Week 4 - "Theres an app for that"

For week 4, we were asked to come up with an application for phones. As I sat in class, thinking of what I could come up with, I looked over to see my keys laying on the desk with my phone and wallet next to them. Then it struck me, what if there was an app to where if you lost either one of them, you could use the other to track it down via GPS or some sort of audio tone, that with a small chip, you could insert into said wallet/keys/phone.

Once I looked into it, I found that there is indeed an app for this and it is called the cobra tag. “The first part of the system is the Cobra Tag sensor, a small electronic dongle that can be attached to a keychain, purse, backpack, or other valuable item that you'd like to keep track of. The second part is the Cobra Tag app for Android or BlackBerry devices that allows your smartphone to communicate with the Cobra Tag hardware via Bluetooth connection”

 ( http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20057309-48.html )

The cool thing about this product is that the small tags are bi-directional. So lets say, you lose you phone in your house (like I’m sure everyone here has done more then a dozen times, only to find it hidden in a couch or under a bed, or maybe in a pile of laundry, only after spending a good hour or two looking for it), and how would you be able to track it down since the app is on the phone? You would use; for example, your keys, which have a tag on it. Press the tag, and it would send a signal to your phone, which would activate your phones application to start playing the audio tone embedded into it.

Week 3 - Making money for good

This week’s blog is about describing another social goods company that has the same buy one, give one model as Blake Mycoskie's TOMS shoes. There are many companies out there who follow the same charitable purpose, and for this entry, I have chosen to write about Lauren Bush’s label, FEED.

In today’s society, charity is kind of a big deal. For example, every October is focused on raising awareness for breast cancer.  Many companies use this time to sell products in which proceeds go towards breast cancer research. Even the NFL, a huge franchise, gets involved by having players wear certain gear in pink for the month, and then auctions off those items for the cause. Companies like TOMS, appeal to the consumers who have a charitable heart who may or may not already donate time and or money to various causes.  This makes the consumer feel like they are doing their part in some way to help society while getting something in return. This is a great way to conduct business for a profit.  “To be successful in business today, a company must do more than just sell a good product.  According to a recent study, 80 percent of Americans are likely to switch brands, if comparable in price and quality, to one that supports a social cause.” http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/09/shopping-for-a-better-world

Lauren Bush’s FEED is a company that sells a wide variety of products from bags, bears, t-shirts and accessories to help provide food and basic necessities to those in need around the world. Not only that, FEED appeals to the consumer who is also eco conscious. All products are developed from environmentally friendly artisan made materials. “To date, FEED has been able to raise enough money through the sale of products to provide over 60 million school meals to children around the world through WFP. FEED has also partnered with the US Fund for UNICEF, raising much-needed funds for their Vitamin A and micronutrient supplements program and providing over 46,000 children with essential nutrients.” http://www.feedprojects.com/history

FEED was established in 2006 and will probably continue to grow and be a successful business. “Giving goods can be done right, and when it is, buy-one-get-one products, in-kind donations, and other materials, have the power to transform lives.” http://www.good.is/posts/buy-one-give-one-businesses-like-toms-can-make-real-difference/ It is said that it is better to give than to receive, but with companies like TOMS and FEED one can do both.

Week 2 BCG analysis

For this week we were asked to give our analysis of the video game market, and from what I read, it is clear to see how the BCG analysis applies to the gaming industry.

There are various reasons why there has been a decline in video game sales. Like most technologies, there is a significant price reduction after a period of time in which average consumers are likely to take advantage by just waiting for that price drop before making a purchase that falls under entertainment expenses. Also, “many console and PC game sales are also being cannibalized by digitally downloaded games and alternative entertainment sources like Apple Inc.'s iPhone, which offers thousands of games that can cost only 99 cents or even nothing at all.” (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124865158612682399.html) In light of the recession, this shows that consumers want to save their money, and can still get their fix for games without having to spend a couple of hundred dollars. So, experts say that because of this, consumers can “expect Sony to cut the price on its PS3 by about $100 this year, leading to price cuts by Microsoft on some of its Xbox 360 models. The PS3 starts at about $400, compared with the equivalent Xbox 360, which costs about $300. Though Nintendo has said it won't cut prices on its $250 Wii this year, it is expected to do so indirectly by bundling games with the console.” (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124865158612682399.html)

The question mark company, Nintendo, has a solution to the issue. “The low sales might also be evidence that we are simply at the end of the current console cycle — which makes Nintendo’s decision to roll out the successor to the Wii next year look like a smart move.” (http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/09/09/videogame-sales/)

 Nintendo has the opportunity to be a Star by lowering the cost of the Wii by including games for those who enjoy gaming, but don’t have to have the latest and greatest. And for those tech savvy gamers, who are willing to spend substantially more, a brand new console will be rolling out for them to wait in line for. This would not be the first time Nintendo has come out on top. “When gaming collapsed in the early ’80s, Nintendo was the savior by reviving the concept of the home game console and unleashing the creative genius behind classics like Super Mario Bros. It came through again with the intuitive, inviting Wii.” (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/07/arts/video-games/video-game-retail-sales-decline-despite-new-hits.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0)

 While IPhone and other downloadable games are giving the gaming industry major competition as far as convenience and saving money, they still can’t compare to interactive feeling that only consoles can provide. And there’s always a demand for that.

 

Week 1 EOC. - Great customer service

“For us, we’re willing to lose that sale, that transaction in the short term. We’re focused on building the lifelong loyalty and relationship with the customer.” (Armstrong & Kotler (2011) Marketing : An Introduction, page 4)

Which I believe is a smart strategy. Lets say you own a custom clothing retail shop, whose clients consist mainly of upper-middle class shoppers, and lets say that your return policy had nearly no limit; because, you want to keep those “upper-middle class” customers happy. As long as they bring back the equipment with the receipt and or price tag that they received with their purchase, is within the given timeline; usually, (60-90 days), and is not completely destroyed; consequently, your company will accept the return, and or replace the piece of equipment, because you want to keep that high-end shopper, shopping at your store! What is a $200 return, when that given customer is potentially worth thousands, if not tens of thousands every year?

Great customer support will in return bring your company Great customers! Perhaps the oldest rule of successful marketing, “it takes money to make money” (Unknown).

My Voice

My name is Blaine Sullivan, I was born Jan. 3^rd 1991, in Las Vegas, Nevada. I went to Cimarron memorial High school, during which time I participated in football, baseball, track & field, and other activities. I always had a large passion for music; however, I never pursued mastering an instrument, as I was always busy with sports. Once I blew out my knee, I picked up the hobby of Disc jockeying; however, I knew that if I wanted to advance with my passion for this I would have to seek higher education in the musical production industry.

Upon graduation, I enlisted into the United States army in November of 2009, where after completing four months of basic, AIT, and airborne training, I was stationed with the 101^st airborne 2/502 infantry division. My plan, was to spend four years in the army; consequently, leading me to a free college education.

Once retiring from the army in January of 2012, due to medical issues gained while deployed to Kandahar Afghanistan, I enrolled into the Audio Production program here at the Art Institute of Las Vegas. This is my second quarter and I am very motivated and eager to lean everything I can about the musical industry and its counterparts.

While attending the school, I plan on learning multiple audio production soft wares; including, ProTools, Logic, and Ableton suite live. I understand the main Audio production course, focuses mainly on ProTools; however, I plan on absorbing as much online information that the school provides on the other two soft wares.

I believe this school will be a great foundation for my musical career, I am ready to start this new chapter in my life, and excited to get the Ball rolling. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.