Respose to Ariana's Post on Summer Fun!

I think that companies certainly receive a positive return by using promotions to draw in customers attention. It is clear that the strategy works. Take Disney for example, they are always giving out some form of promotion and every time I go to visit that place it is always packed. "Stay up to four nights and get an additional two nights free with a family of four and free complimentary breakfast included if booked before the 25th of each month!" Every taveler wants a deal and especially if you are going to visit amusement parks, it can get pricey. These promotions draw many customers to these businesses. Also locally if we look at Six Flags New England, they are always running some form of promotion as well. With the purchase of two tickets or more get a third ticket free or come stay and play all day and enjoy free lunch curtousy of the park. It gets my attention because lunch could be at least $20 and everyone wants free goods. I would go to a park if it offered me promotions. It is also important that the park have a good reputation to sticking to its promotion and not just offering an unrealistic promotion that they cannot stick to.


Would you go visit an amusement park solely based on the promotion offered?

Response to Ariana's Post Comedy Central Through Twitter

I think that it is very impersonal that everything now takes place on the internet or through cell phone broadcast. It is not fair for those who enjoy actually seeing face to face interaction. It is actually quite disappointing. I find it to be unhelpful when you go in and look at the situation. I want to actually see the routine and what is happening not just watch and read a conversation on the internet. It is shocking actually that this whole festival will just be on Twitter. In the past I have enjoyed viewing Comedy Centrals five day festival and now the only way I can tune in is through Twitter. No thanks, in this case I will pass. Not interested in any of this it is quite disturbing that everything has to be done through social media that now people cannot even have decent conversation if it is not through social media. Sometimes I wish that times were different.

Have you fallen victim to social media and find yourself following it constantly?

State Promotions- Visit California

Ever sit in front of the television a see a commercial advertising tourism for a state? I see commercials such as this one below aired in 2011 about visiting California. These ads run to try and bring in more business to the tourism market in each state. Especially states like California and Florida that rely heavily on the tourism industry it is important to advertise on major television networks for all audiences to see. I remember as a kid growing up and watching commercial pertaining to Disney World and I wanted more than anything to get on that airplane to head to the land where dreams come true. It is hard for one not to; these advertisements make the location looked serene and picture perfect that almost anyone would want to hop in a plane and head there. The tourism alone generated $95.1 billion dollars in California last year alone. This money helps the state invest in it's roads, schools and brings more tourists to the state. This campaign is genius using celebrities and pro athletes to entice consumers to spend their money and get out and enjoy the state of California while seeing and experiencing something new. It is quite a clever campaign if you ask me.




                                                        Misconceptions- Visit California

Have you ever found yourself falling for these commercials? As a result booking a vacation to one of these select locations?

Response to Janelle's Post- Car Advertising

Car advertising is a clever way of portraying a product to the consumer. It is unique in the fact that people actually drive a real life billboard around when they go from point A to point B. I think the first car billboard I saw was in the 90's when soda was the big craze. I remember it was a red Ford truck with Coca-Cola bottles on it. Now more then ever people are using advertising such as by means of cars to try and gain profit from selling a product. Many companies such as Amheiser Busch in Keene use this marketing tactic I have seen a budlight lime vehicle and shocktop vehicle cruising through Keene from time to time giving out promotions and trying to suede consumers towards their products. Most of the time you will see these type of vehicles at events such as ski mountains or programs like the x-games. Many companies sponsor events and when they sponsor the event they distribute their product to the general public and what a better way to advertise then to bring the vehicle right on site and sell the product to the new potential customers.

How do you feel about vehicle advertising? Ever see one before?

Response to Cote's Post on Flavored Cigarettes

First of all, I would never consider cigarettes to be healthy. It is a huge marketing ploy by the tobacco industry to try and draw in new smokers daily. By adding schemes such as "flavored" cigarettes is pure desperation. On average the tobacco industry looses 5 million smokers a year. So in order to regain business they need to draw in new tobacco users, younger smokers. To draw in the young smokers they choose "fun tactics" such as "flavored cigarettes and they attempt to make smoking look cool. What is a huge factor that many need to take into consideration is the media's role on smoking also. Especially in the 80's and 90's smoking was always seen on movies. Who would not want to smoke if their favorite beautiful and good looking celebrity does it? Smoking is glamorous and makes one look cool. That is exactly what the tobacco industry wants new smokers to think but really it is far from it. The serious effects of smoking may not be considered and mostly uneducated consumers are the ones who actually choose to light up and have a smoke. I have never smoked nor do I fall victim to the ads portraying smoking or do I think it is sexy for celebrities to smoke either. Lung cancer, wrinkles and tar in my throat do not seem too appetizing to me, no thank you.


Do you think that smoking is attractive? What about flavored cigarettes? Yummy right?

We Are Boston Strong T-shirt Campaign

      Recently this past week the city of Boston, Massachusetts fell victim to an unexpected terrorist attack. Innocent civilians were killed during the finishing of the world famous Boston Marathon. In wake of the attack many were taking to Facebook and especially twitter with hash tags relating to #BostonStrong. This campagn led to a marketing phenomenon and now shirts are flying off shelves to benefit a good cause.
"The combined efforts of Abby, Kevin, and Alia have led to a campaign to raise money for The One Fund. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to The One Fund Boston, set up by Mayor Menino and Governor Patrick in the wake of Monday's tragic events. The shirt makes a statement- one that many have after this personal attack. It expresses what we feel without saying a word. It's more than just a shirt. It has the capability to create community, to link us together as one. Why not donate to help families affected by the tragic events andup your wardrobe by purchasing our shirt. Our city is only as strong as we are." 
    I watched the Red Sox game yesterday on television and it moved me seeing all the blue and yellow shirts in the stands and everyone representing the wonderful city of Boston. This form of contribution marketing represents a good cause. It also provides awareness to the general public of what happened last Monday and how united we as New England and mainly Boston residents stand as one and come together during tragedy. Many may get confused with the statement BostonStrong and LiveStrong. I even read a few articles that people had the audasity to say that it is a direct rip off of the LiveStrong campaign aimed to help cancer victims. But this is a campaign that was launched through social media and it was so successful that it essentially marketed itself and now Boston Strong is a name and a shirt that people feel proud to wear knowing they are representing a good cause. 

What do you think about the Boston Strong campaign? Would you wear a Boston Strong T?

Respond to Ariana's Post on Justin Bieber Cards

I do not think that it is a smart idea to be instilling in the back of small children's mind that they should get a debit or a credit card just because Justin Bieber is on it. It is supporting over spending and misuse of funds. It is one of the worst ideas I have ever heard of. I feel sorry for parents who actually agree to sign their children up for a debit or a credit card just because Justin Bieber is on it. Are people really that obsessed? I mean I guess we are all different I know for a fact that I would never get that for myself nor ever would I be seen carrying that, EMBARRASSING. I could however see many parents giving their kids anything they wanted and by getting them this card it could get them to hush up for a bit and and teach the wonders of overspending and not budgeting their money or their parents money. This is probably one of the most ridiculous scams I have ever heard of.



If you were a parent would you allow your child to get a Justin Bieber card?

"Ship My Pants"- K Mart Commercial Causing Controversy

Recently a new television ad aired this past week by K Mart regarding their new ship from store policy. This policy allows consumers to ship products from the store or from home to their home for free. I saw on Good Morning America this week the anchors discussing the controversy over the commercial. The word "ship" can be misrepresented in this commercial and mistaken for another swear word that many would find repulsive. I found the commercial be quite humorous and entertaining. K Mart said that their intention of the commercial was not to cause controversy but to poke fun at a joke. It apologized to those who misunderstood the message behind the commercial. The message is clear K Mart says, "shipping offered for free" a new service. Many saw the commercial as bathroom humor that is not a good message to send to children because they may mistake the commercial for something else. Especially using elderly and kids in the commercial sends the wrong message, one parent says she shuts off the television every time the commercial comes on and she has no interest in allowing her children to see that "non-sense" on television. I found the commercial to be funny and got a kick out of it. A few of my friends showed it to me and I guess it is because I am older and understand the content in the commercial. I could see how many might misrepresent the commercial and get a wrong message from it all. K Mart might want to think next time before they advertise in that manor because it does offend some individuals to the point where they choose to boycott the company then it effects their business.

What do you think of the commercial? Do you find it humorous or offensive?

Response to Haley's Post

I do think that pipeline transportation is beneficial because it is a new way to transport resources from one way to another. If you think about it, it is a brilliant tactic that many companies are now implimenting. When I first heard about pipeline transportation in my Climate Change Geology class I found it to be particularly fascinating. That oil, energy and any other form of resource could be shipped under ground is quite unusal. But if you think about it rather than using a truck that burns even more fossil fuels many companies are eliminating as much as possible their impact on the planet. This is known as their carbon footprint. By initating programs such as under ground pipelines it saves from costly spending on transportation and over use of fossil fuels. I know recently in Alaska there has been big contraversy surrounding the use of underground pipelines because of the havic it could have on species that live in the Alaskan frontier. This new and exciting way of transporting resources may be beneficial to humans but it is also associated with some externalized costs. Costs that many do not take into consideration, the impacts that may harm native species and displace many.


Do you think it is wise to use under ground pipelines? Environmental Costs?

Response to Ariana's Post on Louis Vuitton Model

I feel as though Louis Vuitton products are for a real selective market thus making the product even more expensive and selective to make. The amount of time that actually goes into making the product shows the real quality of the product. Price is based off of quality and when a consumer is spending over $3,000 for a handbag or wallet they want something of genuine leather and good quality. I know from time to time I have often considered purchasing a Louis Vuitton wallet or brief case. The only thing that is really stopping me is my income and the price of the product. The working middle class and upper class can afford products of this magnitude, where as a student working a part time job certainly cannot. I know eventually if I have a good job I would like to treat myself to something as nice as a Louis Vuitton product but right now it is not realistic. Their target market is so narrow and geared toward a more wealthy consumer but as with anything status is everything and Louis Vuitton is well known for quality products at an expensive price.


Would you be willing to spend over $3,000 on a wallet if it is of good quality? (If you had $3,000 to just "spend" at your disposal)

Environmental Marketing

When I think of the planet I think of blue skies, fresh air, green grass or in New England from November-April some snow. But do you really think of what organizations are doing to preserve that fresh air and green grass that we love so much? And how they are using marketing to help them get a message across that we are in an environmental crisis with this whole debate on climate change. The other day I was driving home from the mall on I-91 and I saw a billboard explaining the benefits of carpooling and how we are at an all time high currently with CO2 emissions. It was kind of like a public service announcement on a billboard. But we also see public service announcements pertaining to CO2 emissions and global climate change. Take this commercial below for example recently portrayed on the television. All you see is depression and loss. The United States Global Climate Research team is trying to get viewers to feel the emotions of hurt and loss. You can see how the polar bear is devastated with the mass extinction. This commercial is marketed towards citizens that do not really know the implications of climate change. It teaches a public service announcement. Last year I took a global climate change class and we learned the implications of climate change and how sea levels are growing at an ever so quick rate do to the melting of the polar ice caps. I feel as though marketing plays a big role in day to day learning. Without public service announcements like this commercial aired in 2010 many who do not know about the impacts of climate change would continue to burn up large quantities of CO2 and harm our atmosphere, continue to watch sea levels rise and result in a mass extinction. It is horrible to think about but the United States Global Climate Research team is using marketing strategies such as this commercial to express the growing concerns and implications of climate change; disaster.

Do you think public service announcements are beneficial? Why or Why not?

Response to Ariana's Post- Public Relations!

I would agree that public affairs is the most important factor in public relations. It is important to keep the public involved in the day to day operations of a company. They want to be the #1 driver of a company, the customer is what keeps a company going. So keeping them happy is priority. I would say that if it was not for public affairs and giving the customer what they want then they would not continue to purchase a product. Public affairs brings up a relationship between customers and a product or service. It makes consumers feel appreciated and that their business matters to a company. I know as a consumer that I feel the best when a company really reaches out to me and appreciates my business.

Why do you think it is important for companies to use public relations?

Brand Marketing- Genius!

Have you ever been involved in a trend? Or found yourself wearing a certain brand because others do as well? How about brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, and Polo Ralph Lauren. A lot of consumers choose to wear certain brands just because of the image they portray. When a High Schooler wears an Abercrombie & Fitch sweatshirt with the large Moose logo every one knows what brand they are wearing. An over priced $90 Abercrombie sweatshirt may be a good buy at the moment and it may make one feel more socially ranked. But is it really worth $90? Or how about a $65 Polo shirt; you know you are really just paying for that little man in the right hand side of the shirt riding the horse. Is status everything? In today's society it certainly is. People will pay big bucks for a brand and that brand shows how "weathly" one may be. When in fact they could be in large amounts of credit card debit and do not have the money to really be spending on the product. But status is everything and it is interesting to see that a person can go out of their way to spend large sums of money and the product sells itself. People know that LV symbol on your bag stands for Louis Voutton and they see you have the latest bag then they want to buy it. Or you are wearing that new Ralph Lauren Polo and your classmate likes the color and they see that little polo player on the top side of the shirt so they go out and purchase that new Polo as well. The product markets and sells itself.

Have you ever purchased a product just for the status it may have?

Response to Haley's Post on Starbucks & Barnes & Noble!

I think that it is brilliant that Barnes & Noble include Starbucks in their stores. Like Haley, I enjoy drinking a warm beverage while curled up reading a book. You see a lot of different businesses having relationships with one another. For example, on West Street in Keene there is an Irving gas station and inside it is a Dunkin Donuts. That way if you get hungry while you are getting gas you can go grab a quick cup of coffee or a donut. Also in the Keene Target there is a Starbucks inside that if you get hungry or thirsty while shopping you can grab a cup of coffee or a treat. It is smart that businesses build relationships with one another because in the long run they both win from the situation. I can pick up my laundry detergent from Target and get a cup of coffee and a cookie while I head out the door. Especially if a parent brings a kid with them shopping and they want a cup of hot cocoa they will beg their parents until they give in and buy them something from Starbucks, brilliant!


Do you ever find yourself giving into that temptation? That if you go to Target for a bar of soup or a CD that you end up purchasing a cup of coffee at Starbucks as well?

Pricing Strategies- Walmart

Have you ever wondered through a Walmart before? Ever wonder why and how the company does so well yet keeps their prices so low? Recently I was watching a program on Walmart on MSNBC and read an article from the Business Insider regarding Walmart's pricing strategy. Whenever I walk through a Walmart I see big signs 8.77 or 14.38 and I wonder why are the prices not like everyone else? 8.99 or 14.99? Well, that is where Walmart grabs the consumers attention in their prices. Their motto speaks for itself "Everyday low prices." That is what the company strives for and by cutting prices they help consumers save a few extra cents and make them appreciate Walmart's low price strategy. In the Business Insider article it said that due to the current recession many consumers have had no choice but to cut back on their spending habits and save a little extra cash wherever they can. By keeping prices low, low, low Walmart sales are up and more and more consumers have loyalty to the big box chain. "Walmart taught us all in the '80s, when you get a steady sales process, What happens? You can manage the business better. Walmart knows that by pricing lower they will get more consumers. Wouldn't you rather buy a television for $144.44 then $199.99 I know that I would. Any chance I get to save money I know I cease that opportunity. I feel as though by Walmart branding themselves as a place to shop with everyday low prices is a brilliant marketing tactic and it is truly what makes them so successful, and that is certainly what distinguishes them from their competitors. 

How do you feel about Walmart's pricing strategy? Do you think that it is clever? 

Article Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/why-walmart-can-pull-off-everyday-low-prices-while-everyone-else-keeps-failing-2012-9

Response to Ariana's post n the iPhone!

I think that the iPhone is a brilliant invention and Apple has done quite well with marketing and selling the product. As an iPhone 4s owner my loyalty is certainly to Apple products. I have to say that I enjoy the easy to use phone and applications associated with it. I use to have a Blackberry before purchasing my iPhone and enjoyed using BBM- black berry messaging. It was a way to communicate with other Blackberry users and sent messages much quicker then via text. Now the iPhone offers a service known as iMessaging from iPhone user to another iPhone users and I find that even more efficient and quick then texting or BBM even ever was. I agree with Ariana that the applications are what really sell the phone itself. I use my applications, especially Maps a lot. They are easy to access and use. It is not rare to see many businesses using iPhone technologies now to run day to day operations. I know at Dicks we could use company iPhone's to scan customers rewards points through the Dicks Sporting Goods application and it was certainly a lot more effective than having to send the customer back home to dig through and find a coupon. With technology such as Siri, a voice operated robot living in your phone. Siri can basically do anything, you ask Siri to do something and Siri will find it for you right away.  Simply ask; "Siri, where is the closest restaurant in Keene, NH?" and Siri will tell you and send you a location to the restaurant, Siri will even make a reservation for you if you ask. It is amazing how far technology has come within the past few years. I am grateful to live in an era where there are so many advances and I certainly do love my iPhone 4S.

Do you think you would be able to live without technology now that we depend so much on using it? How often do you use your smart phone? Daily? Hourly? Every minute?

Segmenting and Target Markets- Gap

When one thinks of target markets and segmenting they can usually picture the "average" shopper, who continuously purchases a certain product. Chapter 8 discusses the 80/20 principle; holding 20 percent of all customers generates 80 percent of the demand. This relates to the concept of brand loyalty. If a certain consumer has an opinion on a company and enjoys their products, for instance, Gap. Then the consumer will continue to shop and purchase Gap products. They may not need those new pair of $65 cargo pants but they try them on, fall in love then purchase them. Then their friends see how nice the pants are, they purchase the pants, the chain continues and demand goes up. The target market for Gap usually consists of many middle class individuals that demand quality products for an average price. Gap shoppers range from those in their 20's who want a trendy new top to an elderly person in their early 60's buying a new pair of khaki pants. Gap creates an atmosphere that is "family friendly" that way every individual consumer feels like they can find what they want. Gap certainly uses the concept of one-to-one marketing when they market BabyGap, GapKids, and GapMaternity. It focuses mainly on a specific individual; such as GapMaternity geared more towards pregnant women rather than a man shopping for suit pants. The company overall does a great job at establishing its target market.


How do you feel about Gap with relation to one-to-one marketing? Do you think they practice one-to-one marketing?

Respond to Ariana's Post- Blimps for Advertising

I think that using blimps for advertising is a brilliant idea. Not only is the concept of a blimp neat and creative but it also seems like fun to be flying in the air on a moving real life advertisement. They also move slow so that way everyone gets the opportunity to view what the blimp is advertising. I know whenever I go to a baseball game there is always either a Hood or Michelin Tire blimp flying high and might above the stadium. Maybe while you are enjoying a cookie at the baseball game and you see a big Hood blimp fly over head you may feel inclined to go purchase a chocolate or regular milk. Or if you are on the beach and covered in sweat and need a refreshment, when suddenly an Aquafina advertisement on a blimp flies over the beach you may be more inclined to go purchase some bottled H2O. I know that while I was at a baseball game this last summer in Boston a Budweiser blimp flew above and in the moment I had to go purchase a Budlight right away. It made me crave the beverage. Sometimes it is just so tempting that you have to give in and make that purchase.


What is the most unusual place that you have spotted a blimp advertisement?

Consumer Decision Making- Skin Care

In chapter 6 we discussed consumer decision making with a focus mainly on consumer behavior and what motivates each consumer to purchase what. I thought skin care and cosmetic industry would be a great choice to blog about because it is all about preference when it comes to skin care. I know when I choose face wash I always go for the "morning burst" clean & clear oil-free wash. Not only does it make my pores feel open and less clogged but it certainly does exactly what they advertise, it wakes you up with a fragrant smell of orange and lemon grass. I started using the product when I was in middle school and my skin felt oily and clogged and my brother suggested the product. He had used Clean & Clear products for a while and it seemed to help clear his skin so I thought it would be a great choice. I also felt over the course of the day my skin would become oily but washing it more then twice a day would dry it out so my mother picked up some oil free face wipes that seem to do the trick. My loyalty and my families is to Clean & Clear skin care products because we know they work on our skin and we would recommend them to anyone. Clean & Clear is our personal preference and we feel as though our brand loyalty is to them. Before using Clean & Clear products my brother started with Neutrogena and found their products to actually cause more oil than prevent it so that was an obvious brand to cross off the skin care list. Specifically pertaining to gender my brother and myself do not really have much of a preference but Clean & Clear products seem to work well. We both look as hygiene to be an important factor in life and skin care is part of day to day hygiene.


Has a family member or social setting influenced you in purchasing a certain product?

Response to Kevin Provost's post- Product To Market

I think Kevin brings up a good point that many consumer do not realize how difficult it is to bring a new product to the market. It takes a lot of time and effort for a new product to be launched. A lot goes into it, financially with cost control, plans and designs are drawn out through methods of quality control. I product is put through a series of tests that make sure it is usable or not. Then market research is done, is there really a need or desire for this product? Where should it be distributed? What is the target market? Time is the number one factor in this equation. It takes time for a new product to be released and distributed. There are so many great ideas that simply go to waste. I watch the show "Shark Tank" occasionally and I see all these wild ideas unfold right in front of me and I think to myself, wow this is incredible. I would invest in a lot of companies if I had the capital to launch new products. Some ideas may be a fail but others are genius that do not see it to their full potential. Consumers need to realize that it took a lot for that product to hit shelves then and there. It took a large thought process, a whole team of experts took the time to focus on this product and what to do to launch it. How successful a product does is determined on how much of the product a consumer purchases and what they may be willing to spend. Look at Razor scooters, a few years back young consumer had to spend over $100 dollars on a cheap metal object with two plastic wheels that broke easily. But yet, everyone had to have it. It was the latest things because the engineers that designed it knew that kids would love it and the market research showed that it would do well.

How do you feel about launching your own product? Would you be nervous?

Products & Branding- Nike

Everyone knows when they see the signature "swoosh" trademark, they think of Nike. A company that promotes active living by providing consumers with a wide range of products geared towards fitness. The slogan "Just Do It" is a way for Nike to brand itself. Nike promotes that anything is possible by the consumer purchasing the product anyone can really "Just Do It." This athletic apparel and footwear company has a high level of brand equity. Their products sell and by advertising their catchy slogan and by selling large quantities of the product to consumers it advertises itself. It has developed a global brand for itself, everyone all over the world knows what Nike is. From the streets of New York City to Beijing, China. Consumers genuinely enjoy the product. Its flashy colors draw in consumers attention, the trendy apparel that everybody wants to wear. Nike has really made a name for itself. The footwear packaging is easy to distinguish because it is always in an orange box. The informational labeling tells the consumer what the shoe is made out of, where it is made, the use of the shoe and what size. It is easy for consumers to tell that Nike's product mix is apparel, footwear, gym and fitness equipment. They even use "cause-related marketing" with a cancer foundation known as Livestrong. Through marketing a yellow "Livestrong" slogan stated that all income from the sales of the Livestrong product goes towards a cancer foundation. I feel as though Nike overall does a great job at branding and marketing their product. It is easy to identify what Nike sells and how they branch out and sell and what they specifically make. They are a successful company in many ways, but mainly by identifying themselves from competitors. I would not have a problem referring Nike products to other friends, family, etc.

Do you think Nike does a good job at branding themselves? Is there product is easy to identify and distinguish itself from competitors?

Response to Ariana Barone's Post on Global Marketing!

I found Ariana's post about the Globe running on Dunkin' Donuts to be quite surprising. You think when you hear the slogan; "America Runs On Dunkin'" that they are just mainly located in America. From what Ariana's article has taught me is that Dunkin' Donuts is in fact a global company. I chose to discuss Starbucks in my post. Both companies seem to have reached out in to different markets in order to draw in consumers from different demographics. Marketing internationally is a brilliant idea for a company. If that company, such as Dunkin' Donuts has the capital to reach developing markets then by all means they should. The concept of globalization is genius. It is a way to increase profit margins and communicate internationally. Pick up different ideas from different places. Chinese culture is certainly different than the United States. It is important for companies to realize if they plan to go global that they have to take in to consideration different customs and currencies. We live in a thriving global economy and the best way to stay a float is to keep your customers happy.

If you were a business and had enough capital would you invest in expanding your company over seas?

Developing A Global Vision- With Starbucks Coffee!

An article entitled: "Starbucks Unveils Accelerated Global Growth Plans" seemed to interest me the most this week. Mainly because we are discussing companies that are "developing a global vision." In this case, Starbucks coffee has set high standards for its self and branched out globally. The company plans to open 3,000+ new stores in the Americas by 2017. Double its international footprint by 2015. China on track to become the second largest home to Starbucks stores by 2014. They have expanded and reiterated their commitment to social justice and profitability in Western Europe. Starbucks plans to expand to new markets, reach customers wants and needs through providing an excellent product and service. They use global marketing strategies to reach different cultures and races all over the world. To simply sell a cup of coffee? And the company is doing quite well at it. They're not only environmentally friendly but they are an equal opportunity employer and believe in giving back to the area in which they open stores. Starbucks global mission is to expand internationally and give everyone all over the world a chance to try their delicious coffee, teas, hot chocolates, lattes and treats. I know from experience that I enjoy getting a Starbucks iced tazo tea every once in a while. It is all about the "Starbucks experience" how I (the consumer) feel when I sip out of that green straw. I feel as though Starbucks is a prosperous company and global expansion is a wise choice for the company to make. If you can enjoy the "Starbucks experience" in Boston, Massachusetts, you should also, be able to do it in Hong Kong, China or Paris, France. Reaching different markets opens up an international market and could make your global flourish. A little coffee shop from Seattle, Washington is now found in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. I think it is important for companies to not just stay in one place but expand into different cultures and help develop under developed countries.
Source: http://news.starbucks.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=733
http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2018837267_starbucks05.html

                                                       STARBUCKS GLOBAL!

What do you think it would be like to go to a Starbucks in Rome, Italy? Would the experience be the same? What about that signature Starbucks taste?

Regulations!

From that definition of regulations in the text book,  I found self regulation to be just as, if not more than important as governmental regulations. Self regulations through industry is extremely important. It limits what is happening in the market and how much standards need to be met. For example, the Food and Drug Administration is very important. It is in charge of enforcing regulations against selling and distributing adulterated, misbranded, or hazardous food and drug products. The Federal Trade Commission which is in charge of seeking out and challenging anti-competitive conduct in the market place, including monopolization and agreements between competitors, promoting competition in industries where consumer impact is high, such as health care and real estate. Also, the Consumer Product Safety Commission; is in charge of protecting the health and safety of consumers in and around their homes. Without these regulations the market would be open for what ever. Regulations are made to keep us the consumers safe and I feel as though they are important to have. I'm glad we have regulations.

How do you as a consumer feel about regulations?

Response to Ariana Barone's Post on Flash Mobs!

I think that flash mobs are an effective form of advertising. Like Ariana stated in her blog, they take place in random spots but are planned out. And just when someone least expects it a flash mob breaks out in dance. Usually to a catch tune. A catchy tune that could be a theme song to a company. Thus, promoting the company further. Take a mall for example, if a flash mob breaks out in front of the store Kay Jewelers and they're dancing to Rhianna's hit new song "Shine Bright Like A Diamond" then at the end of the flash mob they promote "every kiss begins with Kay." This is a big hit! Especially with Valentines day soon approaching a flash mob in front of Kay Jewelers wouldn't be such a bad thing. Not only does it turn heads but it draws people's attention to that area. In a episode of Glee they did a flash mob out in the school cafeteria to a Lady Gaga song and that certainly got students attention. I think that flash mobs are fun, entertaining and certainly a good way to draw attention to a business- product and/or service.

Would you participate in a flash mob? Or use a flash mob to promote a business? 

Response to Ariana Barone's Post!

To be honest, I did not have the time to watch the Superbowl. However, I did catch an recap of the commercials this morning on GMA. I agree with you that the Budweiser commercial featuring the trainer and the horse was probably one of the sweetest things I have seen in a commercial, besides those save the animals in the shelter ones. It's shocking that just 30 seconds of commercial time costs around 4 million dollars, 8 million for a minute? That's insane. But think, how many people watch the Superbowl? Some tune in solely for the commercials. It is important to impress viewers. From the over view I saw, I was not too impressed. I use to always look forward to the Gatorade commercials featuring athletes Gatorade filled perspiration. Or Britney Spears dancing barely clothed for PepsiCo. The network is said to generate a total of  $75 million from running the commercials. That's a large chunk of change. Hopefully it is selling a lot of product. Visuals are what speaks to consumers so if the product looks good enough to satisfy the consumer on television than why not head to the closest store and purchase the product before it suddenly sells out. But really, $4 million for 30 seconds..oh?

How would you fill 30-60 seconds with a budget of $4-8 million? Would you make an ad crazy enough to catch viewers attention? Such as the ad by Budweiser with a horse galloping through downtown times square New York City?

Using Social Media To Market A Business

Lately have you noticed that when ever you see an ad for a company that rather than sending you to the companies web page that it is now sending you to it's Facebook page instead? According to Yahoo.com as of December 2012 Facebook has over 1.01 billion users. Now that's a lot of visitors. Visitors who could potentially gain knowledge about a company through Facebook. With options such as "checking in" to a business or "liking" a business other users can see where their "friends" are shopping, dining and staying. I think that it is a brilliant way of marketing yourself through Facebook. That many users? Why not? Many companies are also jumping on the Twitter craze to "tweet" the next good deal or promotion taking place. I work at Dicks Sporting Goods and I remember on Black Friday we ran a promotion if you liked a certain post you would receive 25% off an item of fitness equipment. Deals like these are what draw consumers to Facebook or following businesses Twitter pages. I know as a consumer that I am always looking for the next deal.

Do you think that using forms of social media such as Facebook and Twitter is a wise way to market yourself as a business? What are the benefits and are there any drawbacks? 

Response to Haley Bannon's Post!

I can see what Haley says seems to bring up a good point. Even though my argument contradicts what Haley has to say I do agree in this case about the two, and can see where she is coming from. I do think that is important to recognize that when we think of the value of something, what it is worth to us, we also think of how satisfied it makes us feel. If we are not satisfied with something then I don't think we would choose to put such value on that item. It's different for certain people, but in my opinion that's how I relate. I do agree with your last statement "that satisfaction can still take place  because one aspect does not rely on the other thus, allowing them to occur simultaneously. Yes, we can still be satisfied with a product even though there is a low customer value there. It is all about preferences and what we want and expect out of the product. Again, everyone is different. What if this pricey product is promised to help take wrinkles off your face? And instead it ads more wrinkles to your face? Then are you satisfied? How much value does this product really have to you as the consumer? Would you continue to purchase this product? And don't you feel like you wasted a lot of money on something that said to be the greatest thing in the beauty industry, yet it's the worst?

Customer Satisfaction & Customer Value!

I feel as though customer satisfaction and customer value are both interdependent on one another because they both bring up a customers opinion about the product or service. The Customer Value Proposition is defined as; consisting of the sum total of benefits which a vendor promises a customer will receive in return for the customers associated payment (dictionary.com). So exactly, why should me, the customer want to buy from you, the business. What convinces me that this shampoo is the best shampoo out there? What does it offer that the other leading brands don't? This all depends on how satisfied we are with the product after purchasing it. Suppose that Pantene Pro V draws in my attention for shampoo, I like their television ads and I enjoy their fun slogan. Pert Plus also has a fun slogan but their bottles are ugly and the scent of the shampoo isn't as appealing to my senses as Pantene. So I go with Pantene, hoping that this product is going to be better than the tired old bottle of Pert Plus that I have been using for years now (customer value). I find Pantene Pro V to be the best product out there. I enjoy using the product, it smells great, my hair is moisturized, soft and I will certainly purchase their product next time (customer satisfaction). If the product isn't up to par and does not do what exactly it has promised, IE- provide shiney, clean, fragrant smelling hair after using than me, the customer will clearly not be satisfied with the product and will chose not to purchase the product in the future. Therefore with low customer value then comes poor satisfaction with the product.
Would you be satisfied with a product that is suppose to do amazing things yet it you take it home and it is a piece of junk?