Popular culture today is increasingly more reliant on our mobile devices. There seems to be an app for almost anything. We are bombarded by millions of apps, some that are useless in retrospect, others that are brilliant and innovative. When asking myself the question what would you create if given the opportunity to design an app, I decided it would be interesting and useful to create an app that allows you to mix music, similar to a DJ on turntables. It would be really interesting to have one almost identical actually, and that also gave information and notes that would teach you how to actually DJ and mix, yet serve more as a tutorial. On this app, you would be able to download music and maybe with a subscription could have access to specific DJ's and artists newest music releases. I would even go so far as to offer different systems to learn on the app - for example you can choose which mixer you want to use, and generally they would all operate through Scratch Live, or some other similar music mixing software.
I thought that this app was beneficial because of the transitions currently in the music industry. I think it would be a way to bring back money into the business. This can dramatically affect the consumer market and target the niche market of young, creative, music loving generation and aspiring DJ's and artists. "The American consumer market consists of more than 300 million people who consume more than $14 trillion worth of goods and services each year, making it one of the most attractive consumer markets in the world. The world consumer market consists of more than 6.8 billion people who annually consume an estimated $70 trillion worth of goods and services" (Armstrong/Kotler, p. 136). In creating the app, the goal would be to allow for young passionate creative Apple users to adopt the system of purchasing music again and finding value in having a superior outlet where only the newest, hottest music would be released and shared on this app alone. Individual differences in innovativeness are what affect the rate of adoption. "People differ greatly in their readiness to try new products" (Armstrong/Kotler, p. 156). In my quest of looking through apps I noticed another dilemma we are faced with as consumers in today's world... on our purchase making journey we undergo a tremendous task of scanning through too many alternatives. We must evaluate them and sometimes it becomes overwhelming. Therefore, I think in this case, the people most likely to use this app would be the innovators of the music industry. "Innovators are venturesome—they try new ideas at some risk"(Armstrong/Kotler, p. 157).
In my research to see if there was an App that exists similar to this I was shocked to find that there were a few apps very similar to this ideation. One of the first to pop up was DJMixer. I actually decided to download the app and am now beginning to use it and mix my own songs. It just goes to show you that if you can think it, then it's safe to assume that there is probably already an app for that! That's not to say you can't always improve upon what's already there, but in today's world, I think that is the biggest challenge. It isn't just about creating, it's about innovating.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Week Three - Business Philanthropy
Many businesses these days forget the true value of helping others. Of course, businesses are all in business for making money. That's the obvious name of the game. But what ever happened to extending a helping hand to those in need? So many times those with the greatest outreach and capabilities are those who drop the ball the most and never dare to jump on an opportunity to make a difference in the world for the less fortunate. Some businesses make that business leap seem almost seamless and really set the bar much higher and set a wonderful example for any and all new businesses in today's world to hopefully take some cues from.
We spoke in class about Tom's Shoes. If you are unfamiliar with this business, I suggest you take a look into it, as it is a wonderful business that donates one pair of shoes for every pair bought for a child in need. This story inspired me to look further and put the spotlight on three more similar businesses that support a greater cause and really make a difference in the world.
One that I found especially appealing and heart wrenching is the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay." That is their unique mission statement. They are a company that raises money and finds ways to save lives of sick children every day. I've seen their ads on television. They are touching portrayals of the children fighting cancer and fighting for their lives. St. Jude's fights to change their lives. They have treated children from all 50 states and even work internationally. "By supporting St. Jude, you are helping continue our lifesaving mission of finding cures and saving children." - all quotes are found on their website.
Next, I found a business called BlueSilk.org. A woman named Marjorie Mason began her own silk scarf company in order to support impoverished Cambodian women with every silk scarf she sells.
"BlueSilk.org, for example, sells silk scarves and accessories in a venture Mason and her husband acquired from a church in March 2010, in the hopes it can someday support the couple while streaming money to a Cambodian nonprofit. The scarves are hand woven by women of impoverished Cambodia, who are receiving training and other aid from the nonprofit Stung Treng Women’s Development Centre."
Finally, although the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation is among one of the most widely known philanthropist endeavors in today's society, I found it personally imperative to mention. Many women in my family, many close friends, or even friends of friends I've heard of or seen, have either directly dealt with breast cancer, died from it, or have struggled or lost a loved one through the battle. Breast cancer has increasingly become a major issue today, ruining many lives or prematurely stealing our beloved mothers, aunts, sisters, cousins and friends. I myself participate in fundraising for the Susan G. Komen Foundation annually and I participate in the many events throughout the year, spreading knowledge and hope to all within my reach. I think it is wonderful that through the Foundation, people are able to have a change, and re-gain faith and strength, or at least some amount of security knowing they are supported in their mission to find a cure.
They do a phenominal job marketing the campaign, with many catchy slogans, such as "Save the Ta-tas,"
I love boobies," and their unmistakable Pink campaign, "Passionately Pink for the Cure!" They sell innumerable amounts of Breast Cancer Research clothing, sponsored products such sponsorships from the NFL, Ford Motors among many other organizations that are widely becoming a part of this movement. I only hope that we are able to find the cure to breast cancer, and all cancer in the near future, but on the mission to finding it, I commend this organization for all of their hard work, dedication and passion that drives the world to joining in with them and creating a viable outlet to be able to do so.
We spoke in class about Tom's Shoes. If you are unfamiliar with this business, I suggest you take a look into it, as it is a wonderful business that donates one pair of shoes for every pair bought for a child in need. This story inspired me to look further and put the spotlight on three more similar businesses that support a greater cause and really make a difference in the world.
One that I found especially appealing and heart wrenching is the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay." That is their unique mission statement. They are a company that raises money and finds ways to save lives of sick children every day. I've seen their ads on television. They are touching portrayals of the children fighting cancer and fighting for their lives. St. Jude's fights to change their lives. They have treated children from all 50 states and even work internationally. "By supporting St. Jude, you are helping continue our lifesaving mission of finding cures and saving children." - all quotes are found on their website.
Next, I found a business called BlueSilk.org. A woman named Marjorie Mason began her own silk scarf company in order to support impoverished Cambodian women with every silk scarf she sells.
"BlueSilk.org, for example, sells silk scarves and accessories in a venture Mason and her husband acquired from a church in March 2010, in the hopes it can someday support the couple while streaming money to a Cambodian nonprofit. The scarves are hand woven by women of impoverished Cambodia, who are receiving training and other aid from the nonprofit Stung Treng Women’s Development Centre."
Finally, although the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation is among one of the most widely known philanthropist endeavors in today's society, I found it personally imperative to mention. Many women in my family, many close friends, or even friends of friends I've heard of or seen, have either directly dealt with breast cancer, died from it, or have struggled or lost a loved one through the battle. Breast cancer has increasingly become a major issue today, ruining many lives or prematurely stealing our beloved mothers, aunts, sisters, cousins and friends. I myself participate in fundraising for the Susan G. Komen Foundation annually and I participate in the many events throughout the year, spreading knowledge and hope to all within my reach. I think it is wonderful that through the Foundation, people are able to have a change, and re-gain faith and strength, or at least some amount of security knowing they are supported in their mission to find a cure.
They do a phenominal job marketing the campaign, with many catchy slogans, such as "Save the Ta-tas,"
I love boobies," and their unmistakable Pink campaign, "Passionately Pink for the Cure!" They sell innumerable amounts of Breast Cancer Research clothing, sponsored products such sponsorships from the NFL, Ford Motors among many other organizations that are widely becoming a part of this movement. I only hope that we are able to find the cure to breast cancer, and all cancer in the near future, but on the mission to finding it, I commend this organization for all of their hard work, dedication and passion that drives the world to joining in with them and creating a viable outlet to be able to do so.
Week Three - Demographics
When we talk about demographics in terms of marketing, we begin to think about where we fall in the scheme of things as well. For me, many questions are raised to find out what it means to be part of Generation Y, or a Millenial baby. My generation, babies born between the years of 1977-2000 have "utter fluency and comfort with digital technology. They just don't embrace technology. It's a way of life" (Armstrong/Kotler, p.74).
For marketers, this has a huge impact on the methods they will use to get through to their audience. It seems to be the most challenging demographic because of this internet immersion. "A study found that 91 percent of millenials are on the web making up 32 percent of all U.S. Internet users" (Armstrong/Kotler, p. 74). It would seem that Internet shines as one of the best methods of marketing in today's world. However, it can also be one of the most overlooked methods because of the absoulte immersion of today's world. We are constantly bombarded with these hidden messages and marketing schemes. Do they work, and penetrate our subconscious? Or are we turned off completely to the acknowledgment of such ads.
Our generation has been raised with technology. It's a part of our upbringing. "All generations are comfortable with technology, but this is the generation that’s been formed by technology,” says a Yahoo! executive. For them, “it’s not something separate. It’s just something they do” (Armstrong/Kotler, p. 74). For marketers, it seems technology is the best way to get their messages across to our generation. It seems that it may be an embedded part of our humanity, maybe even far beyond our conscious knowledge and things that may seem to go unnoticed could actually have a greater affect than may be credited for having.
For marketers, this has a huge impact on the methods they will use to get through to their audience. It seems to be the most challenging demographic because of this internet immersion. "A study found that 91 percent of millenials are on the web making up 32 percent of all U.S. Internet users" (Armstrong/Kotler, p. 74). It would seem that Internet shines as one of the best methods of marketing in today's world. However, it can also be one of the most overlooked methods because of the absoulte immersion of today's world. We are constantly bombarded with these hidden messages and marketing schemes. Do they work, and penetrate our subconscious? Or are we turned off completely to the acknowledgment of such ads.
Our generation has been raised with technology. It's a part of our upbringing. "All generations are comfortable with technology, but this is the generation that’s been formed by technology,” says a Yahoo! executive. For them, “it’s not something separate. It’s just something they do” (Armstrong/Kotler, p. 74). For marketers, it seems technology is the best way to get their messages across to our generation. It seems that it may be an embedded part of our humanity, maybe even far beyond our conscious knowledge and things that may seem to go unnoticed could actually have a greater affect than may be credited for having.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Week Two: Boston Consulting Group Video Games
The effects this shift has on the XBox continues to cause concern. "The shifting demand toward tablets is worrisome to Microsoft because most tablets run on Apple’s operating system or on Google’s Android software. Tablet manufacturers have shown little interest in adopting Windows, leaving Microsoft out of what some of its executives had thought was a niche product. Sales of tablets are expected to triple to 43.6 million units in 2011 from a year earlier, according to eMarketer, a market research firm" (Verne G Kopytoff). Although, I do believe that XBox does have a chance considering the direction they are going with Internet gaming and the obvious progression to Internet TV that we are starting to see as coming in the near future.
Sony has had a steady decline. One main reason was a system hack in early 2011 which caused them to take a 2.08 billion dollar hit." Sony’s PlayStation Network was infiltrated by hackers who gained access to highly sensitive information about its customers. The gaming network has 77 million registered users.
When you step back and take a look at the market share and industry as a whole, we see that specific companies outshine all around, not just in one area but taking the cake as a whole and moving with the flow of progression, not getting stuck in the tides of change. Taking the Boston Consulting Group method into consideration, we can determine which role each of the denominations takes. The four most prevalent video game entities being 1) Nintendo, 2) Sony 3) Microsoft and 4) Apple (mobile devices). The highest market growth rate and high market share seems to be within Apple and mobile devices, which makes them the emerging Star. The Cash Cow in this situation with the highest relative market share and low growth rate is Nintendo. The Question Mark, the company with a High market growth rate, and low relative market share is Microsoft (XBox). Then, lastly, the Dog, the company with the Lowest market growth rate and relative market share is Sony (Playstation).
Video Game Industry Statistics
Apple iPhone & iPad Video Game Market Share
Although Sony said its users’ credit card information was encrypted on its servers, hackers claimed to have access to 2.2 million credit cards and were hoping to sell them on a underground hacker networks. The committee has asked Sony to divulge what type of personal information was actually taken during the attack" (Nick Bilton). This is an extremely huge drawback and hit for Playstation users, even though as of now it is still widely used, it seems that for the future it is possible to face a decline, especially with the innovations underway.
Week One: Great Customer Service
One company that I absolutely love is Bebe. I enjoy shopping here because the customer service is always on point. I love walking into the store to view their new product. The girls are always happy and smiling and looking gorgeous in the latest fashions. I have to say the customer service is one of the top reasons I continue to shop at Bebe. Just last week I arrived to the store to browse, as I always do, and I was greeted immediately. As soon as I chose a few items from the store I was approached, offered a fitting room and introduced to a stylist. I picked about a dozen or so items from the floor to try on, was offered a few pairs of shoes to try and was shown some a few pieces of jewelry to compliment my outfits. What I notice above all from my experience then and overall is this: Bebe's goal is to build customer relationships and enhance their overall experience. As the text states, "Marketing is managing profitable customer relationships. The twofold goal of marketing is to attract new customers by promising superior value and to keep and grow current customers by delivering satisfaction" (Armstrong/Kotler). So it is no surprise that Bebe chooses to focus on customer service and give value to customers for the overall shopping experience, not just superior clothing in clothes. Although, the quality of their clothing is excellent. And if for some reason there is a product that is below par of what they are known for, they provide a wonderful return policy increasing customer satisfaction and furthering the opportunity to provide customer service to their consumer market by rectifying and dissatisfactions that may occur, making Bebe a fabulous place to shop for us women who not only love quality clothing, but value the experience and know that we will be satisfied with what we purchase. Genius.
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