Week 3 EOC: My Demographics

I believe that I am a hybrid of the Generation X and the Millennial group in today’s demographics, shaped by my values and lifestyle that I have come accustomed to. I’ve been taught that when making purchases it pays to do research on the product. The better quality the product is no matter the cost, in the long run it will pay off and definitely last longer. "They tend to research products before they consider a purchase, preferring quality over quantity, and they tend to be less receptive to overt marketing pitches." Marketing: An Introduction, Pg.15, Kotler. And what’s always on my mind is that fact that I don’t make enough in today’s economy in order for me to start a comfortable retirement nest egg. With college tuition taking up much of my tight budget there is not enough headroom for me to set aside for retirement and this truly bothers me. "Most Gen Xers are woefully behind in saving for retirement—and they worry about it. Still, nearly half of Gen Xers say they are so saddled with debt or live on such tight budgets that they can’t even think about saving." Marketing: An Introduction, Pg.16, Kotler. But as a young adult in the Millennial demographic technology has always been a part of my life. "One thing that all of the Millennials have in common is their utter fluency and comfort with digital technology. They don’t just embrace technology; it’s a way of life." Marketing: An Introduction, Pg.17, Kotler. And with new technologies like faster computers, iPads, etc..you need to know the basic functions in order to stay relevant. Sadly in most cases you need to have this understanding to get a job. Especially high paying ones that we all seek in order for us to be financially stable

Week 2 EOC: Boston Consulting Group - Video Games

I believe that in the video game market that mobile gaming has established itself as a “Star” in the market.  With the majority of the population today having a smart phone, free gaming apps to pass the time is such a great convenience especially when running errands.  “But mobile games require a new way of thinking, different from games that have been through traditional development. It's more like a service as well as an experience. New ideas will emerge in the mobile space and go into other areas. We're only getting started, and there is so much opportunity to innovate."  The Road to E3: Mobile Gaming - Features at GameSpot.  I also believe that the Xbox 360 is a “Cash Cow” with a very innovative hands free gaming device the kinnect.  This has already been used in many different applications other than just for the 360. “And even though domestic hardware sales throughout the industry are declining, Microsoft said that Xbox 360 was the only console to post year-over-year growth in June. Microsoft also said that total retail spending on the Xbox 360 platform, covering hardware, software, and accessories, hit $350 million, more than any other console in the country.”  U.S. video game industry sales continue slide | Gaming and Culture - CNET News.  Nintendo to me is the “Question Mark” of this whole gaming market.  Even with the new portable Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo doesn’t have the hardware to produce games like the Playstation 3 or Xbox 360.  “Nintendo president Satoru Iwata attributed this proportional decline partly to a few mega-sellers on other systems, including the PSP's Monster Hunter Portable 3rd in Japan and the Xbox 360 and PS3's Call of Duty: Black Ops in the Americas.”  Gamasutra - News - Nintendo's Share Of Retail Game Markets Fell In 2010

Week 1 EOC: My Voice

With a passion for music since an early age, my journey has led me to return to school.  To obtain the knowledge that I need in order for me to follow my dreams.  As far as I know this kind of thinking in today’s economy is surely suicidal or so I’ve thought.  I believe that in today’s society we have been brain washed into thinking that the only way to be successful was to have a steady job that could pay the bills.  For over 7 years of my life I gave myself to this way of thinking.  And within those 7 years I was able to achieve a leadership role at the reputable Ritz-Carlton.  Success! I had found that steady job in order for me to be deemed worthy of being successful.  So who in their right mind would give that up?  Me! Don’t get me wrong, the experience gained I am truly grateful for.  But I wasn’t happy.  I believed in my heart of hearts that success could only be deemed success through your own happiness.  So I have taken the leap into the unknown happy as I could ever be.  With the newly found love for audio I am on the right path.  And I hope I am an inspiration to all those out there who have had their dreams laughed at or shut down because of society’s model of success.

Week 1 EOC: Great Customer Service

Customer relationships and value are especially important in today’s tough economic times, when more frugal consumers are cutting back and spending more carefully. “The challenge facing us is not just one of consumers being more-value conscious,” says one marketing consultant. “It’s how we gain … a renewed relationship with consumers who have less inclination to listen to [companies with whom] they do not have strong and valued relationships.”  Kotler, Pg 2. A time that I recall having great customer service was buying a vehicle from Honda West.  The month prior I was dealing with Desert GMC.  At Desert GMC there was always this uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach as my salesperson tried to switch me into a car that I supposedly could only afford after the original deal had been made.  I just walked away from the deal feeling violated.  In comes Honda West to the rescue!  My sales specialist assisted me in finding the perfect car for my needs.  I gave her my strict criteria for my budget which didn’t faze her at all. As she searched her database she offered me something to drink.  I took her up on her offer and with her own personal money bought me a beverage from the soda machine.  It didn’t stop there through the whole experience it was all about me.  Was I hungry?  Did I have any prior engagements to get to? Etc…When she found the car that fit my needs and we got to the lets make a deal part of the whole buying a car thing, there was no feeling of uneasiness.  Really at that point it really didn’t matter what my budget was because I knew that I would be taken care of.  Until today she calls to check up on me.