Implementation Evaluation Control

We plan to implement and carry out our plans with demos and displays of our new Phileas Fogg Husky Chip snacks at sports bars, local clubs and suppermarkets. Because the demographic that this product is aimed towards is adults, ones that like to socialize, drink, and eat snacks.
"Marketing implementation is the process that turns marketing plans into marketing actions in order to accomplish strategic marketing objectives. Whereas marketing planning addresses the what and why of marketing activities, implementation addresses the who, where, when, and how." (Kotler, Gary Armstrong and Philip. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corp.pg 57)
After our plan is implemented management will assess results and identify any problems or performance variations, and initiate corrective action. Then we will evaluate the results of marketing strategies and plans and take corrective action to ensure that objectives are achieved.
"Control; Measure result, evaluate results, take corrective action." (Kotler, Gary Armstrong and Philip. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation. Pg 56, Figure 2.6 )
In Conclusion we are working to form the balanced blend of Marketing mix of controllable tactical marketing tools—product, price, place, and promotion, in order to produce the response it wants in the target market.

Price

Pricing to Phileas Fogg's snacks means understanding & capturing customer Value by first considering reseller margins before setting our pricing.

“In the narrowest sense, price is the amount of money charged for a product or service. More broadly, price is the sum of all the values that customers give up in order to gain the benefits of having or using a product or service.” (Kotler, Gary Armstrong and Philip. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation, Pg 275)
Price is the only element in marketing that produces revenue. Ultimately the price is the amount customers pay to obtain a product. Customer value-based pricing is important, as it uses buyers’ perceptions of value, not the seller’s cost, as the key to pricing. It’s interesting to know that good value is not the same as low price.
“In other cases, good-value pricing has involved redesigning existing brands to offer more quality for a given price or the same quality for less. Some companies even succeed by offering less value but at rock-bottom prices.” (Kotler, Gary Armstrong and Philip. An Introduction for Education Management Corporation,Pg 277)
I have found 3 major pricing strategies that would include customer value-based, cost-based, and competition-based pricing. Also there are strategies for new-product pricing, product mix pricing, and dealing with price changes.
“Costs set the floor for price but the goal isn’t always to minimize costs. In fact, many firms invest in higher costs so that they can claim higher prices and margins (think about Steinway pianos). The key is to manage the spread between costs and prices—how much the company makes for the customer value it delivers.” (Kotler, Gary Armstrong and Philip. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation, Pg 278)

In conclusion retailers have the final say concerning price.

Objectives

Pricing plays an important role in helping to accomplish company objectives at many levels. Marketing objectives define what we want to accomplish through our marketing activities.

We at Phileas Fogg plan to set our objectives to be; specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time specific. "The company’s supplier network is crucial to its success. As a result, L’Oréal treats suppliers as respected partners." (Kotler, Gary Armstrong and Philip. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation. pg 48) Our overall marketing objectives are to build a long-term supplier relationships based on mutual benefit and growth.

"The major functional departments in each unit—marketing, finance, accounting, purchasing, operations, information systems, human resources, and others—must work together to accomplish strategic objectives." (Kotler, Gary Armstrong and Philip. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation. pg 47

One of our goals is to set prices to attract new customers and profitably retain them. Our unique new snack chip won't have as much competition as some new products so we don't have to set our prices as low as new products would normally need to do. Our prices can always be reduced temporarily to create excitement for the new brand of snack if needed. We hope our new Husky Chip product will be priced to help the sales of other products in our company’s line. By setting our prices at competitors levels we hope to stabilize the market.

Promotion

One way that we plan to promote our Husky Chips is with the push-pull means of advertising technique. "Marketers can choose from two basic promotion mix strategies—push promotion or pull promotion." (Kotler, Gary Armstrong and Philip. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation. pg 384)
We plan to push our product through marketing channels to consumers by using the sales force and trade promotion to push the product. The producer will then promote our product to channel members who in turn will promote it to final consumers. We also plan to use the pull strategy where, "the producer directs its marketing activities (primarily advertising and consumer promotion) toward final consumers to induce them to buy the product by using TV and print ads, a brand Web site, its YouTube channel, and other channels consumers will then demand the brand from retailers." (Kotler, Gary Armstrong and Philip. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation.pg 384)
This type of strategy may help to induce consumers to buy our product, creating a demand vacuum that pulls our product Husky Chips through the channels. We plan to put some of our funds into personal selling, followed by sales promotion, advertising, and then Public Relations. Personal selling and sales promotion as separate tools will be carefully integrated with other elements of the promotion mix.
"Promotion means activities that communicate the merits of the product and persuade target customers to buy it."(Kotler, Gary Armstrong and Philip. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation. pg54) 
One idea suggestion to promote consumer buyers is to advertise a gift offer. "Earn a Husky Chips Sports Scarf with your super-hero Chip the Husky lead sled Dog featured on it. Just by scanning and sending in 10 box tops with proof of purchase upc codes on them." Look for us on Facebook and twitter for special promotional surprises that will appear weekly.

Week 10 EOC: What are the benefits vs. the features?

The benefits to the new Phileas Fogg's Husky Salmon Potato Chip products are that it's more exciting because of the international influences of select flavors discovered on our adventures around the World. While researching the potato growers in Sun Valley, Idaho farms I discovered the secret about how they are grown and how that affects the crispness for our chips. Its partly due to the rich soil and the climate factors are a large key. They have warm weather days and cold at night time to ensure the healthy growth of these flavorful potatoes.
Each of our snack chip editions features a New Phileas Fogg Adventure story on the back of the box with a new Super Hero each month. Our first Edition will be a sell out with Chip our Lead Husky dog for the sled team as our Hero.
We are in tune with the latest marketing technology available and are connected with the social media on a daily bases to reach all our customers World Wide. The pricing will be comparable to other products currently on the market shelves in the stores with added benefits. "These chips are not just a snack, but they are a high source of energy". They are made with the best products found while exploring around the World. These Chips are home made and tested by family, friends and soon to be sampled at your local supermarkets. Remember they aren't just a Chip but they are packed with Energy, too!

The Hymalayan Pink Salt loaded with 84 nutrient values not only high in protein, but has the strongest and best flavor of any salt on the market.Our Salmon comes fresh out of the Alaska Kodiak Straights better quality than farm raised fish.

Situation or Swot Analysis

SWOT ANALYSIS- BLOG
"Strengths include internal capabilities, resources, positive situational factors that may help the company to serve its customers and achieve its objectives. Weaknesses include internal limitations and negative situational factors that may interfere with the company’s performance. Opportunities are favorable factors or trends in the external environment that the company may be able to exploit to its advantage. And threats are unfavorable external factors or trends that may present challenges to performance." (Kotler, Gary Armstrong and Philip. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation, Pg 55.)
Strengths:

• Phileas Fogg's Husky Salmon Chips come in a box with an airtight resealable package inside as opposed to a plastic bag, so the chips won't get crushed like they do in regular bags.
• Phileas Fogg's Husky Salmon Chips are a bit thicker combined with meat protein substance.
• Phileas Fogg's chips are of a much higher quality than other types of potato chips.
• Phileas Fogg's chips are a little more satisfying as far as meals go compared to other chips.
• The Husky Chips would go great at Sports bars or lounges. Being a high protein snack, it goes very well with sipping on your favorite drink and recharging for your next event.

Weaknesses:

• Phileas Fogg’s Chips may have smaller quantities of chips within the package considering the chips are thicker with more substance.
• Phileas Fogg's price is a little higher compared to other competitors.
• Phileas Fogg's Chips may be either too fattening or too salty for some people's taste.
• Phileas Fogg's is still a new brand and attempting to establish itself in the market place.

Opportunities:

• There is a specific age group that these chips cater to, but everyone will enjoy them too.
• The production of our chips are made in an environmentally safe and energy efficient factory.
• The field for foods specifically catered for alcoholic beverages is available with little competition.

Threats:

• Advertising costs.
• Production costs.
• Phileas Fogg's isn't a major brand so competition is a huge factor.
•  Once my new Husky Chips are available on the market it could pose a threat to other snacks for alcoholic beverages due to its unique salmon flavor and thicker quality for a potato chip. Other companies my offer special reduced pricing to customers that they lost to my new brand.
  
  
  

Distribution

Our goal for Phileas Fogg Husky Chips is to deliver the freshest flavorful snack in the local cities of America to start with to test the market first. We want to make products available in the right place at the right time in the right quantities and quality for the needs of our consumers. "In many ways, retailing boils down to the unglamorous art of getting the right product in the right place at the right time at the right price." (Kotler, Gary Armstrong and Philip. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation.pg344)
Our company plan is to set up a Web site and toll free call center, with direct to consumer distribution channels.
We at Phileas Fogg plan to channel our product distribution from the vendor to the consumer with as few of intermediaries as possible to keep our costs low. With a direct transaction from the vendor to the consumer will be our first goal. But we will be working with farmers, wholsalers, distributers, agents and retailers as needed.
 "Channels of distribution within countries vary greatly from nation to nation. There are large differences in the numbers and types of intermediaries serving each country market, and in the transportation infrastructure serving these intermediaries."(Kotler, Gary Armstrong and Philip. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation. pg 502)


 

 

Product

I, Phileas Fogg, am about to launch a new snack called Husky Chips made with grade A Idaho Potatoes topped with all natural high-protein Smoked Salmon, and sprinkled with nutritional Himalayan Pink Salt. Our new chips are deep fried in Grapeseed Oil (an excellent source of Vitamin E). Our new product is loaded with flavor and energy. We stand behind the true meaning of Product and good customer satisfaction.
"Product means the goods-and-services combination the company offers to the target market." (Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation, Pg. 54)
We plan to stand the test for our new Products life cycle. Our goal is to partner with venders affiliated to our product ingredients and packaging companies.

"Introduction stage: The product life-cycle stage in which the new product is first distributed and made available for purchase. In this stage, as compared to other stages, profits are negative or low because of the low sales and high distribution and promotion expenses." (Kotler, Gary Armstrong and Philip. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation.pg.259)

Our Husky Salmon Chip Product Packaging is bright, colorful and will draw attention to the consumer. With each purchase of our delicious product you also recieve an adventures around the World with Phileas Fogg and his Dog Sled Team lead by Chip.

Target Market Strategy

To design a winning marketing strategy, the marketing manager must answer two important questions: What customers will we serve (what’s our target market)? and How can we serve these customers best (what’s our value proposition)? (Kotler, Gary Armstrong & Philip. Marketing: An Intro. for Education Management Corp. pg.9)
Our Snacks are targeting the demographics of adults, mostly males that like to drink and watch sports at the bars, games and at home. Our products are aimed at gaining the sports tribe academic spectators from Colleges, Sports Bars, games on TV and other locations.
"A brand’s value proposition is the set of benefits or values it promises to deliver to consumers to satisfy their needs." (Kotler, Gary Armstrong & Philip. Marketing: An Intro. for Education Management Corp. pg.9)
We are creating just the right value proposition for its unique mix of customer lifestyles by offering both tasty, salty and high protein snacks with an adventure in every package. We plan to meet and exceed customer expectations with this high quality snack.
Targeting and value proposition are pretty well summed up in our new ad slogan;
"Our Chip will put a smile on every Husky both Man & Dog! " Be the first to join our new team of Husky Chips! We are looking for long-term customers that make it across the finish line. Win-Win lets begin this new adventure together!

Week 9: EOC Three great mission statements

1. What is a mission statement?

"A mission statement is a statement of the organization’s purpose—what it wants to accomplish in the larger environment. A clear mission statement acts as an “invisible hand” that guides people in the organization." (Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation, Pg. 39)

At Phineas Fogg's we don't just make ordinary snack foods we take you on a journey around the world with our many exotic flavors. We want to give you the experience that you would have if you were actually in that country or city, without ever leaving your own country. We being to you adventure, mystery, and memories. You will personally feel as if you went on this amazing voyage with Phineas Fogg tasting all of the exotic flavors of the world. Take the chance and go on one of these amazing adventures, you won't regret it. Try one of our newest snacks, it is filled with the flavors of Madrid, Spain. You will feel the rush and the despair that Phineas went through to discover this amazing snack just for you.

http://xandriamariefashion.blogspot.com/
I like the way she describes the exotic flavors and creates the adventure in her mission statement, but the name and type of chip is missing in this. But when I read her Pitch it described in great detail the Tapas snack food. I like how she included the flavors of Madrid, Spain which gives me an expectation about her snacks. I especially appreciate the emotions described about Phineas and his discovery of this amazing snack!

2. It is always important and imperative to understand your mission statement for your new products you are lunching. According to Armstrong and Kotler, "mission statements have largely devolved into flat- head jargon. Almost no one can figure out what they mean."( Marketing an Introduction p. 41) I want my mission statement to engage consumers to indulge in my treats, while understanding my objectives for the product. Phileas Fogg's Bangkok Bites are delicious Thai chicken jerky treats that go well with beer and wine, while at home and social events. Your taste buds and imagination will come alive when you consume these high protein snacks. One bite, and you are immediately transported to the enchanted city of Bangkok, experiencing excitement and adventure.http://tonyromestproductions.blogspot.com/
This appears as an example of a strong and informative mission statement because it clearly defines the product and services provided. The Bangkok Bites product is clearly written in detail and explains why it would be good as a high protein snack. It also has an enchanting appeal to experience around the world. 
 
3. "We want to provide you with the wonderful world of spicy but delightful taste of a seaweed snack with a twist. Experience the crunch and spice infused flavor of Deep fried crab legs with wrapped salted seaweed. Just grab and bite with no cracking or peeling, just simply eat."  Allofs Khamvongsa
This mission statement explains in detail a description of the product with entissing ingredients. It sounds very unique and the product could make me feel like I'm in another country.

 

 

 

Business Mission Statement

Phileas Fogg's Husky Smoked Salmon Chip isn't just another snack: it's mission is to make people smile around the world  by selling the best quality snacks with passion, excellence, and innovation. "When you are looking for a pick-me-up snack, you will find your Super-Hero within, packed with Power in every bite." We use the number one fresh Idaho potatoes, pink salmon  and Himalayan pink salt (Himalayan Salt:Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Kosher, Certified Organic). This high protein chip is packaged in a resealable bag. Our goal is to satisfy the basic customer needs with our changing products and current technologies.
"Many organizations develop formal mission statements that answer these questions. A mission statement is a statement of the organization’s purpose—what it wants to accomplish in the larger environment. A clear mission statement acts as an “invisible hand” that guides people in the organization."
( Kotler, Gary Armstrong and Philip. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation, 10th Edition. pg39)

EOC Week 8: Creative Content

Companies find and develop new-product ideas from their customers, employees, competitors, distributors and suppliers, and others. The new-product development starts with good new idea generation, idea screening, concept development & testing, & marketing strategy development, business analysis, product development, test marketing, and commercialization.
"The marketing strategy statement consists of three parts. The first part describes the target market; the planned value proposition; and the sales, market share, and profit goals for the first few years." (Kotler, Gary Armstrong and Philip. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation." pg 250.)
 Customer-centered new-product development begins and ends with solving customer problems. Studies have found that the most successful new products are ones that are differentiated, solve major customer problems, and offer a customer value proposition.
Our new snack product the Husky Chip is made with all natural ingredients. Our Pictures are made up with bright and attractive photography of Phileas Fogg's Adventures. The Packaging is made of biodegradable cardboard exterior and resealable airtight plastic bag for inside the box. The cartoon characters draw attention to how fun and exciting this new snack will be. For the Costume Fashions on the characters on the outside of our Box we will illustrate current Eskimo-type Jackets and accessories. "I plan to partner with Fashion Design Vendors that offer Winter Style clothing lines and to advertise their Winter Ensembles on my Box of Chips and thus sponsor some of the start-up costs."

Here is a picture of the home-made idea sampled & tested for quality:

Week 8: The Adventure

How I, Phileas Fogg, came to Alaska and discovered the idea of my new Husky Salmon Chip. I was a stow away hiding from a detective, Mr. Fix, who thinks I robbed a bank in Russia. I escaped on the Coast Guard Ship Ice Breaker crossing the treacherous straights to meet up with my dog sled team.
Bear, which has been called the Coast Guard's equivalent of "Old Ironsides", was built in Dundee, Scotland in 1874 as a sealer and whaler. She was 198 feet in length and 1,700 tons, powered by a steam engine. Her strong wood construction and ice breaking ability and iron plating on her stem    could be subjected to considerable ice pressure. But something else hit us broad-side just as we entered the port, it looked like a Giant Whale, I was thrown from the Ship onto dry land. I was able to find my dog sled team and delivery already loaded and ready to go.


    

Week 7:The Pitch

The idea for my new yummy salty smoked salmon Husky Chip came to me after my grueling freezing great escape adventure with my dog sled team in Kodiak Straights of Alaska. This chip has a yummy salty smoked salmon flavor that goes with that great adventure whether it's in the cold snowy parts of Alaska or in the comfort of your home watching your favorite sports game on TV. You will find an explosive flavor burst in your mouth when you bite into this chip and experience the feeling of racing down a mountains cliff-edge during a white-out Blizzard.

 

This Adventure began when I, Phileas Fogg, was on my way to run a Delivery with my dog sled team to the Eskimos in a remote wilderness area of Alaska. My encounters with some of the wild creatures became challenging during this time when a large obstacle appeared on the narrow mountain cliff pass standing in front of us was the biggest Kodiak Giant Grizzly Bear I have ever seen! I only had 2 choices to make at this moment; one was to go straight down the icy steep rugged mountain cliff with sharp rocks and trees or to go thru the legs of the Giant 10 foot high Bear! With the freezing temperatures ice was forming on the sled rails and we needed to get out of the blizzard white-out before dark. I remembered that I had salmon I was delivering and threw one at the bear in hopes to distract him but instead my lead dog Chip who is a Husky broke loose from the sled-team and attacked the Giant. Chip startled the Bear enough so I had time to whirl my ice-pick around the leg of the bear and knock it off the edge of the cliff in front of us. We were able to make our delivery on schedule before visibility was completely gone thanks to Chip my Husky and the Salmon!

 

So Fill up your bowl with this delicious snack while sipping on your favorite drink and visualize yourself as the super hero on the edge of the Alaskan mountain peaks during a blizzard.

 

(BEAR & SALMON GO TOGETHER)or should I say BEER & SALMON GO TOGETHER

 

 

Week 6:EOC Me times 3

This picture shows my newest Embroidery Sewing Machine. It is what I express my creativity with most. It has given me an opportunity to make clothes for both-family, friends and work. With this special machine and it’s built in designs and attachments I have been able to create personalized monogrammed articles of clothing with unique delicate borders that look very professional. With the Holidays just around the corner I plan to make both-gifts and crafts to give and sell on the internet. I just finished making a back pack for my grandson with his name and favorite sports pictures embroidered on the outside. I am looking forward to years of fun creating and designing on this machine. 
Brother+Se400+Sewing+Machine

The at home folding craft  Hobby Table makes cutting out patterns to make clothes, other items and crafts easy because of the comfortable height of 36" my back has been spared from undue pain. Because the sides of this sturdy metal craft table folds down for compact storage I have been able to use it anywhere in my home by folding down one or both sides as needed to work on a project. Some of the jobs I have done require large work areas to lay out fabrics such as stage props and covers. I was even able to design and create a baby grand piano cover for a Vegas Show on this folding table because its dimensions were both-long and wide enough.
 Sullivans-USA-Home-Hobby-Table

This Singer Adjustable Dress form has allowed me to make pattern adjustments before cutting. I can set the necklines, sleeves and collars easily with the adjustments. It’s been perfect for linings, hems and finish. This Dress form has 12 dials for adjusting the measurements for all the body contours that I need. Its foam-backed has made it easy for pinning fabric to it. When I am doing alterations on suit Jackets for the Entertainers here in Vegas this dress form helps me to drape the fabric over the mannequin to line up the seams evenly. They are most helpful in hemming garments especially long gowns.

joann.com/singer--adjustable-dressform

 

Week 5:Social Networks and Job Hunting

 

"More companies are trying to tap Facebook Inc.'s 750-million-plus user base to find new employees, threatening traditional job boards and competing with LinkedIn Corp., which has dominated the online professional networking arena." (Light, Joe; Theory & Practice-Recruiters Troll Facebook for Candidates They Like; The Wall Street Journal; August 8, 2011) WSJ.com article

The idea of job recruiters using facebook to find Candidates is a more personable concept and can create an opportunity for value and trust to be built. The social networks are so popular for a quick way to stay in touch with family and events. The credibility of a product or company can be shared on these high exposure sites. When family members are sharing a positive experience about something they just purchased and share it with each other on facebook explaining in detail how it works and that it’s the best they ever had, that is like telling the whole world what a great product did for them. When the story is followed with pictures that’s even better exposure for a company. The best would be when they say they want more of the same or they will repeat that purchase. The raving revues on the social networks affect us all. I have even been touched by the story about the robot vacuum cleaner that the family gave a pet name to.

"We used to assume the best reps would be the cool kids in any given group. But we learned that most kids are not cool. If marketers want consumers to feel a connection to their ambassadors and to feel that an ambassador is accessible, they have to look beyond the cool customers” who are typically thought of as influentials. The best ambassadors, he says, are “friendly, everyday brand loyalists who love to talk to people.” (Kotler, Gary Armstrong and Philip. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation. 10. VitalSource Bookshelf. Pearson Learning Solutions, , 10/31/2012)

   

WEEK 4: Business to Business Marketing

"Business customer buying decisions are made within the framework of a strategic, problem-solving partnership. “We love the challenge of a customer’s problem,” says the company on its GE Transportation Web site." (Marketing an Introduction 10th Edition by Armstrong and Kotler, page 158)

GE's consumer products only contribute approximately one-third of its company sales. Most of its business comes from its commercial & industrial customers. It understands customer needs in order to create superior customer value. In stead of selling to large numbers of small buyers, it sells to a few very large customer buyers. GE locomotives performance plays an important role in the big-ticket purchases by buyers. Their buyers are looking for cost & fuel efficiency with reliability. GE has a proven track record over a long period of time of years the superior quality of their products.
They adopted new environmentally friendly products with their diesel-electric locomotives.

Business demand is derived from  the demand for consumer goods.Consumers like to research & compare a product before they buy it. When a part from one product is needed to make the whole product complete, then both Companies are in demand by the consumers.

"GE wins contracts by partnering with business customers to help them translate that performance into moving their passengers and freight more efficiently and reliably. CSX Transportation(CSXT), one of GE Transportation's largest customers, has purchased more than 300 GE Evolution locomotives since they were launched in 2005." (Marketing an Introduction 10th Edition by Armstrong and Kotler, page 158)

Stages in the buyer success in business-to-business markets involves more than just developing and selling superior products and technologies.The business buying decision process evaluates cost factors first. Then environmental impact, fuel consumption, reliability, serviceability and the Value of an ongoing partnership with GE.

"The changing nature of digital and social media has its own set of distinct challenges for business-to-business (B-to-B) marketers." Edelman

Web searches have affected sales and reports of approximately 90 percent of B-to-B buyers use social media for purchasing decisions. One source is by using social tools to change Public Relations. They may help enhance customer loyalty, spark new lead generation and  industry reputation a mix for marketplace success.

Week 3: Making Money for Good

FIGS

"Threads for Threads is our initiative - created to promote global education and inspire children to realize their dreams.For every tie sold, FIGS gives an entire school uniform to a child in need of an education – Threads for Threads."  http://www.wearfigs.com/

In many parts of Africa the children can’t go to school if they don’t have a uniform. This company  partners globally with local weavers and tailors to make uniforms for their school communities. The uniforms are distributed in a hundred plus Eastern African schools including Kenya and Tanzania. The FIGS ties are made of high quality silks, cashmeres, wool, and linen. One Tie=One Uniform= One Education according to FIGS.

"Approximately one billion people don’t have access to affordable glasses. Glasses can increase one’s income by 20%, enable students to see a blackboard and offer dignity to those with poor eyesight. Warby Parker works with experienced non-profit partners to ensure that each sale of our frames will give someone in need access to affordable glasses." http://www.warbyparker.com/Do-Good

I wasn't awair of the impact glasses can have on peoples productivity resulting by 20%.

It is equivalent of creating an extra day’s work each week according to this article. Glasses are one of the most effective poverty alleviation tools in the world. 

 

"Cause-Related Marketing. To exercise their social responsibility and build more positive images, many companies are now linking themselves to worthwhile causes." (Gary Armstrong and Philip Kotler. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation.) Page 86

Some examples are if you buy a pink mixer from KitchenAid that it will support breast cancer research. Another example would be if you purchase Ethos water from Starbucks that it will help bring clean water to children around the world. Some companies have been founded entirely on cause-related missions. They have the concept of “value-led business” or “caring capitalism,” their mission is to use business to make the world a better place."

 

 

Week 3: My Demographics
The Baby Boomers. The post–World War II baby boom produced 78 million baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964. Over the years, the baby boomers have been one of the most powerful forces shaping the marketing environment. The youngest boomers are now in their mid forties; the oldest are entering their sixties and approaching retirement age. The maturing boomers are rethinking the purpose and value of their work, responsibilities, and relationships.

After years of prosperity, free spending, and saving little, the recent recession hit many baby boomers hard, especially the preretirement boomers. A sharp decline in stock prices and home values has eaten into their nest eggs and retirement prospects. As a result, many boomers are now spending more carefully and planning to work longer. “You have a huge group of preretirement baby boomers, a huge number of people who are asking,‘ Can I live off my savings and Social Security for the rest of my life?’” says one economist. “A whopping 70 percent of Americans currently age 45 to 74 plan to work during their retirement years … both for enjoyment and because they need the money,” notesanother.9 http://digitalbookshelf.artinstitutes.edu/#/books/9780558851903/pages/48921799

I happen to fall into this group of Baby Boomers and I can certainly relate to this statistics report about the generation after World War II. We had opportunities to advance economically and raise our children to learn and developed skills to further enhance their potential careers. We valued the prosperous years as we were taught by our previous generation to be cautious and careful to manage our money and invest wisely. Our parents struggled to grow out of the depression era and tried to build investments for my generation the Baby Boomers so we wouldn't have to struggle and go without. But due to our current economy I have experienced the loses that my parents tried so hard to prevent.

Week 2 : Boston Consulting Group- Video Games

"The tentacles of the recession have reached into the video game industry, a business that was long considered downturn-resistant." ( Wall Street Journal / wsj.com) 

This article was written in 2009. With further research in the current year of 2012 the U.S. retail sales of new video game hardware, software and accessories fell again in July this year. Overall sales fell 20 percent according to the research firm NPD Group. The video games fell 23 percent from a year earlier. Nintendo Co.'s Wii U will be introduced later in the year and the prediction by NPD is that sales will be down from last year.

Video Game sites

“Feeling pressure from the popularity of inexpensive and easy-to-play video games on Apple Inc iPhone and other smartphones Sony Corp. said it will start selling “PlayStation-like” games in October for handsets, including those not manufactured by the Japanese electronics giant.” Sony Play Station

The company always viewed PlayStation 3, which debuted in 2006, as a product with a 10-year life cycle and they don’t plan on replacing it at this time.

“Some component suppliers to Apple in Asia say they have received orders to make more than 10 million units of the smaller tablets in the fourth quarter. That is roughly double the order that were placed for Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablets in the same quarter, these suppliers say.”

(Luk, Lorraine. "Buzz Building for Smaller Apple Tablet" Digits technological news and insights. Wall Street journal Blogs. / WSJ.com / October 7, 2012,)   Apple Tablet

The iPad Mini tablet is suppose to have around 7.85-inch screen and a lower price point to compete with newer tablets from Google and Amazon. Apple's market share of tablets was nearly 70 percent for the second quarter of the year. Apple is rumored to be revealing the iPad Mini later this month.

In conclusion my BCG analysis of the video game market after my research:

In the Cash Cow= Playstation 3

The Star=iPAD, iphone, smartphones

The Dog=Wii

The Question Mark=Android and Kindle

      

WEEK 1: Great Customer Service

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What is a high quality experience I had? (Marketing Creating and Capturing Customer Value,pg. 21) "Good customer relationship management creates customer delight. In turn, delighted customers remain loyal and talk favorably to others about the company and its products".

I have remained with the same Insurance Company  for over 25 years because of the way they have treated me and my family. They make us feel important and always acknowledge us as soon as we walk in to their office. They have always greeted us with a smile and listen to our needs.  When it’s time to make a payment they show extra care about our needs and not just try to sell us another policy. When it has been an emergency they are quick to respond with help for what procedure, direction and detail is necessary for us to take. I have continued to make my payments in person at their office which in return has built a special trust and rapport over the years.

They have proved over the course of time to be honest with me and my family in several situations. When my son’s car was stolen they made every effort to help us, even with police reports. It was even found within 24 hours before it was torched by the vandals. When I had an auto accident that caused injuries and damage to my car they were quick to respond with all the necessary steps I needed to get things done. They have been diligent to follow through until we are satisfied with everything including any medical needs. They even call me to check to see if there is anything more they can do to help. They didn’t even raise their rates!

Allstate has always been there for our family. Actually they are like family to us.

WEEK 1:MY VOICE

I, Sharon St.Laurent, grew up mainly in Washington and lived the longest in Seattle by the waterfront surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. I have always enjoyed arts, crafts and fashion designing since I was a little girl. I started by making Barbie doll clothes and accessories. I made clothes for the family and progressed with my skills by taking art, sewing and tailoring classes. I learned a lot about the fashion industry while working retail and distribution for Nordstrom department stores. I had an opportunity to work at a Fabric Store in the Seattle area designing merchandise, displays and demonstrating the products I designed. I also taught craft and sewing classes at the store and schools for many years. I had a dream since I was a little girl to design costumes for the Las Vegas Shows. I never thought it would happen to me! Then everything fell into place when I moved here to Vegas 4 years ago. I have been since working on stage with the entertainers maintaining their costumes, building costumes, designing and making stage props and covers. I have learned a lot from working with the performers and entertainers both on stage and behind the scenes. The Wardrobe department carries a lot of responsibility both before the Show starts, during and after. I enjoy learning everything I can to make it all come together smoothly. I have always wanted one more dream to come true and now it has by going to school here at the Art Institute of Las Vegas. I am majoring in Fashion Retail and Management with a Bachelors of Science Degree. I am finally getting answers to questions that I have had my whole life. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to grow and learn about the History of Costumes and all the other classes offered here.