Final Project: Prototype design

Wk 10 - What are the benefits vs the features?

"A brand is the company’s promise to deliver a specific set of features, benefits, services, and experiences consistently to the buyers." [Marketing an Introduction Ch.7; Pg40]

 Gem is a stone, our company is your provider, the drink is the memory. What stands out from Gem, is yes its features, but also it's unique aroma that can vary from person to person. Our uniquely crafted smell is never labeled the same by one, two person. You may even not be able to give the smell a name, but whatever it is - it's unique to you, and will remind you of what event/memory/situation you want to lock into - not stone - but a Gem. Our product calls out to specific customers, out target market may be very limited, but so are gems. Not everyone can hold something precious and understand the quality of what your holding; Not everyone was born in the same month, and do not share the same birth stones. Gem calls to these unique individuals, and rewards them into a pleasant trip down your memory lane.

"[Benefit] Appeals should also be distinctive—they should tell how the product is better than the competing brands." [Marketing an Introduction Ch.12; Pg29]

Why buy something that may or may not only give you a hang over afterward? There are hardly any new flavors in the world of Vodka, but there is an abundance of experiences. If you want just a drink that will give you a good time, then by all means go down to you local bar and drink a few. However, if you want a drink you can enjoy either by yourself, or in the company of your choosing, then choose Gem. As we've said before, Gem's unique crafting for the human senses and designs is to help recall those memories you do not want to forget. In a busy and stressful life, it's important to hold on to the good experiences because what's life if you only remember the bad ones?

Wk 9 EOC - Three Busines Statements

"Mission statements should be meaningful and specific yet motivating. They should emphasize the company’s strengths in the marketplace." [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong. Ch. 2; Pg 6].

A mission statement from Live on the Fly made me feel like snatching up a bottle of one of these and running to the next football game (and I'm not even a fan of sports). The tone was very down to earth and motivational. If I were a sports fan and an 'Alcoholic enthusiast', I would buy these more often than not whenever a big game came around. The 'Longer Buzz' that won't make me 'look like a sissy' would definitely be a plus, since I'd love to shout all day at the TV, or behind the rails with one of these in hand.

Slender Vodka definitely piqued my interest. It basically promises a quality guilt-free drink, in which you don't have to be as paranoid about your weight. Of course, this would only really apply to women, or male models. However, the low calorie thing caused me room to second guess, because products with the mention of 'diet' usually means there's a lack of the original flavor in there somewhere. If that's not the problem, then I'd certainly buy these right along my health drinks, and still be walking around with a smile upon my face.

A very professional-sounding business statement from Elegance instantly caught and seized my attention. As I was reading this, I felt that I as a woman customer would be treated with high regard, no matter if I walk into the store looking worse for wear. This statement made me feel everything would be taken care of (from purchase to person), and that I would walk out of the store with this magic-wand-of-a-Vodka that would suddenly give me a Cinderella dress. However, I don't know what, beside the customer service, is what makes this brand stand out from the rest.

Final Project : Implementation Evalution Control

Here at Gem we plan to spread the word through commercial and voice through those who have experienced Gem themselves. Even as small reminders we plan on simply having small photo propaganda filter through high-end clubs and companies within specific magazines. Keeping in mind that the thing that will catch a potential customer will be it's design. People move and do not like to waste time to stop, if they don't have to, or see no reason to do so. It's the split moments that count for starting companies, or just anything in general. "[Turning plans into] actions in order to accomplish strategic ... objectives." [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong Ch.2; Pg33] Goes without saying, is what we plan on doing. Because of our own connections, it's as good as done.
By "...address[ing] the who, where, when, and how." [Same] we've already figured out what our customers need and want, and how they would rather not have to search the ends of the world for something they require now. We treat our customers with all the luxury they deserve, and carter, and serve to them as they should be; helping them outshine everyone else.
In order to keep up with the best, Gem will "define how progress toward objectives will be measured" [Marketing an introduction by Armstrong Ch.1; Pg2] by relying on our in-store customer service. unlike other Vodka companies, our customers will expect the best we can offer for what they are paying for, so every hint, every suggestion will be taken into consideration because Gem recognizes each and ever precious stone.

Final Project : Marketing Mix - Price

After long considerable debate, Gem has "...decide[d] how much it will charge for the offering" [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong Ch.1 ;Pg.17]. Keeping in mind that you will get what you pay for, and that if such a product as Gem was meant for just anybody, then its value and worth would not be so high. Having something from Gem means you are able to have and live with the finer things in life because it is worthy enough for someone like you. While some brands are thought of as high-quality, Gem stands for a more sophisticated class.
"When customers buy a product, they exchange something of value in order to get something of value (the benefits of having or using the product)." [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong Ch.9; Pg6] It would be almost as an insult, if Gem were offered to those who wouldn't know how to shine their brilliance, or that they don't even have any. We do not take value lightly, so we will not treat it lightly. Gem is a treasure to behold, but only for meant for those who are treasures themselves, and is something that only the rare few may possess (as is always the case when precious rarity is present). Otherwise, it would not be a Gem, or rather a simple and ordinary stone.
"A firm can set prices to attract new customers or to profitably retain existing ones." [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong Ch.9 ;Pg18] What we are offering, an experience for the people who live for the finer things in life, medium Gem bottles are set at $99. The sizes, packaging, and quantity vary and so do the prices. You can simply get one, many, or mix in sets and wrap them in our themed treasure and/or jewelry box packaging. Keep in mind that Gem is made for the few and rare - as is the product.

Final Project : Marketing Mix - Distribution

There are many stores that randomly distribute their products just to make them ready for whoever and whatever reason. They know "...how it will make the offering available to [their] consumers" [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong Ch.1; Pg.17] and just anyone in general. Beverage drinks are usually placed in as many places possible just to get their products out and sold, but Gem is not just some product - just like our customers are not ordinary people. Gem was made for people who are gems themselves, so they are placed in exclusive stores, and high-end bars for those who know how to shine.
We at Gem "arrange for [our] product to occupy a clear, distinctive, and desirable place relative to the minds of target consumers." [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong Ch.2; Pg27] Ordinary beverages, sell in ordinary locations. Our locations are in places where our own treasure hunters know where to look, and are able to venture - no that does not mean that these locations are in dangerous places where a middle-class person would fear to tread due to getting assaulted. Think of these locations as mountain peaks, where only the prepared hiker may venture, if they have the proper equipment.
Gem locations can also be contacted for special customary orders and deliveries upon request. Due to changes in seasons we may also feature speciality themed items, for even more occasions. New and more Gems can be discovered at these locations, and given as gifts to those who you consider a gem as well.

Final Project : Marketing Mix - Promotion

Gem "communicate[s] with target customers about the offering and persuade[s] them [by using] its merits". [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong Ch.1; Pg17] We've stated before that Gem is an Alcoholic beverage that stands on its own. It is because Gem offers more than just some ordinary drink, that it outshines its competitors. Its features will draw your attention, its scent will lure you closer, and its taste will seal the deal - so to speak. Gem strives to bring the most out of itself; to bring the most out of what it has to offer you and fuel/lock your experience into a timeless gemstone.  
We've shown you its "activities that communicate the merits of the [it] and [why you should] buy it." [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong Ch.2; Pg29] It's shape and size might be small, but it's presence boasts it's inner statue. Gem calls to those who seek the rare and priceless treasures in life and know how to really make themselves shine. Prove to the world and to all that look upon you, that you are as priceless and rare as treasure; you illuminate and outshine the others; you are in a class all of your own.
We at Gem "...put more of [our] funds into personal selling" [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong Ch.12; Pg17] so that we may create the best we can, and we know that our clients do so as well. You shall get what you pay for - that part can not be any more truthful. Outshine the rest, and leave on-lookers in awe as they stare at your illumination and stature. Something as rare and brilliant can also be intimidating. Why settle for anything less, that wouldn't speak for you in volumes?

Final Project : Marketing Mix - Product

We understand "...[a] firm must first create a need-satisfying market offering." [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong Ch.1; Pg17], and so have created Gem - a drink that appeals to more than one of a person's senses. Gem's Vodka does not intoxicate and is not something to consume for the sake of simply having a drink - rather that it is meant to be consumed with an idea. Every drink promises flavor of various tastes, some offer more alcohol to further intoxicate the consumer - Gem does not. Although, this is a Vodka drink, it's main purpose is to provide the consumer an experience to remember what they want to remember by using sight, smell, and taste to capture the moment.
There are few to no mentions of Vodka companies providing "...the goods-and-services combination [a] company offers to [their] target market" [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong Ch.2; Pg29]  to actually ensure customer satisfaction. Yes, this is a Vodka business, but our company strives for you to enjoy and get the most out of our product. Here at Gem we treat our customers like rare stones, and ensure that they always shine. We constantly look to our customer's for what they want, what they need, and a little something more to help them enjoy life as best they can.

Final Project -Target Market Strategy

"[Market segmenting] A group of consumers who respond in a similar way to a given set of marketing efforts." [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong Ch.2; Pg.24]
Gem's pricing is not modest, and so our customers are not for those who look upon price as one of the first things they think about when buying a product. We've created an experience; one worth remembering, and a keepsake. Much crafting, dedication, thought, and time goes into our products, so it goes without saying we cannot hand these out for half of what they are worth. Our customers understand that their experience should be worth exactly what they are paying for - and then some (as a bonus).
"A company should target segments in which it can profitably generate the greatest customer value and sustain it over time." [Same as above]
Our product is elegance, impact, and sensations all put together into a single bottle. Memories and experiences are what make up a person; it's what helps shape who we are. They are priceless and without them the world and it's inhabitants would all be one big dull and boring place. Gem is your experience; it becomes your memory, and it's designs call to who you are - a priceless jewel. To have anything less would be beneath you, and who you are.
"[Target market] A set of buyers sharing common needs or characteristics that the company decides to serve." [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong Ch.6; Pg.24]
Gem understands that even as a drink, its customers want the best life has to offer them, and so we do. Life goes by much quicker than we anticipate, so why not life it to its fullest? Strive for the best, live for the moment, and remember to take the time to bask in the glory of it.

Final Project : SWOT Analysis

"Strengths include internal capabilities, resources, positive situational factors that may help the company to serve its customers and achieve its objectives." [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong Ch.2; Pg. 31]

The show case of our product stands out the most, and it's easy to create different designs relating to the item's ideal body. It stands on its own against other brands by it's unique design and packaging as it would a showcase item. It's internal strengths lie with the aroma, which can only be described by said the person taking in the scent.

"Weaknesses include internal limitations and negative situational factors that may interfere with the company’s performance." [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong Ch.2; Pg. 31]

As alluring as it may be, it may also draw away from the drink itself. It may be a problem that it's as flashy as it is, when all it really is is a Vodka drink. The packaging may be a slight problem as well, due to the expensive-looking external design to carry the Gem product inside. Our target market may be a limited group, but these are the people who would be more than willing to pay the extra money for the experience.

"Opportunities are favorable factors or trends in the external environment that the company may be able to exploit to its advantage"[Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong Ch.2, Pg 31]

The packaging bit, or the fact that it's so flashy may have something more to offer. Commercializing this product would be eye candy, and at least serve as strong propaganda to the viewers. We could come up with more themes, but that may or may not take away from the drink itself.

"...threats are unfavorable external factors or trends that may present challenges to performance." [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong Ch.2, Pg 31] 

Our threat may also be our weakness, in that the flashiness of the product may draw away from the drink itself.

Final Project : Marketing Objective

"...overall objective is to build profitable customer relationships by developing efficient yet beautiful products that embrace the “essence of gracious living.”" [Marketing: An Introduction by Armstrong. Ch.2; Pg.9]

Gem's objective is to provide its customers with a positive memorable experience. We give our customers their desired beverage, but also call to their other senses. Our goal is to lead the customer down an experience, and have them remember it fondly - even after the drink has been consumed. Gem delights our client's senses, while also providing a lovely keepsake to lock the adventure forever into a precious gemstone - get it?

Final Project : Business Mission Statement

"...Market oriented and defined in terms of satisfying basic customer needs" [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong. Ch. 2; Pg 6].
Gem, like any other Vodka, is not for the young and immature. It is for those who have a mature understanding of who they are, and where they want to go. Our customers are ambitious, and yet, they know how to savor the highlights of their lives. We, from Gem, provide our people 'Gems' to mark such occasion. It's a fact that memory can be influenced by one or more of the five senses. For those in our target group (from 30 on), who want to always remember, Gem touches upon sight, taste, and smell. The site of the bottle will be engraved/matched to the special event of your life, its aroma will lull you to the bliss of the moment, and its taste will seal the deal - so to speak.
“Make people happy around the world by selling the highest quality, most creative ice cream experience with passion, excellence, and innovation.” [Marketing an Introduction by Armstrong. Ch. 2; Pg 6].
Gem caters to those who know value when they see it, and enjoy the finer things of life. Significant moments in life can come in big or small events, and Gem understands that. They can be as big as discoveries, victories, or group achievements, or as small and memorable as weddings and anniversaries. For these such special events we've themed our packaging in either a bigger Treasure chest, or smaller jewelry box-like packaging.

Wk 8 EOC - Creative Content

The Vodka design I have in mind is more for show, than the actual taste of it. It calls to the designer in people, or those who understand and appreciate the finer things in life. This isn't something that plain old, Joe Schmoe, walking down the street can pick up and think, "Oh, well this calls out to me! I must have it with my meager $10 an hour wage". No. People with class, people with deeper intellectual sides to them, and creative outlooks will enjoy and seek this out. Gem is not necessarily about the taste, but the impression of it. It will come in different designs that match the occasion/style/theme. The customer should think, "This matches me, and it's unique to my lifestyle".

I would like to have a few models of these made, but my sculptor is having financial issues and doesn't have as much free time. So, instead I will create images as the idea, and show them all in their specific element.

I would also like to eventually get the models done and film them, in their environments, but I doubt I'd get that done in time (what with everything that's going on, and I don't want to do anything half done).
There will be a few of bottles I will design for when my sculptor finally gets his things settled, and then I will arrange a script to film it. Though, like I said before: I don't think the filming part of it will get done in time. So, I'll start out with the images, and finish the more elaborate part some other day.

Wk 7 EOC: The Pitch

Gem has as many bottled themes as there are gems itself. Choose your bottle to match your specific event. Whether the memory, or theme of the day/mood be from fiery red rubies, to crystal white diamonds, or dark black onyxes. Memories last as long as reoccurrence follows, and when you become known for the Gem of your choosing, then friends and relatives will always have you in mind, and vice-versa.
For big events we have gold treasure chest-like packaging, and small jewelry box-typed for weddings and anniversaries. The bottle style(s) are yours to personally select to remind, or begin a reminder.

Memories are kept in our heads, but when time passes those same wonderful memories may just fade away, and you’ll find yourself wishing you could at least remember a fragment of it. Well, Gem is such a thing to help you mark those highlights that you never want to forget. Drink this and the experiences will not be set in stone – but in gems. Why leave it to chance whether you remember something so beautiful? Seize it as pirate would when they notice their treasure, and never let them go.

Wk 6 EOC: Me x3

The world changes, advances, and develops many things in such a short time span that it's hard to keep to what you liked when it originally came out. There are people who say for example they liked Mr. Pip, but that's practically died off the face of the earth and probably only found if you hunt it. Things so much that they're either no longer like the originals, or they weren't all that popular in the beginning and you were only one of the few, that it finally just died to lay down and die. I know that's pretty hard language just for products, but it's the truth.
I have no attachment to products and brands, or at least I don't think I do it consciously, but I do have some things that I find myself doing, using, or involving myself with on a regular basis. I've realized that if I did not have these three things, I would feel pretty dead myself.

My Mac book Pro is what helps me with my daily life, and there's rarely a day that I don't use it. The only reason I would not use it, is if I was sick to the point where I couldn't see straight, but other than that - it helps me run my life. Whether for work or pleasure, my personalized Mac book is what gets me going, keeps me up to date, and keeps me organized.

The quote "All work and no play makes..." is so very true, it's not even funny. People have been known to lose their minds if they don't make time to let themselves indulge in whatever leisure they can think of. My Xbox 360 (not the newest model just yet) helps keep my sanity. Whenever I find, or get enough time to pretty much let time fly by, I'll spend hours playing a game. I'm sure I'll keep some sort of the Xbox model systems even when I'm old and gray. Why? Because it's become something I've taken pride in - not because anything I've done with it, but all the hair loss and ulcers it's saved me from.

I've developed a strange hobby (not uncommon, merely strange). Though I my field of choice is Cinema magic, I have a need to "create" something as well. Not only visually, but tangibly. I've had a long desire to create since I've been young. It can be a drawing, a painting, music, video, or plushies, but I need to create. In all honesty, I love cute strange things, and if they're cute enough I want to hug them. So, to appease that side of me - during breaks I gather necessary material and make plushies. Not for gain, but for pleasure. Why? Because once I create something and have it as my own, I have a hard time letting it go. I mean, I put in all that work and effort, and no other person will understand or appreciate it as much as the creator.

My three things are things that can grow and develop in time, but so long as they're in my hands they will always be personalized, and I won't miss them. These things are major elements that are incorporated into my life and stabilize my days. For work, pleasure, and relaxing hobby.

My Voice

It's one thing to say something about yourself, it's another to show people who you are and what you stand for. In a world that goes by in the blink of an eye, if a picture is worth a thousand words, then film can tell up to a person's full lifetime - and then some. We don't always properly express what we want to when we write, type, or speak. There are certain things that simply cannot be said, but through the world of cinematography you can practically creature your own logic and use whatever situation to express or show people where your mind is. It's a way to show the world in a new light.

Wk 5 EOC: Social Networks and Job Hunting

"People love talking about things that make them happy..." [Marketing: An Introduction Ch. 5 Pg. 15] When the sun is shinning and the bird are chirping, or lack thereof, people will hint their mood for the day. Why? Because we're sociable creatures by nature and need interaction, or we might go a little stir crazy, but there's another thing we love to do and we are known for. Monkey see, Monkey do - Well, in this case, Monkey Hears... Not trying to seem insulting, just pointing out facts that we should all notice. Simply said, if something positive is told to us, we'll listen because we like to be happy too. So, if something makes that person happy, then maybe it can make me happy too.
This may come off as gossip, but it's actually repetitive propaganda, and if something is repeated enough times our subconscious will finally be curious about it and urge us to find out why this thing is so special. It used to be that we only got out message and information around by verbal words, then it was paper, then telegram, and we burst open that door of technology and started throwing new things out the window.
"In Response, marketers are now working to hardness the newfound communications power of their everyday customers, turning them into influential brand ambassadors." [Marketing: An Introduction Same Chapter and Page] Although, sometimes average people become small messengers for the companies and don't even know it. Everybody likes something, and to be honest, some people have an affinity for a certain brand or product that they become free walking advertisers, praising the name and spreading the word.... Yes, it does sound religious, doesn't it? I'm sure there's a cult like that somewhere.
"More companies are trying to tap into Facebook..." [Wall Street Journal: Recruiters Troll Facebook for Candidates They Like; By Joe Light] 
Facebook... A network where even the most quiet people can SCREAM OUT THEIR VOICE IN CAPS to show just how serious they are, and talk about whatever pops into their heads. It would be odd to see a person walking down the street talking positively about a company, and just walking up to people and telling them the X amount of reasons why they need to go there now. (Someone call the police, or get a straight jacket.) Facebook, however, lets us do actually just that (minus the street part). Companies see this and are trying to (as the quote said) "Tap into" it. Why not? There are so many people on Facebook - some act like they LIVE in it, so it would be a useful network to use to get some sales going. It might even help those people (who never leave their home computers for F.B.) to get out of the house and do something.

Wk 4 EOC - There's an App for that...

There are so many advances and new technology out and still being released in this day and age. Mankind is living in the now and demanding things instantly. With everything in the fast lane, our technology is trying to keep up with that. So, to incorporate that demand into our daily lives, and have those demands met in those instances companies developed "Smart Phones". In a sense, your digitized self in the palm of your own hand, which is why people have a hard time putting them down, giving them up, or letting others touch them - because they are you. However, we are made out of flesh and bones and are limited by our physical capabilities - not like our new smart phones, which can dive into an invisible, yet vastly deep field of infinite knowledge of Know-Hows and gadgets. Simply said, there are moments that we realize just how little we can really do, and probably know, but are not sure at the time. Your "digitized self" can cover that up for you.
"...information by itself has little value. The value is in the customer insights gained from the information and how these insights are used..." [Marketing: An Introduction by Armstrong. Ch. 4 Pg. 3] We as humans want to know, we are naturally hungry for answers and do not like being left in the dark. This is especially true, when our paranoia peeks and we are suspicious of a person lying. Our human body does not have a built-in monitoring device that can tell you, "hey, this person's lying. Don't believe them." Unfortunately... But, our smart phones can because technology gave it that further potential. The companies of these phones were smart about our paranoia for that nagging thought in the back of our minds. "... marketers must first gain fresh, deep insights into what customers need and want. Companies use such customer insights to develop competitive advantage." [Marketing: An Introduction by Armstrong. Same.] 
There's an App for that can detect if a person is lying to you. The cheaper app from the Champion that has a lie detector that answers Yes or No questions by checking the frequency of a person's nervous pitch in voice, and a slightly more expensive one from Agile that claims it was developed by the military that helped detect if an enemy was lying.

Wk 3 EOC - Making Money for Good

There is nothing wrong with people wanting to make money and become wealthy, it's our right to do things that make us happy and are beneficial to us and our families.We as humans have always fought for things we want - even as cavemen. However, it's a rare and beautiful thing when people strive for the benefit of others. It's odd, in a sense. Why would strangers try so hard to work their time and money for complete strangers, who they more than likely won't ever have a major impact on their lives?
Well, needless to say, there are those rare and beautiful people who do use their time and money for strangers for whatever personal reason(s) they may have. It's comforting to know that even a state that's been nicknamed "Sin City" has a few Non-Profit Organizations as well.
There are groups that fight Leukemia & Lymphoma (Blood diseases), groups that help in the development of kids from birth, until they reach school called Mommy & Me, and help for your family member who isn't related to you, or even the same species Nevada SPCA.
All different groups, all touched in a different way, and all just want to help because they recognize a group who's distressed. Helping in Non-Profit groups can variety, from society, to earth, to animals, and to mankind in general. This is all fine and dandy, but effort and living costs money these days, and there in lies the problem of probably why not a lot of people want to "waste" to help out. However, it's these small groups that can take the time to "obtain good marketing insights through observation or informal surveys." [Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management; Ch.4, Pg 41]. to figure out what people want/need and get them to join and help out. Then maybe we won't be suffering as a whole...

Wk 3 EOC - My Demographic

"One thing that all of the Millennials have in common is their utter fluency and comfort with digital technology." [Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation, 10th Edition. Ch. 3, Pg, 17]

This cannot be said, or true enough. I was born in the 90s, so that puts me in between the 1977 and 2000 age group. My neighborhood once had a power out, and I was multitasking playing on my game console, watching TV, and using my computer. It was late, around 9pm, so it was already pretty dark. When the power went out, my first thought was, "Oh my God, it's the end of the world." Everything was shut off, and it was dark. I seriously had no idea what to do (to keep me otherwise concentrated on something, or at least entertained, until the power went back on). Two hours later, I survived the black out and had to reboot my systems, but during that time I had managed to make my house disturbingly spotless.
It's become second nature to use some sort of electronic device in some way or another to do what we need/want to do. New devices that come out are momentarily surprising and interesting, but our understanding on how certain gadgets work, helps us break that wall and use the new devices like an extension of our hands. "The Millennials were the first generation to grow up in a world filled with [Electronics]". [Same Book; Same Ch. and Page Number] 
My parents aren't as savvy as I am, so their lack of being able to comprehend 'how this works' sometimes feels strange to me. It's simple enough for me, as their kid to understand it, how could they not?
As a small experiment to myself, I decided to see how long I could go without using something that required electricity. Needless to say, about 45 minutes into it, I realized I was using my phone out of sheer boredom.
"They don’t just embrace technology, it’s a way of life." [Same Book; Same Pages].

Wk 2 EOC: Video Games

Video game companies are like different sides of the battlefield, however, with the recession causing consumers to cling to their wallets a lot of games aren't getting the attention they once had. People buy games when they have a little left over for killing time, or because they're fanatics, but when even the fanatics can't buy games - it means everyone's suffering. "Sales of consoles such as Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 and Nintendo' Co.'s Wii plummeted 38%." [Wall Street Journal Article - Video game Markers Can't Dodge Recession - Paragraph 3]. It's a sad day for us all, especially if you're a fan of those consoles when you see something like that.
According to the Boston Consulting Group Approach, however, most of these consoles are holding steady and staying in the "cash cow" zone even in this wallet safeguarding period. Fortunately, they all noticed the market with streaming movies and decided to all buy a ticket in that ferry. So, if games aren't being bought as much through these consoles - well, at least movies with Zune, Hulu, and Netflix are.
Mobile games are the future for new generations, but real gamers will always recognize that the real experience lies with the player, console, and controller... Actually, there's a slight change in that as well.
"The purpose of strategic planning is to find ways in which the company can best use its strengths to take advantage of attractive opportunities in the environment." [Marketing: An Introduction - Pg 10 paragraph four.]
Xbox came out with a new feature, and a new experience all together - The Kinect. No wireless remote/controller. It's just you and the screen. People are becoming aware that obesity is a problem, so to appeal to that group, Microsoft altered their course in this direction as well. Unlike the Wii, there is nothing you need to hold to move around and play the game, or fitness game. So, for the people who get sweaty palms during workout, they won't have to worry about "icky" controllers and having to later clean them.
Kinect is fairly new, so there's still room for growth in trying to make new and different game experiences. In addition to Xbox being in the Cash Cow category of the BCGA, it may also have a shoe in the Star category as well. Yay Xbox.

Wk 1 EOC - Customer Service

I’m honestly not the world’s smartest shopper and I tend to not know what I’m buying – much less what I’m looking for, but know that I need something. This was especially true when I got a new puppy and had only the basic knowledge of what to get it.  Basic knowledge is not enough, and I learned that the hard way. I go over to Petsmart on day and spend too long just gawking at the shelves. Apparently, I had a completely lost and “Help me because I have no idea what I’m doing” kind of look on my face because an employee came over and offered her help. She admits that she was circling me for a while, and actually I sort of noticed her approaching, but people kept calling her away. So, when she was done with helping others that sought her out, she came back to me, since I still refused to ask for help and just offered herself.

I was honestly tempted (before she came to help me out) to just buy a lot of the expensive products because I figured, “those are the good stuff, right?”

“Customers often face a bewildering array of products and services from which to choose.” [Marketing: An Introduction pg.19]

Well, that may sometimes be true, but I was desperate at this point, and my puppy was back home waiting for me, so I just wanted to get something quickly.

So, she tells me which brand is best for my type of dog, and helps me save half of what I was planning on spending. I occasionally see her when I go back to the store, and she tells me about the newest products that may or may not be better choices for a growing dog. “…the difference between all the benefits and all the costs of a market offering relative to those of competing offers.” [Marketing: An Introduction pg.19] If she’s working the cash register and I get something that could be cheaper elsewhere, she tells me about it.