Thanks for a great class!

Blogging is officially over!

Thanks for a great class! Get some rest before the semester begins again.

I'm on my way to the beach tomorrow for one week. I'll have your grades done no later than noon on Tuesday.

See you soon,
Dr. Mishra

Nintendo slashes 3DS price, gives away free games to prevent backlash

Article

Saw this article on yahoo this morning and thought about the Apple case we just did.

So Ridiculous..

I've always loved this commercial. It makes me laugh and I think it makes a really good point at the same time. I never noticed how ridiculous other tampons commercials were before I saw this. Personally I don't feel like doing any of those things when its my time..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRf35wCmzWw

What do you think about Kotex's straightforward approach vs. other brand's commercials?

Does this make you want to try Kotex brand?

Why do you think other brands feature the things named in the video in their ads?

Girl Scouts (Chelsea, Maggy, Jane)

Girls Scouts is an organization dedicated solely to the female youth found worldwide. Girl Scouts has global membership with coverage in approximately 140 countries. Girls Scouts aims to teach young girls necessary life values such as honesty, courage, compassion, and confidence through fun activities such as camping, earning badges, selling Girl Scout cookies, and even learning first aid.

After evaluating Girl Scouts’ internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats was used for this analysis we found that Girl Scouts has room to grow in terms of creating a more cohesive organization overall and by developing their website to be a more useful recruitment opportunity. Girl Scouts also needs continue their global efforts by expansion into third world developing countries. In addition, Girl Scouts needs to amp efforts for recruitment and volunteers in order to maintain their success. While Girl Scouts is doing well, they also need to address the development of similar organizations such as Camp Fire USA, American Heritage Girls and upcoming school organizations.

Click here for the Girl Scouts website

Blogging - the New Advertising Opportunity?

While working on work for another class I am taking this summer I happened to come across this article and through it was interesting and was perfect for this course.

Before reading the article below what is your unbiased opinion on blogging as an advertising opportunity?

http://www.tradedoubler.com/uk-en/articles/blogging.html


"The lack of control introduces a new element of risk which is not present in print or television advertising. The Internet leaves people free to comment on whatever they wish which can put the advertiser at the mercy of the consumer in some instances. What, then, is the best way to minimise this risk whilst reaching a targeted, engaged audience?"

How would you answer the question above in bold taken from the article? Do you believe the risk could be completely eliminated?

Do you believe blogging will become a huge marketing strategy in a couple of years?

Grant Thornton

http://www.grantthornton.com/portal/site/gtcom/menuitem.550794734a67d883a5f2ba40633841ca/?vgnextoid=2bb450a2c421c210VgnVCM1000003a8314acRCRD&vgnextchannel=ff8f2cfeadc16210VgnVCM1000003a8314acRCRD

The people in the independent firms of Grant Thornton International Ltd provide personalized attention and the highest quality service to public and private clients in more than 100 countries. Grant Thornton LLP is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the six global audit, tax and advisory organizations. Grant Thornton International Ltd and its member firms are not a worldwide partnership, as each member firm is a separate and distinct legal entity.


"Grant Thornton LLP wants to remind America that it’s the perfect time to consider some holiday season tax planning strategies as 2010 winds down."

“People need to be paying special attention to their year-end tax planning in 2010,” said Justin Ransome, a partner in Grant Thornton’s Washington National Tax Office. “Dramatic changes in the tax code are scheduled to take effect on New Year’s Day, so you can’t wait until April 15 to act.”

Grant Thornton is reaching out to consumers to help them deal with the overwhelming tax changes that took place in 2010. They are acknowledging the fact that you can not longer wait until April 15th to "remember" that you still only have a day to file your tax return. Grant Thornton 10 last-minute tax planning tips.

How is this a marketing strategy for Grant Thornton?

By offering free public advice do you think it persuades more people to consult Grant Thornton for further tax advice?

The following is located at the end of the article:

“Keep in mind that these tax tips are general tax advice and may not be applicable to your particular circumstances,” concluded Ransome. “Make sure that you consult with your personal tax adviser before implementing any changes or additions to your tax planning strategy.”

I thought this was a smart marketing move in my opinion because they are offering free public advice but then towards the end of the article remind readers that these circumstances might not be applicable to them depending on their particular circumstances. This to me allows people to question what is correct and incorrect and makes them wonder if they are doing everything right. Which could lead to them contacting Grant Thornton and becoming a new client.

Do you think this was a marketing strategy used by Grant Thornton?

5 Ways Salespeople Can Use Social Media

I found a blog about five ways salespeople can use social media to grow leads. I picked this article because Lee Odden talks about social media and how to use it to the companies advantage. Do you agree with his 5 ways to use social media? Do you think it is or could be affective?

Here is the link: http://www.toprankblog.com/2011/07/salespeople-social-media-leads/

Southeast German Shepherd Rescue (Brittany Scuotto, Anna Edwards, & Allison Hyatt) FLYER

This is the flyer to go along with our project! enjoy~
lovas...
anna* brittany allison

Southeast German Shepherd Rescue (Brittany Scuotto, Anna Edwards, & Allison Hyatt)

Southeast German Shepherd Rescue (SGSR) is a non-profit organization that works in the business field. Their primary goal is to rescue German Shepherds of all ages, including ones who have been neglected or abused, and provide loving homes for these animals. They are located in areas in North Carolina and Virginia. SGSR’s goal is to provide love, care, and support, and give these dogs a new lease on life. They aim for new owners who are loving, friendly, and loyal to animals and want to provide new homes for these German Shepherds.

After looking at SGSR’s strength and weaknesses, as well as opportunities and threats, the plan is to provide for exposure in a more positive approach to attract interest in adopting, volunteering, and/or providing care. The goal is to extend the marketing and reach out to college students as well as urban residents in the surrounding area. To accomplish these marketing objectives, SGSR should reach out to local college campuses in order to seek out those who are interested in volunteering, donating, or fostering.

SWOOP Marketing Plan (Amber Woody, Amy Costin, Karen Santrock)

SWOOP (Strong Women Organizing Outrageous Projects) began in September 1996, after Hurricane Fran devoured several houses and neighborhoods in Raleigh, North Carolina. Several women emerged from their ravaged houses and yards and joined together to begin cleaning up the mess from the aftermath. It was then the victims realized that by being proactive and helping one another, they could get more accomplished together rather than working individually. The organization now focuses on one day clean-up projects ranging from major yard clean-ups to fence-building, painting, construction, and more.  SWOOP has grown from 16 volunteers to 1,100 women and serve agencies such as CASA, who provides affordable housing for the ill, Habitat for Humanity, Raleigh Homeless Shelters, Family Violence and Rape Crisis Centers, to name a few. 

As a non-profit organization, SWOOP must rely on volunteerism, donations, and sponsorship in order to survive.  Currently, SWOOP has limited exposure and must compete for resources with high profile organizations in the Triangle.  In order to increase awareness about their organization, SWOOP must increase their presence in the media using free internet avenues such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and blogs.  Another objective for Swoop should be to increase their exposure in the news by developing a relationship with local news stations and papers and encouraging media attention around their clean-up projects and their continual needs. 

SWOOP must focus their attention on their website, which should be consistently updated to keep the community aware of their activities and events.  They should add more pictures, feature articles, and links to other organizations to increase their reputation as a worthy and reputable cause.  Partnering their website with Susan G. Komen’s Walk for the Cure, for instance, would lead loyal followers to SWOOP, especially since both organizations are geared toward empowering women. 

SWOOP should recognize the time and money donated to the organization through appreciation events that not only encourage sponsors and volunteers to continue helping SWOOP, but also create a higher public profile, a chance for members and sponsors to celebrate their achievements, and another venue for gaining more financial support through auctions and raffles.

And, SWOOP should even advertise their organization through signage while volunteering to raise awareness about their existence and what they do.  While cleaning up after a natural disaster, posting signs will get the word out to neighbors who may also be in need of assistance. 

Target Market: African American Women?

This new commercial for Ford's Lincoln MKX Campaign has caught both the Detroit News and The Wall Street Journals attention.

Although Ford is capturing a successful African American in particular for this commercial do you believe it would be worth their whole budget to focus entirely on one type of customer? Advantages/Disadvantages?

What is your stance on the media's bold statement that does not coincide with the meaning of the commercial?

What channels specifically will air this ad and why?

Comments on this marketing style?

Embrace the Silence

As I was reading this blog I found myself agreeing with all the 4 examples he used in this blog, especially the example about someone on a cell phone is public. The first example also is really important. Making a good first impression in the business world can be crucial.

1. Do you agree with the 4 examples in his blog?
2. Can you think of a time that you wished you had "embraced the silence"?
3. Is there another example you can think of when people need to "simply shut up"?


http://shankman.com/embrace-the-silence-or-when-to-simply-shut-up/

Marketing Laura Otero, The Strategic Blogger.

This blog is one of my most favorite blogs that I have come across in this class. The way that she markets her self is enticing just as her blog is. Giving tips and tutorials based on what day of the week it is gives people a reason to come back for more each week. The topics she chooses to discuss vary across the board and are unique compared to most marketing blogs.

What is your favorite day of the week? Why?

If you were to enhance Laura's blog at all what would it be?

Group Marketing Plan (Jesse Monroe, Adrienne Bryant, Jessica Johnson)

Harbor Inc. is a small private non-profit agency located in Johnston County, North Carolina. They are the only non-profit agency in that county for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and women in the process of abandoning their abusive situation. Not only does Harbor Inc. offer their services to women and children, but they also extend their services to an average of four men per month. They provide victims with safe and compassionate advocacy services. Harbor Inc. is partially funded through various grants and agencies, but donations and community support are their main source of income.
An evaluation of the non-profit’s strengths, weaknesses and opportunities were the basis for this marketing plan. The plan focuses on expanding their current marketing strategies in a way that will advertise to both those in need of their services, as well as new potential donors to the organization. The plan also suggests new ideas that are feasible within their budget.

Will you Google+?

It was 2005 when I received my invitation to facebook and I remember it like it was yesterday. Now I regret ever accepting that as it has become an addiction. Social networking in general has become a vice I seem to face regularly and let's be honest... A majority of today's society can agree. Which is why I have been pondering on the idea of Google+. To accept the invitation or not? This blog caught my eye as the spectrum of social networking expands.

http://http://soshable.com/google-vs-facebook-the-war-of-the-internet-titans/

Product Placement!

http://lifehacker.com/5437375/thingsyousawinamovie-helps-you-find-products-used-in-movies

I came across this article and found it really interesting! Have you ever watched a movie where you were interested in one of the products in the movie?! I know that I have. This article talks about a website where you can find the product that the actor/actress was wearing so that you can buy one of your own! what do you think?
Have you ever wanted to buy a product featured in a movie?
Have you had trouble finding that product and wished you knew where to find it?

Social Media is not Going to Save your Business

Article

Social media is definitely a game changer, but it is not a magic wand. It will not instantly boost a company’s sales, but it can definitely help. Social media gives the organization/business an opportunity to ask their customers questions about what they like and dislike and what they can do better. Their customers are going to talk about these things whether they listen or not. Wouldn’t it be smarter of them to listen and take the opportunity to fix the things customers are complaining about and continue to do the things they love?

I also believe that the longer a business waits to jump on the social media band wagon, the more advanced their competitors will be and it will be harder for them to catch up. Do you agree? How long do you think it will take before companies realize that social media is here to stay?

Elevator Pitch

An "Elevator Pitch" is a concise, carefully planned, and well-practiced description about your company that your mother should be able to understand in the time it would take to ride up an elevator. 

"I noticed you were interviewing with Karen Mishra today at our company. What's your background?"

"Hi (shaking hands), my name is Lauren Dawson (pause briefly for the other person to return their introduction)."

OK, now the clock is ticking. You have thirty seconds...

"I will be receiving my business degree in May from Meredith College and have been working in the construction field doing both customer service and sales. I'm currently seeking a sales position in the Raleigh area, which is what I was discussing today with Karen. What is your role within the company?"

*What do you think?

*Can you put one together for yourself?

*Would this be helpful to you as your search for internships and jobs?

To speak up, or not to speak up....

http://www.wonderbranding.com/2011/05/are-you-choking-your-employees-from-experiencing-success/


I was reading over a few blogs and this one caught my eye because it talks about how employees should become more assertive in their work environment. However, many of us are scared of what our boss may think....would they fire us if they hated our idea, or reward us for being creative and speaking up.
What would you do in your work environment if you wanted something changed?
Would you speak up if you wanted something handle differently? Or have you ever had a great idea at work that would help the workplace?
Do you work somewhere that applauds their employees for being assertive or no?
Let me know your thoughts!

Doritos! want some? or not!

http://youtu.be/hpjaOUjUPUc (Pug Dorito's commercial)

I am a huge fan of Doritos commercials not only because I love Doritos, but because the commercials are all so funny! I think they do a great job at marketing their product by making their commercials fun and humorous. what do you think?

1.)Do you think this commercial succeeds in their marketing strategy?
2.)Is it humorous or stupid?
3.)Does it make you want to go out and buy a bag of Doritos or no?
Let me know your thoughts!

Social Media @ Work...

As the debate of whether or not accessing social media sites should be allowed at the work place comes in to question we must ask ourselves, what are the benefits of allowing employees to facebook, twitter, blog, etc. while on the clock? In this article titled, Coming Face-to-Face with Social Media at Work we see the pros and cons of what social networking can do to ones business. As Robert Half is the corporation I have been following this semester has done vital research through it's technology sanction I found their information quite interesting.

Do you believe allowing access is legitimate? Explain.

As this could obviously cause some performance issues, do you believe it will be avoidable in the future? If so how would you propose to achieve that?

What do you suggest businesses do in addition to the tips Robert Half gives in order to make the most of marketing online?

Cause for Paws - Marketing Plan

Casey Collins, Bianca Malloy, and Christina Klimvakis did their market plan on Cause for Paws. Cause for Paws is a non-profit company with three locations within the Raleigh area. They accept new or gently used items that they sell in their store. Their mission is to raise money to contribute to the welfare of animals. CFP’s currently relies heavily on WAM advertising because they do not have a budget for any forms of paid advertising. Because of this our group suggested that the company utilize free forms of marketing and advertising that include various e-marketing tools. Through careful analysis our team discovered that CFP needs to increase their online presence through social networking portals and minor improvements to their website. By doing so the company can begin to broaden their consumer base through the web and provide brand information and products.

A Juicy Contradiction

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtVkI8ddLCg&feature=youtube_gdata_player
The video I choose for this week is the new Starburst commercial, which is hilarious to me. In this commercial you see a dog that is a complete contradiction to what a normal dog should be. This goes along with Starburst's slogan "a juicy contradiction."

1) What do you think of Starburst's new commercial?
2) Do you think their commercial will make people want to go out and buy Starburst?
3) What could they have done differently?

Magnolia Transport Marketing Plan

I did my marketing plan on a new business owned by a family friend called Magnolia Transport. Magnolia Transport is a privately owned and operated transport company located in Durham, North Carolina. Magnolia Transport transports deceased persons to funeral homes. Business began July 19, 2011. Magnolia Transport is owned by Durham native, Kathryn LaBarre. The slogan for Magnolia Transport is: “Caring for you and your loved ones.”

Since Magnolia Transport is a completely new business my friend Kathryn needed some marketing ideas and help. She had already come up with making notepads with the company logo and contact info on them to pass out to her potential clients (funeral homes) along with her business card. Since the business only targets funeral homes there is not a need to market to the general public. I suggested that Magnolia Transport should develop a chart to monitor the progress of the business. This way they will have an organized system of keeping track of how many calls per client they have received. This will be helpful to see where they are getting the most calls from and can determine which clients to spend some more time trying to convince they should try Magnolia’s services. This could be doing something as simple as stopping back in with a basket of muffins for the staff and some more business cards and notepads. Magnolia should also continue talking with clients that use them often which could also be dropping by with some kind of treat for the staff. As the company grows they can expand the promotional products into pens, magnets and other office supplies that would be convenient for a client to get their number in a hurry. Also at the holiday season or around New Years, Magnolia should send a card to their clients thanking them for their business and saying they hope to continue working with them into the New Year. Little things like this will make the client feel appreciated and will make them want to give Magnolia more business.