Starbucks: An Icon Of Globalization
Would you ever pay $5.00 for a pack of gum? My guess is that a majority of you would say no. While paying $5.00 for a pack of gum may sound absurd, ‘gourmet’ gum may be just around the corner. With the days of $.50 coffee a thing of the past and cappuccino’s and latte’s become mainstream, Starbucks has turned shelling out big money for ’simple’ products the norm.
If you drive through any big city in the United States, you probably wouldn’t have to look far to find a Starbucks. With it’s green and white logo, it sometimes feels like Starbucks opens new stores just for fun. Just the other day I saw 2 Starbucks in the same plaza. Whether it is by mistake or a strategic marketing strategy, Starbucks continues to open new stores and with it comes new Starbucks aficionado’s.
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How I Became A Millionaire Doing Nothing
Yup, it’s true. I am now about to become a millionaire. According to an email from Felix Ahmed, the only Son of late Ahmed Bello, I am now in the position to make 15% of 10.5 million dollars. Do the math and that is $1,575,000.00. Not too bad for doing absolutely nothing. Well, I should take that back, I still have to send Felix my bank account information and social security number so that he can transfer the money over since he can’t take out the money and deposit it himself.
How?
By now I know what you are thinking: How did I run across such luck? Very simple actually: doing pretty much nothing. Felix did all the work. Felix spent many hours gathering email addresses and picked my email out of the hundreds and thousands and decided that I was going to be the lucky one who gets nearly $1.6 million dollars. All I would have to do in exchange is give a little bit of information. Now I realized that he did all the work and that I would get all the rewards so I decided to write him an email back thanking him. The correspondence is as follows:
Who Says You Can’t Find A Job?
One of the most common complaints that people have is that they just can’t find a job. Largely, if not entirely due to the economy, unemployment is at an all-time high and more and more individuals are finding themselves at home. Many of my friends have told me that they have applied to several jobs only to never hear back from them. So what is the problem here? When people say that they can’t get a job, the first thing I ask them is “where have you looked for a job?”
Saying that you can’t find a job should mean that you have tried every possible job opening available and still can’t get an offer. What most people mean when they say is that they can’t get a job is that they can’t get a job they feel they are best qualified for. Take for example the recent college graduate. After 4 years of hard work, they would expect to be rewarded with a full time job that somehow justifies their hours of studying and hard work. In reality, because of the economy many recent college graduates are finding themselves unemployed and back at home.
Graduating college, you come away with some expectation of what life post-college would be like. You expect to have a job that you have prepared for all during college and expect to have some sort of ‘plan.’ With the economy the way is though, you should expect nothing and should be ready to change your ‘plans’ at any moment. The point I am trying to make is that Yes, you should apply to all those jobs that you feel you should get but that you should also be flexible in the jobs you apply for. Just because you were an accounting student in college doesn’t mean you can’t apply for jobs you are overqualified for or out of your focus.
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The Tiffany & Co. Investment
Since 1837, Tiffany & Co. has been one of the most famous jewelers in the world. From their trademark Tiffany blue to the white ribbons that adorn their gift boxes, Tiffany’s has established themselves as not only a leader in the fine jewelry market but also as an example of a company that is able to increase the value of their products through effective marketing and attention to detail.
Evolution of Tiffany & Co.
Starting in 1837, the color Tiffany Blue was born. Little did Charles Tiffany know that Tiffany Blue would eventual grow to become an iconic color and become such a big part of fashion culture. Looking at the evolution of Tiffany & Co., we can see its evolution from being an exclusive high end jeweler to an affordable yet classy destination for anyone looking for that special piece.
Living in Los Angeles, one of the spots that Los Angeles is known for is Rodeo Drive. From Gucci and Prada to Chanel and Burberry, Tiffany & Co. is one of the most famous spots of Rodeo. When going to Rodeo you understand what people mean when they say that Rodeo is in its own little world. Expensive cars to display windows that could rival a decorative museum exhibit, Rodeo is a known for its high end stores for those looking for the high end lifestyle. Still, while Rodeo may be assumed to be for those with high disposable income, it is not necessarily true. Tiffany & Co. has been able to evolve itself from being for the rich and famous, to anyone who wants own a timeless piece of jewelry.
From the young to the old, Tiffany & Co. has been able to accomplish what other companies can only wish for. Tiffany’s has been able to attract not only one target market segment but rather target nearly all market segments. No matter what the age, Tiffany’s has something for everyone. Now the case could be made that while this may apply to only females and that it doesn’t really apply to males. To this I would counter that Tiffany’s offers men’s jewelry as well. Whether you are looking for a money clip to a stylish watch, Tiffany’s appeals to both sexes. Through effective marketing strategies, Tiffany appeals to both sexes through their catalogue and through the universal appeal of their website. The Tiffany’s website is an essential part of the Tiffany’s marketing campaign as any customer can easily find the approriate gift by the multiple search categories and specifics that a customer can provide.
The first time I bought a Tiffany’s piece was during my senior year of high school for my girlfriend. The one thing that I remember distinctly is that Tiffany’s is not only selling you jewelry, but it is selling you an experience. This experience is what makes people want to buy Tiffany’s. By buying a Tiffany’s piece you are buying piece of culture and art. The service marketing side of Tiffany & Co. can only be described as striving to near perfection.
I have found that not only are Tiffany pieces a great gift, but they are also unique in an economic sense. Like rare baseball cards and classic cars, some Tiffany pieces actually gain in value. Taking a look at the several Tiffany pieces that my girlfriend has, most if not all are sold at a higher price than they were previously purchased at. This can be attributed to many things. Among them are the limited amount made per piece as well as certain pieces being made for certain occasions. By buying something from Tiffany & Co. you are also buying into an investment.
Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany’s said it best when she was asked what she does when she gets afraid of something.
Well, when I get it, the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany’s. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that’d make me feel like Tiffany’s, then – then I’d buy some furniture and give the cat a name!
Whether you are looking to invest a relationship, a future, or just looking for jewelry, buying a Tiffany & Co. piece means you investing a piece of culture.
The Human Chess Piece
In the game of chess, each player gets 16 chess pieces. With those chess pieces, it is the players goal to take the other players king. Most chess players will tell you that chess is made up of calculative moves with each player thinking of all possible situations and scenarios that might happen two to three plays later. In comparison to the game of chess, companies function in a similar way.
Similar to the game of chess, a company has rankings withing itself that signifies power and influence. Just like the king is the most important piece in chess, the CEO or the corporation itself can be considered in the same way. Likewise, a company also has those that would be considered pawns. In today’s economy we have a very unique but also scary reality. On one side we have a corporation and on the other we have our opponent, the economy.
If we were to look at the situation as a chess game, the economy is pressing us hard and threatening each and every company. Whether its the small mom and pops stores or the large corporations, everyone feels the pressure of the economy bearing down on them. Like pawns getting picked off a chessboard, corporations are forced to layoff workers in order to stay alive and ‘protect the king.’
Their is no easy way to ‘defeat’ our opponent, but like in chess we must evaluate our the options and make the best choice we can. I believe that Grand Master Chess Player, Emaunel Lasker said it best when he said:
“When you see a good move, look for a better one” – Emanuel Lasker
While the situation is dire and we must make swift decisions, it is not without saying that we must think not only about the instant ramifications of our decisions but also the long term results as well. When certain moves seem like the right one, we must scrutinize it till exhaustion and make sure that we can’t make a better one. Learning from mistakes only makes us smarter and capitalizing on great ideas makes us stronger.
While I have compared corporations and its employees to a chess game, the same can be applied to anyone. Whether it be an individual, a family, or business, everyone in their own certain way is playing against an invisible opponent. Understanding your opponent and the situation is key to success. Without understanding what is going on is like trying to play a sport without knowing the rules.
While some may say that the saying “if at first you don’t succeed try try again” is the best way to approach things, I would disagree and say that it is not always the best approach. What I feel is wrong about that quote is that it says nothing about doing your best or giving it your all. What it should say is:
“Try your best, and if you don’t succeed, try again.”
For some chess players, they can win without even trying. Still, we must not take the ‘game’ we play lightly and must realize that the biggest difference between losing in chess and in real life is that we don’t get a rematch with it.
Drop For Me!
Have you ever wanted to start an online business, but don’t know how? From finding the right personnel to run your daily operations to networking with the right individuals, starting an e-commerce business can be difficult. Understanding how hard it is to start a business, we have launched DropForMe.com. Drop For Me was started with the purpose of helping others who want to start drop shipping or an online business by providing them with a free supplier list.
One of the most difficult parts of starting an online e-commerce site or drop shipping is finding suppliers. While they do exist, it can be time consuming and also frustrating. We realized this and thus DropForMe.com was created.
So how does it work?
1. Go to DropForMe.com
2. Sign up for our free email list
3. Get emailed 3 new suppliers twice a day, 5 days a week!
Simple as that!
The suppliers we have are great for anyone interested in starting their own drop shipping business or even looking for suppliers for their current ones. Not only do our sources drop ship for you but many also offer wholesale.
We also took into account that some of our subscribers may not want to wait 30 days to get the full months list so we do offer the whole list for a small fee of $20.00 with an additional 80 suppliers on the list for a total of 200 suppliers.
I must give credit as well to Peter Shankman who inspired the idea through his “Help A Reporter Out” (HARO) free newsletter. Similar to his goal of helping others, it is our goal at DropForMe.com to help others who are looking for a quality supplier time and money so that they have more time to become successful!.
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Follow us on Twitter: DropForMe
Where Last Season’s Style Goes
In a time where getting the most out of your buck is key, shopping for consumer goods is an area that has most consumers re-thinking where they decide to shop. While malls continue to be packed, it doesn’t necessarily mean that people are spending money. On the contrary, with once dominant department stores like Macy’s and social hangout spots like Starbucks closing stores to save money, consumer spending has changed radically.
With consumers looking at how to save money, they have begun to turn toward outlet malls. For the consumer that has never shopped at an outlet mall, let me introduce you to the world of affordable prices for designer and name brand goods. While affordable is only applicable to certain situations, examples are the best way to show the huge bargain opportunity that is to be had at outlet malls.
Coach for example is well known for being a hot spot at outlets for shopaholics. Not only are their prices well below the MSRP’s but their selection is quite vast. It is true that among the plethora of bags their is a fair share of ugly bags, but the prices are the ones that dictate what is ugly and what is not.
Outlets get most of their merchandise from their affiliate stores after they either go out of season or are overstocked. Many consumers are aware of this and don’t mind wearing last seasons styles. The truth is that to look rich, you don’t have to be rich. Brands like Calvin Klein, Gap, Hugo Boss, Bebe, and even Juicy Couture have all realized this and have begun to tap the huge consumer base that shops at outlets. With small outlet stores beginning to be replaced by designer outlet stores, what was a once in a while stop for families and consumers has now become regular trips when they need to buy something.
In a way, outlet malls can be seen as the place where last season’s style goes to be reborn into an ‘affordable’ style. From electronics to clothing, it seems that you can find anything at an outlet mall. While most outlet malls may not have the ambiance or decor of most shopping malls today, they make up for it by allowing consumers to feel like they really got the most out of their dollar.
Death of The Newspaper
As a child, reading the LA Times was a big part of my morning routine. As I grew older, the sections I read also grew with age. From only reading the comic section, to reading the Lifestyle and Sports sections, the newspaper had always been a way for me to get my news for the day or week. Newspapers played such an important role in society that it is sort of odd to think that now their are talks that the days of waking up and reading the Sunday sports section or even the latest movie review maybe over.
With the Tribune filing for bankruptcy, the fall of the newspaper industry has commenced. Just the other day on my way home I was listening on the radio how one newspaper was forcing its writers to take non-paid days off just to stay in business. While it is easy to blame the economy for companies going out of business, their are many reasons why the newspaper industry is where it’s at right now.
The Speed of Information
For every newspaper, their is a website for it. With that said, who would pay for something they can get free. This is an obvious reason to why the newspaper industry is struggling to survive. With individuals being able to read articles that are in the newspapers for free online, people see no reason to pay for a newspaper subscription. Not only does it save money, but in most cases you can find out about a story even before it reaches newspaper stands. The speed of the information travels faster than the newspaper companies can put them on stands. As a result of this, fewer and fewer people subscribe to them.
While newspapers have made the transition to news online, they have entered a market where they cannot win. The reason for this is simple. The market they are trying to dominate is already dominated by other websites. For example, newspapers used to make a decent revenue from the classified section. Today, when people need to post something to the classified section, they go straight to Craigslist.org and list it their. Why? Because it’s free. The age of information has two basic elements. The first is speed. People want information as fast as possible. Even waiting 5 minutes for information is considered too long of a wait in some instances. The second element is cost. People now consider their options and weigh the cost against benefits. With information being so readily accessible and free, newspapers that charge people to post ads automatically become unreasonable.
No Real Content
Of the newspapers I still read, my local newspaper is one of them. The reason I read it, is because I want to learn what is happening in my city and because I feel like what they write about has value and the writers opinions. When you look at the LA Times or even the NY Times, you will most often find the same articles. What most newspapers do now is take articles from the Associated Press or even Reuters and just insert it into their newspaper. For them, it saves time and money. Still, for the reader it brings no real value if you can find it any newspaper or even just hop online and read it from the AP or Reuters directly. If the newspapers wanted to keep readers, they would have written ‘real content’ that would have been engaging to their respective cities.
With companies going out of business, many will now wonder if it is the newspaper industries turn. Since it is now feasible that such a collapse is near, the newspaper industry may follow the steps of automakers and large financial corporations and ask for the same kind of help that the government gave them: a bailout.
If it comes to that, it is my opinion that the government will not help the newspaper industry. The reason is this: one of the key determinants to who has been getting bailouts are those that are deemed crucial to our economy as well as to society. Carmaker’s were able to make the argument that millions of jobs and hundreds of smaller industries would fall as a result of their collapse. The financial corporations made the argument that the economy would never recover if they collapsed. So what about the newspaper industry? If they collapse, the result would obviously be layoffs, but other than that, people would turn toward the internet for their information or to watching the news on TV.
If it does come down to the newspaper industry collapsing I will miss picking up the newspaper early in the morning and reading the sports section as I get ready for my day. In the end it is not that we don’t like reading the newspaper, but that all in all, newspapers have become obsolete.
What Are You Worth?
When looking for a job, one of the biggest determinants in the job search is pay. While it is important to have a job you like and environment that is conducive to work, it seems that pay is the one factor that most would rank high on their job search importance. In a sense, the value of the job can be seen as having a monetary value.
Except for very extreme situations, most job’s will be taken by anyone if the pay is right. For most of us, pay is balanced out by our satisfaction with the work environment, company culture, and several other factors. It is no surprise that salary and how much you make a year is one of the biggest factors by which society judges individuals. Even as a small child we are taught in school that we need to study hard so that we can get a good job in the future.
So what is a ‘good job?’ Their can be many different definitions to what a ‘good job’ actually is, but the consensus response will almost always include making money. Their is nothing wrong with wanting to make a lot of money. I would be a liar to say that making money wasn’t important. The truth is that whether you hold money to be important or not, it is. Money drives our economy, culture, and society. Money has become a way for us to measure the value of things.
Among the many things that we put monetary value on, humans are one of them. Some may feel that putting value on a human is like putting a value on their life. Still, insurance companies do it all the time. They even have a human life value calculator. Factors such as if you smoke, what your occupation is, and how much you make are all part of the valuation of humans.
In a sense, everything that we do can be used as a determinant in our value. Similar to how employers determine your salary based on your experience and the value created by the work you do, humans can be valued in the same way based on their life experiences and value added to society. While it may sound like a bad to say that one individuals life is more important than another because they didn’t smoke and the other did, taking a closer look around us you can find examples where we are already doing it.
A classic example is what goes on in hospitals. The function of the hospital to save human life. While this is the goal of the hospital, the hospital also must be able to generate revenue. This means that the hospital must make decisions that they feel will be both cost effective as well as effective in saving and treating patients.
In some situations, expensive treatment is needed. This is where the valuation of human life can be seen. Imagine we have two patients, patient A and B. Both patients need to be treated for a life threatening condition which is very expensive. Treatment will successfully treat the patient and make them better. Patient A has health insurance, a white-collar worker, and it is his first time in the hospital. Patient B has no health insurance, a blue-collar worker, and his fourth time in the hospital. While it is ideal for the hospital to treat both the same, reality is that they don’t. What will happen is patient A would receive treatment at the hospital, and patient B would be stabilized and discharged to the county hospital where they would receive little treatment. While it is wrong to do so, it is reality. So goes the saying, ‘money doesn’t grow on trees.’ As long as it doesn’t we will continue to put a monetary value on human life.
Services Marketing: How Disney Got It Right
In the realm of services marketing, their are companies that don’t have any idea what they are doing, and then their are those that just get it and do a great job. Among those that got it right is Disney and the experience of guests at their parks. For the past 50 or so years, Disney has established itself as one of the leaders of the entertainment world. From their iconic “mouse ears” to their ability to crank out musical child stars such as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, Disney has always been associated with providing the best in entertainment.
But how does Disney do it?
Their are many reasons as to why Disney has become so successful, but among the major reasons for their success is their attention to services marketing. Disney believes in providing the customer or guest the best experience they can possibly have. For example, when entering a Disney theme park, guests are not just entering an amusement park, they are entering a ‘magical place’ as is the motto in the photo above. Disney believes in making every effort to make the guest feel like they are part of something special. Disney even addresses there workers as ‘cast members’ not employees.
Not only does Disney pay close attention to its customers, but Disney also does a great job with there servicescape.This is an important detail that all businesses should think of. When a customer is going to your store, the customers first interaction with your business does not start when they enter the store, but when they first see it. Having the appropriate setting and physical environment has a direct correlation to the experience the customer has. Looking at Disney, not only do they ’say’ that you will have a magical day, but the setting and decor make you feel like you are.
Going back to the role of the Disney cast members, they play one of the most vital roles in their parks. Not only are they necessary in the day to day operations of their parks, but cast members are important in the personal interactions with guests. Most guests would agree that they have had positive experiences with Disney cast members. One of the ways to assure that the quality of the service being provided by employees is at its best is to implement a good training program that will allow employees to not only learn basic operations but also to learn the company culture. Employees that understand the company culture will be able to better serve the customer.
While Disney is a great example of a company that understand the importance of services marketing, some companies still don’t. Many will tell you that it just costs too much to train and put in the time to make sure they are doing a good job. In all honesty, this is true. It is also true that it costs more money to acquire a new customer than to retain one. Also, that an angry or unsatisfied customer will tell on average 12 people negative things about your business and happy customers will tell 5 people positive things. In the end it may come down to a numbers game and what is most cost efficient, but companies should remember that while the motto “customers are always right” may not always be true, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try and provide the best service possible.
LA Goes Wireless, So Should Companies
Los Angeles has always been known for being a hot spot for social trends and cultural change, and recently I noticed something that I hadn’t really taken the time to notice before. Driving down Melrose and La Brea, I noticed just how few payphones their were. In fact, I was unable to see one for almost 3 blocks.
Not only was it just in this vicinity that I was unable to find a payphone, but in other surrounding areas as well. This lack of payphones leads me to believe that LA has gone wireless. Today, cellphones have replaced the need to carry around quarters except to pay for the parking meter. Cellphones are no longer for the rich and powerful as they once were back in the early 90’s, but are now common ‘toys’ for teens and necessary tools for students and professionals.
LA’s new direction in regards to communication is something that businesses should be aware of as well. Consumers can now get the weather, find out what’s for dinner, look up directions, and update there Facebook all from there cellphone. Businesses should take advantage of this and find new ways to target consumers. While payphones do exist in remote locations, such as near the bathrooms at shopping malls, LA for the most part has made the transition from landlines to wireless.
With the addition of Wi-Fi, 3G networks and reasonable wireless service plans, a cellphone has become standard for most. When email became preferable to ’snail mail,’ companies jumped onboard, trying to tag every page with there advertisements. Now that cellphones have become the new ‘communication’ tools, companies should recognize this and latch on to it. Whether it is through text advertisements, which many companies have already been utilizing, or through cellphone apps, ‘wireless advertisements’ will be the new way to advertise and the new way to communicate with this new generation.
Dear Blog, Please Get Me A Job
As I was flipping through various news articles on the web, I came across an interesting article written by Adam Nichols of the New York Post. The article, entitled “Better Sign of Times“, was about a banker who was recently put out of a job due to the economic situation. For many of us, ’standard protocol’ when looking for job involves:
1. Looking for job openings
2. Submitting our resume
3. Waiting for an employer to ask us to interview with them
Joshua Persky, the un-employed banker from the article, thought of a different way to look for a job. Using his creativity, Joshua Persky used a sandwich board sign saying he was looking for a job and wore it around Park Avenue. Not only did Persky attract plenty of attention from New Yorker’s, but Persky also attracted many job offers. So popular was Persky’s approach to finding a job that he created a blog where he documented his experiences.
Eventually, Persky got a full time offer from Manhattan firm Weiser LLP. When looking back at his experience Persky states in the article that
“Obviously, I had vigorous interviews, but I think it was [the blog] which sealed the deal,”
A blog.
Not his resume, not his interview, and not his sandwich board, but his blog. That is what sealed the deal.
As college students and young professionals prepare to apply for jobs, one advice that I would like to give is this. Company’s that are looking for someone to fill the position that they have an opening for get hundreds and hundreds of applications. Just like when you apply to get into a college, you have to write a personal essay, in essence, a personal blog can serve just the same purpose. A personal blog gives the interviewer a chance to look at many different aspects of you that a resume would never be able to show. From your writing style and use of logic, to what you are interested in and motivated at; your blog is an extension of yourself and everyone should have one.
It is not hard to find two applicants that have great GPA and great community involvement and drive, but what is the key determinant in deciding who gets the position is who is able to leave that lasting impression. In the case of the sandwich board banker, Persky was able to differentiate himself from the rest of the field by not only having a creative way of ‘applying’ for a job, but by having a personal blog that tells ‘his story’ and builds his personal brand.
Whether you write about fashion, music, what your favorite cartoon is, or even what you think the government should do with the economy, always remember that a personal blog is a tool that tells people who you are, where you’ve been and most importantly, where you want to go.
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Article: Better Sign of Times, Adam Nichols
The LA love story
Just like a romance novel, so goes our story.
Boy sees car, boy falls in love with car, boy loves to drive car, boy runs out of gas, boy sees gas prices, boy falls out of love.
While the gas prices have dropped substantially, with the economy being the way it is now, consumers are being more careful with their decisions when it comes to cars. Still, being a native of LA, I can say that I can hardly tell. While it is true that the number of riders on the metro system has increased, cars still dominate the streets and freeways of LA.
Driving in LA is not just a normal task. It is so much more than that. From the “way” you drive, to the kind of car you drive, driving is an expression and way for you to let everyone in LA know who you are. For example, seeing a Ferrari pull up to a McDonald’s is not uncommon in LA. While everyone is aware of the economic situation and unstable gas prices, LA will continue to be crowded with cars. With the gas prices on the down at the moment, it is fair to say that LA will see an increase in the number of cars on the road. We should be starting to go green, but for some us, going green means changing our image. To some, the $60,000 luxury car that gets 12MPG in the driveway means that we’ve accomplished something and are well-off. Some of us don’t want to change that.
While some of us drive out of necessity, some drive because
1. They enjoy driving
2. They want to show off their car
3. They don’t want to use the public transportation
While LA has made great strides to improve there public transportation I will admit that aside from one time when I was very young, I have not ridden the public transportation since.
Yes, I am guilty. I am guilty for being one of the hundreds and thousands of drivers that drive because they don’t want to use the public transportation and enjoy driving. As a result my car and the way I drive have become an extension of who I am. Some may even classify me as the “college student driver.”
So now I ask you, what kind of driver are you?
Goodbye Black Friday?
After a long day of cooking, feasting, and saying thanks, one would expect the next day to be one of rest and relaxation. Unfortunately, this is not true for most Americans. For many of us, the day after Thanksgiving is the day to go out and get that big screen TV we have been waiting for or to get those pairs of shoes that we have had our eye on. So ‘important’ has the day after Thanksgiving been, we as consumers have given it the name “Black Friday.”
“Black Friday” starts with tents, long lines, and consumers with there “Black Friday” ads in hand. Whether it be the special deal “doorbuster” or the extra 40% off that retail stores offer, consumers are willing to put up with the lack of sleep as well as the lack of respect they receive from there fellow consumers.
As I started my “Black Friday” run today, I had many places that I wanted to check out. Among them were Best Buy, Circuit City, and of course the local mall. As I went from store to store I noticed a trend. In each of the stores I went too, while there was still a large number of consumers, the number of them holding items was amazingly small. I didn’t see consumers with baskets full of DVD’s or with armfuls of clothes. If I could describe the average consumer on “Black Friday” I would use the word cautious. Consumers went for items they ‘needed’ or had been strongly considering for a while.
This change in consumer spending can be attributed to a number of things. One reasoning is that no longer is “Black Friday” only on Friday. Most stores now start there sales a couple of days before or even the week before running all the way into the weekend. Consumers no longer have to fight Friday morning but can now shop around for a couple days, finding the best deal. Another reason is that most stores such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Amazon, & Walmart offer online sales that offer the same items that are considered “doorbuster’s” and also in some cases, deals that are better than in the stores.
While the forementioned changes to “Black Friday” all have an affect on the way consumers approach “Black Friday”, consumer spending and confidence in businesses have been one of the key factors. Consumers unwilling to spend money on un-neccesary products has led to a record slump in consumer spending which have led to chains such as Circuit City into bankruptcy.
With “Black Friday” turning into a week long affair in some cases, why do we continue to call it “Black Friday?”
While “Black Friday” has traditionally meant the start of the holiday shopping season, consumer trends in spending during this “Black Friday” may be the signal for retailers to start worrying that perhaps “Black Friday” may just be “Regular Friday”
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly: LA Auto Show
With unpredictable gas prices, economic hardships, and falling sales, the Los Angeles Auto Show is an important event not only for automakers, but for consumers as well. This years LA Auto Show, taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, will answer consumers questions, unveil new cars, and also could be the last time we see all of the Big 3 automakers under one roof.I myself am in the market for a car so I decided that the LA Auto Show would be a great place to get an idea of what new models would be coming out.
The most notable thing that I noticed while in attendance was the trend in the consumers interests. For the most part, automakers like Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Nissan, and Mini-Cooper had by far the largest number of visitors to there exhibits. The main reason behind this can be attributed to there focus on both gas efficiency as well as there focus on reliability. Toyota for example, featured a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered version of the Camry Hybrid which caught the eye of many consumers. Honda and Mini-Cooper also went along the same path as Toyota by choosing to focus there exhibit areas around there ‘eco-friendly’ as well as ‘pocket-friendly’ vehicles.
Lexus and Nissan were definite winners of the auto show as crowds came away excited for there upcoming 2009/2019 vehicles. Most notable of which were the Lexus IS250C, the convertible version of the already popular Lexus IS250, and also the quirky Nissan Cube.
As a consumer, when I looked at the way that Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Nissan, and Mini-Cooper marketed there vehicles and exhibits, there was one key characteristic that all of them shared. It was a very plain and simple element which I believe most of the other carmakers failed to get. That was the concept of “How can we help you.” When I visited other carmakers exhibits I wasn’t asked what kind of car we we’re looking for or even when we we’re looking to buy, but rather we were told why we need this car and how we should take a test drive. Among those that used the latter approach was the big 3 automakers (Ford, GM, Chrysler). Not only were they insensitive to the consumers feelings or desires, but just by looking at the cars they had on display, I can see why they are struggling. The big 3 focused on making cars that they thought consumers wanted, when they really should have been asking us what we wanted.
The LA Auto Show is not only an event for the public to see the new cars, but it also a chance for automakers to show the direction they are going. We all know Mercedes makes luxury cars, but we want to know that they will continue to push the limits on luxury. We know that Ford is struggling to sell cars; we want to know that they are making the appropriate changes to bounce back. At the end of the day I walked out of the convention center with three thoughts in mind:
1. The LA Convention Center is huge
2. “Green” is the new direction of carmakers
3. I love free stuff
The iPhone Killer?
In what many consider to be there most ‘idolized’ consumer product and ‘must-have’, the Apple iPhone has established itself as the leader in the smartphone market. From its stylish design, to its practicality, many competitors have tried to compete, but to no avail. Still, just 24 hours away, we have the newest competitor to the iPhone. The Blackberry Storm.
Some have already begun calling it the iPhone Killer. With its well established reputation of being a leader in personal organization and networking, RIM (Research in Motion) is about to challenge the Apple iPhone head on. The Storm is scheduled to hit stores November 21st and has consumers on the edge of there wallets ready to shell out for what some analyst’s say will be the holiday’s biggest hit. The question though is not whether or not the Storm will sell well, but if it can possibly match up to the already dominating Apple iPhone.
What’s to Come
Upon closer review of the Blackberry Storm, RIM has gone far and beyond the normal ’standards’ of smartphone’s today. The most anticipated feature is the innovative “SurePress” feature. Not only is it the first Blackberry touchscreen in the world, but users can actually feel the keys being pressed when they are texting or dialing a number. RIM feels that this will revolutionize the smartphone market in that users have long complained that it is hard to use touchscreens because the keys are unresponsive or hard to use.
Aside from the SurePress technology, the Storm advertises its use as a social tool. Citing sites such as Facebook and Flickr as being part of the networking capabilities, Blackberry is clearly trying to establish the Storm as a multi-task tool. The storm also has turn by turn navigation, email capabilities, a full HTML browser as well as 3.2 megapixel camera that can take photos and record.
Can you afford it?
With the features to compete with the Apple iPhone, RIM has priced the Storm at almost the same price of the iPhone at $199.99 (with 2 year contract and $50.00 rebate). This competitive price will challenge the iPhone during this holiday season in making the consumer think twice on what to buy.
While the Blackberry has yet to hit stores here in the US, the Blackberry has already been released in Europe and is already a big hit. This is partly due to the fact that Vodafone has been giving them away for free with a phone contract. If only they could that here.
I myself have been anticipating the release of the Storm and am looking forward to trying it out. With the strategy that Blackberry has taken into marketing the new Storm, it is hard to see how this product can fail. Taking into account the innovative features, the reasonable pricing, and Blackberry’s reputation for its strong network and email capabilities, the Storm may not only ‘beat’ the iPhone in sales, it may just steal the market away from them.
Disney Vacation Club: Best Timeshare?
For many of us, our first formal introduction to the Disney family was through television. From the early morning cartoons that entertained us for countless hours, to the small fortune we spent on Mickey Mouse dolls, most of us have in some way been part of the Disney experience. Today, having established themselves as one of the leaders in family entertainment, Disney has positioned themselves to take the lead in “vacation memberships.”
Started in 1991, the Disney Vacation Club was founded on using the basic ideas of ‘timeshares’ but with a different approach. Staying true to the Disney tradition of quality, hospitality, and creativity, Disney has turned the Disney Vacation Club into one of the top timeshares in the world.
How does it work?
Similar to timeshare, the DVC (Disney Vacation Club) allows members to purchase ‘points’ that they can use toward there stay at any DVC resort. This is just one way that Disney has been able to seperate themselves from other timeshares. In the past, when an individual would purchase a timeshare they would have to set a date for which they would travel during that year. If they did not travel during that time during the year, in essence they would have paid for nothing that year. For the DVC, they allow you to ‘roll over’ your points to the next year.
So for example, if Mickey Mouse decides to buy 150 Points, then each year for the duration of the timeshare, he will pay X amount for 150 points each year. If he doesn’t use the points, he can transfer or ‘bank’ his points, as is the term used by DVC, to the next year to be accumulated. For the family that knows they will be having a large family reunion at Disneyworld, this is a great way to save money on accommodations.
Another great part of the DVC is that you can take multiple trips during the year as long as you have points. Also, if you don’t have enough, Disney allows you to borrow points from the next year.
Disney has broken each of there resorts down based on point values. Some resorts for example may only need 20 points a night during June 10-15, while another resort may require more or less. Cost wise, the ‘points per night’ is less than if you were to book the rooms on your own with no DVC.
Only Disney Hotels?
Another great part of the Disney Vacation Club is that Disney offers accommodations at more than 500 different hotels around the world not including there own Disney Resorts. Points may also be used on the Disney Cruise line.
Best Deal?
For the family that is looking for a way to save money on family trips, or even the family or couple that is just looking to travel, the Disney Vacation Club offers all of us a chance to be part of the Disney Family. From there affordable packages to there Disney promise of quality and innovation, Disney has re-invented the idea of a timeshare, and turned it into a ‘vacation club.’
More than just cars…
When most consumers hear of AAA (Automobile Club of Southern California) they think of roadside assistance. It is true that AAA is well known for there roadside assistance services, but not many are aware of the great perks that accompany being a AAA member. Apart from there insurance and travel services, AAA members can save at many locations just by showing there AAA card.
So just how much does it cost to be a member of AAA?
Aside from the first time sign up fee of $20.00, consumers can choose from three different membership levels, each with different levels of service offered. The most basic level, Classic, costs just $47.00 a year. In comparison to the various discounts and perks of being a AAA member, this is a bargain.
Perks
Shopping Entertainment Dining Accommodations
Barnes and Noble Sea World Chart House Best Western
Circuit City Universal Studios Hollywood Hard Rock Café Hyatt
Dell San Diego Zoo El Torito Hilton
Target Lego Land Joe’s Crab Shack Marriot
The UPS Store Anaheim Ducks Kelly’s Coffee Westin
New York & Company Aquarium of the Pacific Sweet Factory Starwood Hotels
Sears Optical Discovery Science Center Rainforest Café
Blue Nile Knotts Berry Farm Wetzel Pretzel
Enterprise LA Kings Circle K
LensCrafters LA Sparks Disney Dining
Motorola LA Clippers Dream Diners
Payless Shoes USA Today
Reebok Bally Total Fitness
Sit N’ Sleep
These are just a few of the man places and services that you can get a discount at by simply showing your AAA card.
In what some have called an ‘economic crisis,’ AAA helps us save a little money so that we can save it for a rainy day.
LA going Pinks
Long lines, cash only, and great food. This can only equate to one thing, Pinks Hot Dogs.
Started in 1939, Pinks Hot Dogs on the corner of Melrose and La Brea, has established itself as a ‘must-try’ when in Los Angeles. From there long lines that sometimes go around the corner of the store, to the parking attendant that helps maintain the peace in there tiny parking lot, Pinks breaks the notion that all hot dogs are the same.
Boasting over 20 different types of hot dogs alone, Pinks offers its customers a variety of choices when it comes to ‘personalizing’ there dog. From the original Chili Dog to the film inspired “Lord of the RINGS dog” (10″ Stretch Dog, Yummy BBQ sauce topped with onion rings), just asking for a ‘hot dog’ will not work. Not only does Pinks offer a great selection of hot dogs, but they also serve burgers as well. The key element in almost all of Pinks menu items, is there famous chili. Using the same recipe that was used in 1939 by founder Paul Pink, Pinks attracts customers from all parts of Los Angeles. From famous celebrities to the average Joe, Pinks has used the strategy of great quality and service as there main business mantra. Every hot dog is made to the customers specifications, and is handled and prepared in a timely manner.
One may ask if it is worth staying in line for upwards of 30 minutes just for a ‘hot dog’, but most will tell you it is. The closer and closer you get to the front, the more and more you are convinced it is worth it. From the aroma of the chili, to the sight of the dogs being made, the visual showcase is a treat in itself.
Whether you are a college student looking for a creative date spot, a struggling actor looking for some inspirational food, or a high powered CEO looking to reconnect with us little people, Pinks is just a small reminder of why we love LA.
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Pinks Hot Dogs
709 N. La Brea Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
323.931.4223
Service Marketing: Georges at the Cove
From the simplistic marquee that adornes the entrance to the modern and stylish decor, Georges at the Cove in La Jolla, California offers an upscale experience in a contemporary setting.
Georges at the Cove offers guests three different dining expereinces, George’s California Modern, Ocean Terrace, and George’s Bar. While each are unique, all three are consistent in keeping up with George’s careful attention to the customers satisfaction and experience.
Attention to detail, and catering to the customers every need and desire has helped George’s develop the reputation of being at the top of its class. Winner of several restaurant awards, George’s has used a simple yet proven formula: Customer First.
When we look at successful restaurants and companies that provide a service, we can see that most, if not all share the common trait of having great relationships with there customers and doing everything to make sure that they walk away with a great experience.
The Ritz-Carlton hotel and resort chain is a great example of this. From the minute the guest walks through the revolving doors to the hotel, they are transformed from being the “average-Joe,” to something more: a guest. The difference between the “average-Joe” and “a guest” starts with the personalization of the service encounters with the Ritz Carlton and its staff. From the staff that cater to the ‘guests’ every request, to the ‘guests’ being addressed as “Mr.” and “Mrs.”, the Ritz-Carlton proves that putting there customers first equates to a good business.
With the service sector now accounting for more than 65% of the United States’ GDP, it is important that businesses get it right when it comes to its customers. Businesses providing a service must realize its consumers needs and address them accordingly. Having the proper customer protocols, management, as well as service quality should all be important points when running a business.
Georges at the Cove is just one of the prime examples of the result of having established good customer relations as well as quality service. From the contemporary dining setting, to the picturesque view of the Pacific ocean, Georges at the Cove makes there customers feel like ‘guests.’
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Georges at the Cove
1250 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA
858.454.4244
The Economy Can Learn From Diddy Riese
As the line goes out the door and down the block, people begin to contemplate what will satisfy there sweet-tooth.
For the LA native, Diddy Riese is a Los Angeles landmark known for long lines, tasty treats and cheap prices. Started in 1983 in Westwood, CA right next to UCLA, Diddy Riese has marketed themselves as offering high quality cookies and baked goods at ‘reasonable prices.’ Reasonable is not the right word. I would say ‘great.’ Especially the way the economy has been, if Diddy Riese wasn’t so far from myself, I’d consider it a weekly stop.
So how cheap is it? Let’s take a look.
Not even at a Dreyers Ice Cream store could you get a scoop of ice cream for $1.00. For 50 cents more, you can even get there famous Ice Cream Sandwiches made with there homemade cookies. Not even pictured here are there Hot Dogs which are just as cheap and just as delicious. Can it get better? Of course it can. 32 oz drinks for $.90.
So whats the secret of Diddy Riese? How are they able to pay for the ridiculous rent near the UCLA campus and still keep there prices low and food tasting great? After speaking with a worker of 10 years at Diddy Riese, there response was simple, quality. Keep the quality great and people will come back. They said that there is no reason to charge $3.00 for a cookie when it only costs $.20 cents to make. Quality will equal more people, which will get you more sales. A very simple equation and after 25 years, they are still going strong. Perhaps this equation may not work for all of those in the economy trying to find a way out of this tumultuous time, but we can take at least one lession away from Diddy Riese.
You can never go wrong with 35 cent cookies…
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