"This Old House" Names top 100 new products

I think new product ideas are always interesting.  How about a robotic window cleaner?  Please watch this video and let me know which ones you think might be successful:  http://video.foxnews.com/v/2885709626001/this-old-house-names-top-100-new-home-products/?playlist_id=931078438001

Amazon's Jeff Bezos looks to the future

Amazon wants to sell everything to everyone and have it on your doorstep within 30 minutes.  How?? They are creating drones to do the delivery.  They are also so tuned in to customer wants.  View this 60 Minutes segment:  http://www.cbsnews.com/news/amazons-jeff-bezos-looks-to-the-future/

Faithful to Unfaithful in 36 Hours

I recently received an email that disturbed me greatly.  Apparently someone thought it would be a good idea to great a dating service site where married folks could start affairs.  I fail to see how this is a good idea, but it making money.  over 25,000 users register every Monday.  The link I am including contains a lot of interesting marketing research data. http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/faithful-unfaithful-36-hours/story?id=19945949. It looks like the money stream is from per minute chat time.

Tatoo inspired clothing a mistake for Nike

Nike created a line of women's workout clothing that was inspired by tattoos.  It was offensive to the Samoa and was later pulled.  It seems that tattoos used are only worn by Samoan men.  Click here to see the pictures and read the full story.  Further down on that page are 34 other commercials that have been banned.  Do you think that Nike just didn't do the research before creating and selling this product?

Lamborghini turns 50

60 Minutes aired a segment about Lamborghini on November 3, 2013.  as I watched it, I was struck by the marketing behind this vehicle.  How do you promote a $400,000 automobile?  They even discussed that.  You have to create a romance for this.  Please view the two segments and determine the target market for the product as well as how it is promoted.    What it Feels like:  155 in a Lamborghini.  

Paying with Facebook

Facebook is launching a mobile app that allows customers to shop from their site.  The customer receives the convenience, but the real benefit is to the advertisers.  Read the full article to see why.

Government Shutdown

October 1, 2013 is a sad day for the US.  Our government leaders have not agreed on a budget.  Thus causing government facilities to be shutdown until a budget is agree upon.  The economic impact on the country is far reaching.  Here are some of the ways it will be affected:

• No salary for the non-working government employees.  This impacts all the normal purchases they would be making.
• No supplies needed at those facilities - like foods for the restaurants at the National Zoo, toilet paper in the buildings, etc. This reduces the amount of sales nationwide

Try to think of other companies that will be impacted by this situation. If you were the CEO of an impacted company, how you respond?

World and US Population

This is an interesting website that calculates current population in the US and the World.  It shows top countries, top states, etc.  Pretty fascinating stuff.  Click here:  Population Clock.

Marketers use tools like that to help make marketing decisions. 

Smartphone- Phone fashion

In the Sept. 12 of the News and Advance, I read this article about Phone Fashion.  Phones are going the way of watches and using them as a benchmark for design.  Aesthetics have become as big of a part of the smartphone industry as the technology.  The market is crowded with a 52% growth rate.  Companies are looking to aesthetics as the differential advantage.  This article addresses the Product part of the marketing mix.

Starbucks and Guns

Starbucks had previously taken the position that guns would be allowed in their locations where they were legally allowed.  Gun activists jumped on this and started Starbucks Appreciation Days.  For several reasons, one of which is that Starbucks does not want to be part of a political statement, Starbucks is asking that customers leave their guns at home.  Below are two articles about this topic:

• Starbucks Seeks to Keep Guns Out of its Coffee Shops 

• Starbucks and Guns Four Blunt Observations

These articles are good examples of the social environment that companies make marketing decisions within.  Please read and offer your comments. Is Starbucks making the right decision?

K-Mart ADs

K-Mart is receiving a lot of negative comments about airing a Christmas ad in Sept.  View their Facebook page to see some of the comments. Click here to view the commercial:   K-Mart Christmas Commercial.   What is your opinion?

Google Scans Email

Did you know that Google uses computer technology to scan your email and send you advertisements about what you wrote?  Do you feel that is ethical?

View the video piece about this topic:  http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/courtroom-battle-brewing-email-privacy-20184832

Galaxy Watch

Well I believe that the gadgets of Maxwell Smart have finally arrived.  In Chapters 2 and 10 we talk about Product Development.  The Galaxy Smart Watch is one of the newest products available.  Imagine sending a text or email, taking a photo, etc. from your watch.  Read more at:  http://www.engadget.com/2013/09/04/galaxy-gear-hands-on/. 

Kellogg's Rice Krispies - How'd That Happen? - TV Commercial

As I was watching TV last night this commercial came on.  In Chapter 4 we will discuss the social responsibility that companies have.  This commercial made we question how we market to children or use children in our commercials.  View the commercial and post your comments on its appropriateness and effectiveness. Does it work for Rice Krispies?

Lyncburg City Council

The News and Advance reported on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 that Lynchburg City Council had penned a new vision statement: " LYN: A great place to live, work, and play." The acronym comes from the code used by Amtrak and the airport.  Think of all the ways this vision statement could be used to promote Lynchburg.  Refer to Chapter 2 about marketing planning and the role of a vision/mission statement.

Dior Ads

Dior has hired Robert Pattinson to promote a cologne and menswear.  View this commercial. Does sex sell?  Dior is using YouTube as part of the delivery for this ad.  Read the responses.

Anderson Live 9-3-13

Did you know that retailers put carpet in front of expensive merchandise to slow down carts?? View How Department Stores Trick You? for more tips about what companies are doing to get better sales.

Democracy Winery

As my boyfriend and I visited Democracy Winery today, I couldn't help but think what a good example of focusing on one theme this company was. Jim and Susan, the owners, were both lobbyists. Thus the name of the winery.  The logo is red, white, and blue along with most of the decor.  The walls are covered with old campaign materials.  An old ballot box is there as well.  Even the names of the wines are things like Emancipation an Suffrage.  Very clever.  I wish them well.  Here is a link to their website:  Democracy Vineyards