Want to buy a new car?
Afraid you'll lose your job?
Reigning in spending because of general economic gloom?
Well Hyndai is really taking it to the next level on this one. If you buy a new Hyndai and lose your job within the year, they'll take the car back and you'll be off the hook.
As much as this is somewhat typical American doesn't-matter-if-I-can't-afford-it-I-want-it-so-I'm-buying-it-anyways attitude, it is at the very least a very interesting bit of marketing.
What sort of consequences will this have for other car companies? Hyndai has been making great strides in quality, the willingness of the North American auto market to accept this change of image is lagging.
I find this difficult to predict. Either the other car companies will follow suit (think of the deluge of 0% financing that resulted after GM first introduced it post 9-11) or Hyndai will end up alone in this little hold they have dug.
Only time will tell.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Really!? He said that!?
Reading an article in the International Herald Tribune, I just found out that it was Roosevelt who said "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
It sounds like one of those really deep, inspiring, rhetorical lines. You know, welling up eyes with tears across the country as the weak finally find strength and the cowardly find courage and we all accomplish things we didn't think we could and othersuch etc etc.
WELL it turns out he was referring to the banking industry!
It's not rhetorical or inspiring at all! It's actually quite a literal statement. Fear, also known as lack of consumer confidences, stymies consumer spending, which makes up most of the American economy. So GDP declines, unemployment rises, there are deflationary pressures on prices, credit tightens even in the face of minuscule interest rates, and overall it's just bad news.
And what is actually keeping America in this mess is fear! How devastatingly practical!
It sounds like one of those really deep, inspiring, rhetorical lines. You know, welling up eyes with tears across the country as the weak finally find strength and the cowardly find courage and we all accomplish things we didn't think we could and othersuch etc etc.
WELL it turns out he was referring to the banking industry!
It's not rhetorical or inspiring at all! It's actually quite a literal statement. Fear, also known as lack of consumer confidences, stymies consumer spending, which makes up most of the American economy. So GDP declines, unemployment rises, there are deflationary pressures on prices, credit tightens even in the face of minuscule interest rates, and overall it's just bad news.
And what is actually keeping America in this mess is fear! How devastatingly practical!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Are magazines becoming extinct?
Marketing Magazine reports that online Canadians spend as much time watching TV as they do surfing the net. They are also simultaneously surfing the net and watching TV or listening to radio.
“When we’ve got people multi-tasking, I have to question if the advertising message is getting through at all,” says Mark Laver, study author and associate vice-president of Ipsos Reid. “From an ad perspective, you’ve really got to come through with some creative, unique advertising to capture people’s attention if they’re doing two things at once.”
“Companies need to understand how the Internet is affecting their business and build strategies on how to deal with this change,” said Laver. “In today’s world it’s no longer a one channel strategy, that’s evidently clear... you can’t put all of your advertising dollars in one place.”
The end of the article suggests that an increasing amount of Canadians are getting their news from the internet (and popular blogs like this one). Do you think newspapers will still stay relevant as internet usage increases?
“When we’ve got people multi-tasking, I have to question if the advertising message is getting through at all,” says Mark Laver, study author and associate vice-president of Ipsos Reid. “From an ad perspective, you’ve really got to come through with some creative, unique advertising to capture people’s attention if they’re doing two things at once.”
“Companies need to understand how the Internet is affecting their business and build strategies on how to deal with this change,” said Laver. “In today’s world it’s no longer a one channel strategy, that’s evidently clear... you can’t put all of your advertising dollars in one place.”
The end of the article suggests that an increasing amount of Canadians are getting their news from the internet (and popular blogs like this one). Do you think newspapers will still stay relevant as internet usage increases?
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The fickle thing called an industry
I think it's hard to really wrap your head around how many macro-issues are present when you really get into the upper-echelons of management and decision making. True visionaries who enact real changes in people's lifestyles and who give birth to and kill entire industries are the unknowns at the helm of major (or currently minor, soon to be major) organizations around the world.
Longtime Intel leader Craig Barrett is retiring as the company's chairman, and an article in BusinessWeek that chronicles his legacy gives a very interesting look at how the PC industry has evolved, and the role that Intel played.
What jumped out at me was the statement that the PC industry is "relatively mature." Besides the initial shock that an entire life-altering technological sector can be created, grow, and mature between grade school and my early twenties, this is an important statement about the need to be constantly aware of the environment in which you are operating.
Another interesting point to note is the whole netbook phenomenon. Netbooks are stripped down laptops that can basically only run the internet. They are extremely popular and cheaper than a regular laptop, but have very thin margins for manufacturers and sellers. So this is just a reminder that just because something will sell like hotcakes doesn't mean you should make it. The netbook can ravage the industry. Afterall, if you buy a netbook, you don't need to buy a nicer, bigger, more equipped (and more profitable for the seller) laptop or desktop computer. Sometimes introductions like this are lose-lose (for manufacturers...consumers probably do alright).
A little more about strategy in a downturn from a related article:
The PC makers that stand to do best include Hewlett-Packard (HPQ), Acer, and Apple (AAPL). HP has a well-balanced portfolio of products. Acer operates with a super-lean Taiwanese cost structure that allows it to price its products aggressively. Apple seems content to stick with making ever-more-powerful PCs for premium prices.
But will marketing high-powered computers featuring slick industrial design still work in the bust? That's debatable. Market researcher NPD Group says sales of Macintosh computers declined 1% in November, which could be a harbinger of trouble.
Companies have to know who they are, what they are best at, what their core competency is, and stick to it, grow it, live it. (Until it's not working anymore...then feverishly work to change it).
Steve Hamm. "Recession Comes to the PC Makers." BusinessWeek. January 15, 2009. http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_04/b4117082616113.htm.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Who is who?
Check out these photos I took on my most recent trip to Fortinos:
I remember seeing the commercials for Knor first, but I was super surprised to see V8 introduce the EXACT same thing. Ok, ya, on one hand you're building off the equity of the brand, but honestly I think it makes you seem like a copier, and that's just lame. Funniest part was that V8 didn't even have a "red" soup, which to me seems the most fitting for them. Very weird indeed.
And then what's up with the whole colour soup thing anyways? I mean, yes, you read that it's important to eat "brightly coloured" foods because of their variety of nutritional content. But aren't the people who are reading those types of articles in magazines and other sources (my source: runnersworld.com) also a bit too informed to fall for this type of thing? I feel like it's too obvious of a marketing ploy.
Personally, I don't like buying products that have marketing campaigns or strategies that I don't like because I feel like they should be punished. You know, for not doing a good job of marketing. And somehow my boycott of them will teach them a lesson. Then again, maybe that's just me.
Verdict? I bought the Knor Orange.
....
I like pumpkin and curry and they had a dollar off coupon!
I remember seeing the commercials for Knor first, but I was super surprised to see V8 introduce the EXACT same thing. Ok, ya, on one hand you're building off the equity of the brand, but honestly I think it makes you seem like a copier, and that's just lame. Funniest part was that V8 didn't even have a "red" soup, which to me seems the most fitting for them. Very weird indeed.
And then what's up with the whole colour soup thing anyways? I mean, yes, you read that it's important to eat "brightly coloured" foods because of their variety of nutritional content. But aren't the people who are reading those types of articles in magazines and other sources (my source: runnersworld.com) also a bit too informed to fall for this type of thing? I feel like it's too obvious of a marketing ploy.
Personally, I don't like buying products that have marketing campaigns or strategies that I don't like because I feel like they should be punished. You know, for not doing a good job of marketing. And somehow my boycott of them will teach them a lesson. Then again, maybe that's just me.
Verdict? I bought the Knor Orange.
....
I like pumpkin and curry and they had a dollar off coupon!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
GET READY APPRENTII!
As you prepare to set forth on this journey remember this is a test of endurance, integrity, creativity and team work. You have already WON by becoming a part of this experience, NOW you must focus on embracing learning, letting adversity or challenge excite you and making your inner spirit your face. Be true to yourself and be true in your deeds. There are no shortcuts, no tricks, no magical solutions. What will speak for you is the character that you demonstrate - curious, honest, engaging, trust worthy, and empowered by principles. I will be with you all the way.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The Cassies - I love this site!
When I was solving the Frito Lay challenge last year, I think I stayed up late with the group one night checking out the website of the Cassies, the Canadian Advertising Success Stories. This gave us a lot of inspiration about how to create a successful marketing campaign. I love the videos and the pages and pages of reasoning why the particular campaign was selected as the best.
I think my favourites are the Pepsi "Forever Young" commercials, and the Juicy Fruit case. Not only were these hilarious, but they also got the job done (and not just in a small way) The analysis, strategy, and the creative together prove CATEGORICALLY that the marketing efforts caused an increase in sales. If you are one of those who believes that marketing doesn't work, take some time and spend it on this website! Not all in one place, though.
The crossover notes are practically required reading for any marketing student (hint, hint Apprentices!). So get to it!
P.S. JAN Kelley Marketing won a Cassie for work on a small budget in 2006 with RiteRate.ca, check out the Case Library. I can still recall their catchphrase from the radio..."Those who get it, save." :)
I think my favourites are the Pepsi "Forever Young" commercials, and the Juicy Fruit case. Not only were these hilarious, but they also got the job done (and not just in a small way) The analysis, strategy, and the creative together prove CATEGORICALLY that the marketing efforts caused an increase in sales. If you are one of those who believes that marketing doesn't work, take some time and spend it on this website! Not all in one place, though.
The crossover notes are practically required reading for any marketing student (hint, hint Apprentices!). So get to it!
P.S. JAN Kelley Marketing won a Cassie for work on a small budget in 2006 with RiteRate.ca, check out the Case Library. I can still recall their catchphrase from the radio..."Those who get it, save." :)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
What's Eating Wendy's?
Wendy’s will cease to serve breakfast at more than half of the 850 locations in the United States. What are they serving instead? Market share of course, to their aggressive major competitors: Tim Horton’s, McDonalds, Second Cup and Starbucks. These companies are continuing to battle it out in the breakfast war, using pricing strategies and product differentiation strategies. With a major player taking a time out, it can only be an ominous sign for the industry: the oven is getting really hot, so get fierce or get out.
http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090113.wrbreakfast14/BNStory/Business/home
http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090113.wrbreakfast14/BNStory/Business/home
What a day!
WOW!
I will preface this post by saying that I am aware I am a huge nerd because I am so invigorated by productivity.
Confirmed our Keynote Speaker for the MARS Apprentice Season Premiere on January 20th, 6:30pm CIBC Hall. Mr. Adam Grogan will be speaking on "Marketing in Challenging Times" and how Maple Leaf Foods has grown as a brand post-recall.
Wednesday, January 14 (TONIGHT!)
A Coaching Workshop held by our great friends and long-time supports Cheryl Breukelman and Simon Geohagan at Epiphany Coaches. The 12 Apprentices were able to learn more about how to create and sustain a high performing team: overcoming struggles, removing team toxins, and working at your best. The Apprentices had a great time, learned so much, and feel so much more prepared heading into the first Boardroom Challenge, presented at the Season Premiere.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Pick up an issue of the Hamilton Spectator to find our FULL PAGE FEATURE about MARS Apprentice. Apprentice Bios, words from our sponsors and Apprentice Alumni, and an announcement and general invitation to our Season Premiere.
HUGE thank you to JAN Kelley Marketing and BlackBerry Rogers for supporting this feature. We could not have done it without your support. We look forward to putting on a great show for you on Tuesday, January 20th!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE AND SEE YOU ON JANUARY 20TH
I will preface this post by saying that I am aware I am a huge nerd because I am so invigorated by productivity.
Confirmed our Keynote Speaker for the MARS Apprentice Season Premiere on January 20th, 6:30pm CIBC Hall. Mr. Adam Grogan will be speaking on "Marketing in Challenging Times" and how Maple Leaf Foods has grown as a brand post-recall.
Wednesday, January 14 (TONIGHT!)A Coaching Workshop held by our great friends and long-time supports Cheryl Breukelman and Simon Geohagan at Epiphany Coaches. The 12 Apprentices were able to learn more about how to create and sustain a high performing team: overcoming struggles, removing team toxins, and working at your best. The Apprentices had a great time, learned so much, and feel so much more prepared heading into the first Boardroom Challenge, presented at the Season Premiere.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Pick up an issue of the Hamilton Spectator to find our FULL PAGE FEATURE about MARS Apprentice. Apprentice Bios, words from our sponsors and Apprentice Alumni, and an announcement and general invitation to our Season Premiere.
HUGE thank you to JAN Kelley Marketing and BlackBerry Rogers for supporting this feature. We could not have done it without your support. We look forward to putting on a great show for you on Tuesday, January 20th!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE AND SEE YOU ON JANUARY 20TH
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Interested in the "best job in the world"?
So their website has crashed several times, but the job is still up for grabs:
Caretaker of Hamilton Island, right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Job Requirements: Must be over 18 years of age, must be able to swim.
Responsibilities: snorkeling, sun bathing, swimming, having as much fun as possible.
Compensation: approx. $125,000 CAD for 6 months.
Benefits: Free rent at the local villa. Oh yeah, it's a tropical island too.
How to apply: try to get online, however, their site is overloaded with visitors. Candidates are required to create a video application in English of up to one minute explaining why they are uniquely qualified for the job.
Caretaker of Hamilton Island, right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Job Requirements: Must be over 18 years of age, must be able to swim.
Responsibilities: snorkeling, sun bathing, swimming, having as much fun as possible.
Compensation: approx. $125,000 CAD for 6 months.
Benefits: Free rent at the local villa. Oh yeah, it's a tropical island too.
How to apply: try to get online, however, their site is overloaded with visitors. Candidates are required to create a video application in English of up to one minute explaining why they are uniquely qualified for the job.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
TV ads still going strong: BBM
"TV is overwhelmingly the source of Canadians’ favourite advertisements, according to a new study from BBM Analytics omniVU released yesterday by the Television Bureau of Canada.
In the study, 65.1% of Canadians 18 to 49 said their favourite ad was one they had seen on TV, well ahead of out-of-home (8.2%) and the Internet (5.4%)."
From January 2009 issue of Marketing Magazine.
Monday, January 12, 2009
More on Shopper's Drug Mart
Ok it is clear that I am obsessed with Shopper's.
In his column on elevated brands, Mark Healy describes some changes that Shopper's has gone through in recent years, developing "strong retail outlets in bigger centres with a focus on in-store experience."
In Shopper's case, they are closing in-mall stores and shifting fully to a destination brand.
I just thought this was really neat. When a brand and a store and a company changes over time, so many things change with it. It's incredible. I think that's one of the most intriguing parts of marketing. It honestly just encompasses everything about a company and everything it does. Too cool.
Mark Healy. "How to elevate your brand." reportonbusiness.com (December 12, 2008). http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081212.wsb-healycolumn1212/BNStory/incubator/home.
In his column on elevated brands, Mark Healy describes some changes that Shopper's has gone through in recent years, developing "strong retail outlets in bigger centres with a focus on in-store experience."
In Shopper's case, they are closing in-mall stores and shifting fully to a destination brand.
I just thought this was really neat. When a brand and a store and a company changes over time, so many things change with it. It's incredible. I think that's one of the most intriguing parts of marketing. It honestly just encompasses everything about a company and everything it does. Too cool.
Mark Healy. "How to elevate your brand." reportonbusiness.com (December 12, 2008). http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081212.wsb-healycolumn1212/BNStory/incubator/home.
Loblaws will charge for plastic bags
Do you really think this is about the $$$ ??
I mean, I'm sure it's a nice touch!
Makes you think of other instances where it isn't really about the money. It's about thoughts, feelings, emotions, and other associations that money can provide. Prestige. Exclusivity. Illusion of a great deal. Urgency. All sorts of things.
Check out the article. There is a picture of Mr. Weston, that handsome devil.
http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090109.wdiscussionloblaw0111/BNStory/Business/home
I mean, I'm sure it's a nice touch!
Makes you think of other instances where it isn't really about the money. It's about thoughts, feelings, emotions, and other associations that money can provide. Prestige. Exclusivity. Illusion of a great deal. Urgency. All sorts of things.
Check out the article. There is a picture of Mr. Weston, that handsome devil.
http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090109.wdiscussionloblaw0111/BNStory/Business/home
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Co-Chair Quote of the Day
Dan is changing the password for his computer...
Dan: Pfft I don't put a password hint.
Jocelyne: Wow, really living life on the edge there aren't we?
UPDATE!!!!
We are meeting tomorrow with someone to discuss official MARS Apprentice Opening Ceremonies Photography!!!
Dan: Pfft I don't put a password hint.
Jocelyne: Wow, really living life on the edge there aren't we?
UPDATE!!!!
We are meeting tomorrow with someone to discuss official MARS Apprentice Opening Ceremonies Photography!!!
The Opening Ceremonies Entertainment Sponsor
The MARS Apprentice Planning Team and Opening Ceremonies Directors are proud to announce that we have secured the services of Q Entertainment, the Quintessential Leaders in Modern Day Entertainment for our Season Premiere on January 20th.
Tickets will be available in the DSB Lobby this week, from the MARS Apprentice Co-Chairs, or from any member of the MARS Apprentice Planning Team.
Student Price: $8 in advance (includes one drink ticket)
Friday, January 9, 2009
The big story of the day - Canada's unemployment rate rises
[Cover of Maclean's, 1.19.09. Taken with my BlackBerry Curve]It's been the big news story of the day..."Canada's jobless rate rises to 6.6% in December".
"Canada lost 34,400 jobs in December, a figure that was worse than economists had been expecting, as the economy weakened." CBC News
In the United States, the story is even worse - they lost 524,000 jobs last month which pushed the total job losses in 2008 to 2.6 million.
The latest page in the story of the current economic downturn. I find this issue important to students as we are the ones that are trying to enter the job market. Should we be worried? What I've been hearing is that despite the changes in the economy, organizations still believe that it is important to recruit top talent and are still actively searching. Once we do get out of 2009, since the economists expect things to turn back around, students who have entered the job market will have gained experience and hopefully be part of a company that will grow again and be in line for more responsibility or even a promotion. It's not the best time to enter the job market, but it's not the worst either.
The sponsors of MARS Apprentice are also recruiting students for co-op work terms and full-time positions this year. Frito Lay has an excellent Leadership Development program available, and Research In Motion is looking for another 1,250 employees this year.
Apprentice is even more proof that employers will still try to find the best and brightest students, despite the problems in the economy!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Science Behind Shopping
If you had a choice between purchasing a perfume manufactured in Paris and one that is manufactured in Dallas which one would you choose? Well if you are like me and chose Paris you are also like the 9 out of 10 people. So what does that means? It means subliminal advertising! I was watching the Today’s Show on NBC this morning and was captivated by this piece.
Check it out:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27241255/#storyContinued
(Just click on the video launch)
Author Martin Lindstrom “Buyology: Truth and Lies About What We Buy,” which explains the scientific reasoning behind purchasing habits. Martin Lindstorm conducted an experiment where he performed functional MRI’S on various people to determine whether the subconscious has a roll in people’s purchasing habits. He concluded that the subconscious roll plays a great roll on how we buy products. One of the examples he uses is the controversy behind Calvin Klein commercials. The controversy behind the Calvin Klein jeans intrigues the consumer and thus makes them desire it. There are many examples that he provides that are worth checking out!
After watching this piece I may think twice of when purchasing a certain product. Maybe you will too?
Check it out:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27241255/#storyContinued
(Just click on the video launch)
Author Martin Lindstrom “Buyology: Truth and Lies About What We Buy,” which explains the scientific reasoning behind purchasing habits. Martin Lindstorm conducted an experiment where he performed functional MRI’S on various people to determine whether the subconscious has a roll in people’s purchasing habits. He concluded that the subconscious roll plays a great roll on how we buy products. One of the examples he uses is the controversy behind Calvin Klein commercials. The controversy behind the Calvin Klein jeans intrigues the consumer and thus makes them desire it. There are many examples that he provides that are worth checking out!
After watching this piece I may think twice of when purchasing a certain product. Maybe you will too?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Buy none, get one free
Sounds too good to be true eh? I found this article really interesting of how the "digital world" makes such a difference to companies today. Chris Anderson, editor-in-chief of Wired magazine claims the costs in the digital world are so low that both the companies and their customers are winners.
"There are really two kinds of free," says Mr Anderson.
"There's fake free, which is just marketing -the buy-one-get-one-free model, the invocation of the word 'free' to grab consumer attention, but it does not change the underlying economics." "For the first time in history, [this has] created an industrial model where everything gets cheaper over time, as the underlying costs get cheaper." Mr Anderson refers to Moore's Law, which states that computer power doubles every 18 months. The economic reciprocal of that, he says, is the cost of a net unit of computer power falls by 50% every 18 months, which means that everything gets cheaper by 50% or more every year and a half".
"At the moment, people are still suspicious of 'free' and are right to be so. They often pay further down the line or pay with their time or reputation."
"People are right to think that somewhere, somebody is going to have to pay."
In my opinion I think that consumers will always think there is an underlying cost somewhere hidden. In the article he talks about how airline companies may offer a free flight, but you pay for your baggage to be taken on board. There is still a cost that the consumer must pay. He also states, "maybe cargo pays the way and the passengers ride for free? Or we're actually a tourism arm of these destinations who are paying us to bring (people) to them."
I think its a really creative idea that may take a lot of time to draw the consumers in and actually believe that this concept is true. It's a great way of attracting consumers and making them test out your service or product.
Check out the article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7811481.stm
"There are really two kinds of free," says Mr Anderson.
"There's fake free, which is just marketing -the buy-one-get-one-free model, the invocation of the word 'free' to grab consumer attention, but it does not change the underlying economics." "For the first time in history, [this has] created an industrial model where everything gets cheaper over time, as the underlying costs get cheaper." Mr Anderson refers to Moore's Law, which states that computer power doubles every 18 months. The economic reciprocal of that, he says, is the cost of a net unit of computer power falls by 50% every 18 months, which means that everything gets cheaper by 50% or more every year and a half".
"At the moment, people are still suspicious of 'free' and are right to be so. They often pay further down the line or pay with their time or reputation."
"People are right to think that somewhere, somebody is going to have to pay."
In my opinion I think that consumers will always think there is an underlying cost somewhere hidden. In the article he talks about how airline companies may offer a free flight, but you pay for your baggage to be taken on board. There is still a cost that the consumer must pay. He also states, "maybe cargo pays the way and the passengers ride for free? Or we're actually a tourism arm of these destinations who are paying us to bring (people) to them."
I think its a really creative idea that may take a lot of time to draw the consumers in and actually believe that this concept is true. It's a great way of attracting consumers and making them test out your service or product.
Check out the article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7811481.stm
Quantifiables
Just thought this article was neat because it had so many examples of performance metrics that are unique to the airline industry. It shows how important it is to analyze your performance in a reliable, consistant, and meaningful way.
Examples: Revenue passenger miles, load factor
John Partridge. "Air Canada, WestJet post record load factors." reportonbusiness.com (January 7, 2009). http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090107.waircan0107/BNStory/Business/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20090107.waircan0107
Examples: Revenue passenger miles, load factor
John Partridge. "Air Canada, WestJet post record load factors." reportonbusiness.com (January 7, 2009). http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090107.waircan0107/BNStory/Business/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20090107.waircan0107
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Potent Quotables
Hello Everyone,
I hope that you have all been enjoying your holidays with friends and family. Have a fun and safe new year!!
True growth and learning is really about seeking out challenges, so I thought to start off the new year I would share a quote from Karlfried Durckheim, a German diplomat, psychotherapist and Zen Master:
The person who, being really on the Way, falls upon hard times in the world, will not, as a consequence, turn to that friend who offers him refuge and comfort and encourages their old self to survive. Rather, he will seek out someone who will faithfully and inexorably help him to risk himself, so that he may endure the difficulty and pass courageously through it. Only to the extent that a person exposes himself over and over again to annihilation, can that which is indestructible be found within them.
May we all get closer to finding that indestructible part of ourselves this year.
Take care,
Jocelyne
I hope that you have all been enjoying your holidays with friends and family. Have a fun and safe new year!!
True growth and learning is really about seeking out challenges, so I thought to start off the new year I would share a quote from Karlfried Durckheim, a German diplomat, psychotherapist and Zen Master:
The person who, being really on the Way, falls upon hard times in the world, will not, as a consequence, turn to that friend who offers him refuge and comfort and encourages their old self to survive. Rather, he will seek out someone who will faithfully and inexorably help him to risk himself, so that he may endure the difficulty and pass courageously through it. Only to the extent that a person exposes himself over and over again to annihilation, can that which is indestructible be found within them.
May we all get closer to finding that indestructible part of ourselves this year.
Take care,
Jocelyne
Friday, January 2, 2009
Dealing with the Newly Thrifty Consumer
Expect this to be the name of the game in the coming year!! Consumers are hunkering down, and are finally saving again. The change has been most drastic in the US, with savings as a percentage of income finally creeping above a dismal ZERO. While good for the overall economy during this readjustment, it is bad for companies whose survival depends on consumers spending money - in other words...pretty much everybody.
There are a few bright spots. Tight economic times tend to benefit those who peddle vices - think gambling, tobacco, and alcohol.
In a report to be released today, The Boston Consulting Group has found that while the U.S. economy has been put to rout, and while Canadians are in a structurally superior position headed into recession, it is the Canadian consumer who intends a more dramatic pullback in spending.
Jennifer Wells. "The new consumer: Tight-fisted and 'emotionally fragile'." reportonbusiness.com (January 1, 2009). http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090101.wconsumermain0101/BNStory/Business/home?cid=al_gam_mostview (accessed January 2, 2009).
Two things jump out at me in this article. First, a reminder that Canada is very different that the US and this should never be glossed over. Second, it's going to be a tough year for marketers. In the past, the main challenge may have been to get consumers to spend money on YOUR product instead of competitor's. Now the challenge will be to get consumers to spend money at all.
62% of us plan to cut back spending in 2009. That's more than the US with 58% and even Europe's 'Big 5' with 56%.
How will this change the actions of marketers? The study provides another clue: "Whereas 65 per cent of U.S. respondents say they will pay more attention to product promotions and buy more stuff on sale, a full 72 per cent of Canadians intend to adopt the same behaviour."
Ahh the dreaded price competition. A game where no one wins...except perhaps the thrifty consumer.
There are a few bright spots. Tight economic times tend to benefit those who peddle vices - think gambling, tobacco, and alcohol.
In a report to be released today, The Boston Consulting Group has found that while the U.S. economy has been put to rout, and while Canadians are in a structurally superior position headed into recession, it is the Canadian consumer who intends a more dramatic pullback in spending.
Jennifer Wells. "The new consumer: Tight-fisted and 'emotionally fragile'." reportonbusiness.com (January 1, 2009). http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090101.wconsumermain0101/BNStory/Business/home?cid=al_gam_mostview (accessed January 2, 2009).
Two things jump out at me in this article. First, a reminder that Canada is very different that the US and this should never be glossed over. Second, it's going to be a tough year for marketers. In the past, the main challenge may have been to get consumers to spend money on YOUR product instead of competitor's. Now the challenge will be to get consumers to spend money at all.
62% of us plan to cut back spending in 2009. That's more than the US with 58% and even Europe's 'Big 5' with 56%.
How will this change the actions of marketers? The study provides another clue: "Whereas 65 per cent of U.S. respondents say they will pay more attention to product promotions and buy more stuff on sale, a full 72 per cent of Canadians intend to adopt the same behaviour."
Ahh the dreaded price competition. A game where no one wins...except perhaps the thrifty consumer.
Viral Marketing - the Wii
What does this clip say about Wii?
Do you think it will catch on like other successful Youtube entries?
Personally, I love it.
http://clipmarks.forbes.com/clipper/Forbes/clip/8A12167C-EFBA-4160-B6E7-9674490A7484/
Do you think it will catch on like other successful Youtube entries?
Personally, I love it.
http://clipmarks.forbes.com/clipper/Forbes/clip/8A12167C-EFBA-4160-B6E7-9674490A7484/
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