telling them what to do." (http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/12/living/millennials-shopping/index.html) Blogging has taken over the way people read about things or how they learn things. I find most of my fashion inspirations on tumblr or websites like it.

Week 3 EOC: Making Money for Good

There are many brands that are beneficial in more ways than one. The first brand I chose is (RED), which is a brand that is trying to make the world Aids free. Fifty percent of the profit of the item goes towards fighting Aids in Africa. This is their goal, “Every Generation is known for something. Let's be the one that delivers an AIDS Free Generation. We all have tremendous power. What we choose to do or even buy, can affect someone’s life on the other side of the world. In 2010, 1,000 babies were born every day with HIV.  In 2011, that number was down to 900. By 2015 it can be near zero. We can stop the transmission of HIV from moms to their babies.” (http://www.joinred.com/aboutred/the-red-manifesto/)  They sell all kinds of merchandise that helps their cause. It was once sold in GAP, but now it can be found in stores all over and they have a website. “Just over a year ago, the rock star Bono started Red, a campaign that combined consumerism and altruism. Since then, consumers have generated more than $22 million to fight H.I.V. and AIDS in Rwanda by buying iPods, T-shirts, watches, cologne and most recently — as anyone who watched the Super Bowl knows — laptops, with all of them branded “(Product)RED.” (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/06/business/06red.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0) Most of their merchandise has RED written on it or is red with a small logo on it. Another brand would be Tide. They helped victims of disasters, for example when Hurricane Katrina hit they went to New Orleans to clean peoples clothing. This is tides goal, “The Tide Loads of Hope mobile laundry program travels to places affected by natural disasters and helps out by providing clean clothes and a renewed sense of hope. You too can join us and give the gift of hope. If you buy a Tide vintage t-shirt, all profits will go to support families in need—and you can send a message of hope as well.” (http://www.tide.com/en-US/article/giving-back.jspx)

Week 2 EOC: Boston Consulting Group - Video Games

I personally am not a huge fan of playing video games or a “gamer” as some would say. I do however know what game consoles are out dated and brand new from my brothers. I would have to say that game consoles really rely on the preference of the player. Every person you ask will reply with a difference answer on their preference. Right now the dogs of the gaming world would definitely be the out dated consoles like PS1, the first Xbox, Sega and Atari. Although those are classics, they will never be played religiously again. Sega was cherished when it was first released but the company is what went wrong. “Sega pulled the plug on the Dreamcast a year and a half after its debut, due to financial difficulties and gamer interest in the coming PlayStation 2, but, in its brief run, it was the greatest video game console of all time.” (http://www.pcmag.com)

I don’t think many consoles will ever be stars because as technology gets better, they have to release new consoles quickly. In 2013 the Cash cows will be the Xbox and Playstation. Analyst Colin Sebastian noted in a report issued today that "while we remain somewhat concerned about lack of 'buzz' ahead of the Wii U launch, the industry remains on the cusp of a significant upgrade cycle with new Xbox and PS4 consoles next year."  (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2012/08/new-playstation-and-xbox-could-drive-positive-2013-/1#.UHX7vhXA98E) 

Nintendo is releasing a touch controller, which is called the Wii U. from what I have read it’s a huge disappointment and no one is impressed by them. It would definately be considered a dog by BCG. “It’s fair to say that there weren’t too many people blown away by Nintendo‘s big keynote yesterday at E3. Outside of the lackluster game line-up for launch, again this year almost nothing was said about the actual hardware of the WiiU itself outside of the touchpad controller.” (http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/06/06/what-nintendo-didnt-tell-you-about-the-wiiu/)

Week One EOC: Great Customer Service

I recently went to the Fashion Show Mall to go shopping for an outfit for my friend’s birthday. I usually go to the same stores, Nordstrom, Topshop and Forever 21. So this visit was as standard as always, but I was really surprised by the customer service in Topshop. I really am not one that likes to be bothered while I’m shopping because most of the times I don’t even know what I want. This time was different because an associate comes up and compliments me on what I’m wearing, which is always a plus, but then she starts to recommend items that resemble that style I’m wearing. I was honestly impressed with the service she was giving me because I liked almost everything she showed me. I pointed out the things I wanted to try on and she immediately got me a dressing room. I browsed around for some other clothes but she really nailed it. Once I was in the dressing room she asked me once if everything was going okay and I said yes and she didn't bother me again, also she brought me one more item she thought I would really like and again I did. Once I was finished she was very attentive, but not clingy or annoying about checking out. I wasn't quite ready because I always like to double check the store before I buy anything. Again she was not following me around or staring at me until I was done, so that made me happy. As soon as I was ready, she noticed I was in line and opened up a register to check me out. I get that she works on commission, so she was doing this more for her benefit, but honestly she made me feel as if I was important. 

Week One EOC: My Voice

When I was younger, I remember dressing up in my mom’s dresses and putting on her heels. I would look in the mirror and dream of one day being able to dress up in beautiful dresses and heels. Since then I have had a passion for everything in fashion. Many people have influenced my style. It ranges from Audrey Hepburn’s classic look to Janis Joplin’s hippie wear. I’m inspired by anything beautiful, whether it’s a piece of architecture or a flower in a garden. Being in fashion helps me look and think outside the box. I like to wear clothing based on how I am feeling that day or where I am going. Fashion is all about expressing you. The best thing about fashion is that you can be open minded to anything. Magazines and Blogs help to keep me up to date with the latest fashion trends. The fashion world is fast moving and it’s hard to keep up. I read Vogue religiously. It inspires me everyday to get through schooling especially. It motivates me to be something better. I want to succeed in the fashion industry in whatever way I can. I want other people to be inspired by me. The thought that you can be an influence by just creating a blog is amazing. These are the reasons I love fashion.