Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Implementation, Evaluation, Control
Implementation Evaluation Control: Implementation will take place through a series of informational advertising campaigns including tv, magazine, and internet beginning spring 2010. “Advertising offers the consumer a reason to buy; sales promotion offers an incentive to buy.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 245) As stated before, this is a summer product. Best enjoyed during the hot days of the summer months, although its benefits definitely extend all year round. Promotional pricing applies to the summer months, with special discounts (additional promotions) during specific months nearing the end of the summer to maintain awareness of the product.
The next step is evaluation following the vodka’s release into the market. This evaluation will be determined after looking at how well the advertising penetrates the specified summer markets and if awareness of the product is reaching satisfactory levels. “Only through effective interactions can organizations learn about the expectations of their customers, generate and manage knowledge about them, negotiate mutually satisfying commitments, and build long-term relationships.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 296) Should awareness not reach acceptable levels by mid-summer the marketing strategy will move more quickly into the control phase of the campaign.
The final step is control. Following evaluation of the success of a campaign it moves into adjusting and controlling the market share of the vodka and tweaking the using of different advertising elements to increase awareness and demand. Use of promotional discounts in the control phase will help augment the awareness of the product by providing further incentive to buy. Control phase discounts will occur near the end of the summer months moving into fall to help bump up sale before it falls out of season until the next year when the advertising campaign begins anew.
The next step is evaluation following the vodka’s release into the market. This evaluation will be determined after looking at how well the advertising penetrates the specified summer markets and if awareness of the product is reaching satisfactory levels. “Only through effective interactions can organizations learn about the expectations of their customers, generate and manage knowledge about them, negotiate mutually satisfying commitments, and build long-term relationships.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 296) Should awareness not reach acceptable levels by mid-summer the marketing strategy will move more quickly into the control phase of the campaign.
The final step is control. Following evaluation of the success of a campaign it moves into adjusting and controlling the market share of the vodka and tweaking the using of different advertising elements to increase awareness and demand. Use of promotional discounts in the control phase will help augment the awareness of the product by providing further incentive to buy. Control phase discounts will occur near the end of the summer months moving into fall to help bump up sale before it falls out of season until the next year when the advertising campaign begins anew.
Price
Price: As a quality yet affordable product, Sweet Breeze will be sold at $19.99 per unit. This makes it accessible but not cheap. “Consumers are interested in obtaining a ”reasonable price.” “Reasonable price” really means “perceived reasonable value” at the time of the transaction.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 261) This is a light, easily enjoyable during anytime (specifically the summer months) product that is to be consumed and enjoyed over and over again. That being the case accessibility is very important in terms of price. That is why this will be a mid-level price product that will be priced accessible to the summer loving populous, but still retain worth based on its monetary cost relative to other vodka brands. “Retailing affects all of us directly or indirectly” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 193) Which is precisely why this particular product is placed and priced the way that it is. Contextual luxury is not always expensive, but it is definitely not cheap. Affordable but respectable and even exotic makes this product both accessible and desirable. “All pricing objectives have trade-offs that managers must weigh.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 277) Despite the set price and the summer orientation of Sweet Breeze a great deal of promotional discounts will be available to help boost summer and spring time sales. This may be necessary due to having to annually overcome the hurdle of Sweet Breeze being a vodka that is directed towards the summer months.
Distribution
Distribution: Distribution strategies for this Sweet Breeze vodka are very specific since it is a summer oriented brand. Starting within the US distribution will focus on the mid and southern states with the warmest year round climates and expand according to hottest summer climates through Geographic segmentation. “Geographic segmentation refers to segmenting market by region of a country or the world, market size, market density, or climate. Climate is commonly use for geographic segmentation because of its dramatic impact on residents’ needs and purchasing behavior.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 99) Selective distribution will also be utilized given the environment to be sold in. The point of this will be to increase the exclusiveness and desirability of the vodka by only distributing to certain venues in each geographical area by localizing sales in up-scale to mid level grocery stores and liquor stores (i.e. Vons and Albertson’s). “Selective distribution is achieved by screening dealers and retailers to eliminate all but a few in a single area. Because only a few are chose, the consumer must seek out the product.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 181) Depending on how successful distribution throughout the country is and how much consumer awareness is increased during the first year we will consider entering the global marketplace. “A company should consider entering the global marketplace only after its management has a solid grasp of the global environment.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 55)
Promotion
Promotion: As the preeminent summer beverage of choice, our product will be recognized in conjunction with the free and fun times of summer. This will be accomplished by providing the appropriate types of information via advertising and public relations. “A consumer will use the information stored in memory and obtained from outside sources to develop a set of criteria. These standards help the consumer evaluate and compare alternatives.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 56) Consumers will become aware of Sweet Breeze’s summer advantage through our careful use of summer themed ad campaigns featuring beach imagery in conjunction with domestic imagery to emphasize its usefulness as a refreshing summer beverage and an escape from the mundane without having to go anywhere. “The main function of a marketer’s promotional strategy is to convince target customers that the goods and services offered provide a competitive advantage over the competition.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 211) This product provides that distinction two fold. First, as a sparkling beverage it sets itself apart from other vodkas as the norm to be flat or “neat” as the industry refers to it. Second, this particular brand is time of year and climate specific, lending itself directly to summer time and related activities, in effect bringing with it the essence of summer. Sweet Breeze will also be offered with a long list of diverse and tasty summer beverages and different suggestions for how to make your favorite cocktails even better through the use of Sweet Breeze brand vodka.
Product
Product: Sweet Breeze Sparkling Watermelon Vodka, the perfect summer cocktail complement. Product, packaging, company image, and value are directed towards the customer in the manner of summer imagery and association with the socially active female looking for summer escape and refreshment. “A consumer product is bought to satisfy an individual’s personal wants.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 131) That’s what this product does. It satisfies our consumer’s wants by promoting relaxation, and a sensation of cool refreshment on a hot summer day. This product is the essence of personal quality and consumer alignment. “In this case, quality refers to technical suitability. A superior tool can do a better job in the production process, and superior packaging can increase dealer and consumer acceptance of a brand.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 94) Uniqueness is one of our vodka’s primary strengths. And while we are not in any way the only flavored vodka on the market, we do combine several elements to make for excellent summer cocktails giving our product a perceived advantage over the competition. “An innovation is a product perceived as new by the potential adopter. It really doesn’t matter whether the product is ‘new to the word’ or some other category or new product.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 152) While it’s true there are other flavored vodkas, and even other sparkling alcoholic beverages, ours has the perfect flavor, and the perfect balance of carbonation and refreshment that takes out all of the guess work for the perfect summer cocktail.
Target Market Strategy
The target market strategy of Sweet Breeze Vodka will focus on women in summer climates and geographical areas tending towards subtropical climates in the summer (i.e. Southern US, Florida, California, etc.). This closely ties into the lifestyle choices made by this specific target market as socially active females. “A lifestyle is a mode of living; it is the way people decide to live their lives. In other words, they are choosing products and services that meet diverse needs and interests rather than conforming to traditional stereotypes.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 34) Following implementation and recognition of the specific target market for this particular brand of vodka, we immediately move into the advertising and evaluation portion of the plan by aggressively entering into multi-media advertising (TV, Print, Web). “Advertising appeals typically play off of consumer’s emotions or address some need or want the consumer has.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 230) During the evaluation portion of the market plan, following the initial release, that is when we determine exactly how much this our product campaign actually does appeal to our targeted market. “The positioning task is to identify undeserved market segments and to develop marketing programs that match their needs rather than to target the niches that may be most profitable.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 169) For example, this vodka is a complement to many other summer time drinks. It functions quite fantastically and deliciously on its own, but it can also make virtually any imaginable summer cocktail even better.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths: Sweet Breeze offers a unique refreshment and flavor specifically tailored to the summer months. Reasonably priced, low production costs, and versatile for cocktail making. Caters to the feminine, fruity cocktail crowd.
Weaknesses: better suited to the summer months and climates that tend towards heat and humidity, projects an image of singular use. May not be seen as a hardcore or masculine drink.
Opportunities: to project itself as “the” cocktail for summer and relaxation, and to truly capture a great deal of versatile market share.
Threats: more and more brands of vodka moving towards a specialty angle and taking away from Sweet Breeze’s unique image. Competing with other flavored brands in an effort to show individuality.
Weaknesses: better suited to the summer months and climates that tend towards heat and humidity, projects an image of singular use. May not be seen as a hardcore or masculine drink.
Opportunities: to project itself as “the” cocktail for summer and relaxation, and to truly capture a great deal of versatile market share.
Threats: more and more brands of vodka moving towards a specialty angle and taking away from Sweet Breeze’s unique image. Competing with other flavored brands in an effort to show individuality.
Objectives
To increase our market share to dominant market share in specific markets during the summer months beginning summer 2010.
To achieve a 10 percent return on investment with the intention of using that revenue towards additional advertising campaigns to further increase awareness of our product.
By summer 2011 to increase brand recognition to “household name” status and become the vodka brand of choice during the summer months.
Increase summer sales by 15% annually through aggressive spring and summer advertising campaigns.
To obtain 90 percent (or greater) customer satisfaction and generate repeat and loyal customers.
To obtain excellent information and position our brand of vodka as “the” summer drink of choice. “Good information can help an organization maximize sales and efficiently use scarce company resources.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 113)
To achieve a 10 percent return on investment with the intention of using that revenue towards additional advertising campaigns to further increase awareness of our product.
By summer 2011 to increase brand recognition to “household name” status and become the vodka brand of choice during the summer months.
Increase summer sales by 15% annually through aggressive spring and summer advertising campaigns.
To obtain 90 percent (or greater) customer satisfaction and generate repeat and loyal customers.
To obtain excellent information and position our brand of vodka as “the” summer drink of choice. “Good information can help an organization maximize sales and efficiently use scarce company resources.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 113)
Mission Statement
Summer is the business of Sweet Breeze. The warmth of the summer months are easily escaped and overcome with the aid of this uniquely refreshing and adaptable beverage. Our mission is based on the value that Sweet Breeze gives to its customers. “Marketing is a process that focuses on delivering value and benefits to customers, not just selling goods, services, and/or ideas.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 3) A major part of our process when marketing Sweet Breeze Vodka to the public has to do with a great deal of planning and getting to know our customer base and what they want from a product. “Planning is the process of anticipating future events and determining strategies to achieve organizational objectives in the future.” (Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, p. 15) Our customers lean towards the socially active feminine, women who are the party planners and understand that the key to enjoying the summer is having a perfectly balanced and appropriately flavored cocktail.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Using social media to support and protect your brand
Supporting and protecting my own products from things such as negative onslaughts via the world wide web would means in many ways maintaining a constant vigil over the image of the brand your are representing. For a product that is widespread and large scale enough to merit direct criticism on many sides means that it should be monitored. Point and case, blogging and the world wide web have taken over many industries as a means of commenting and making ones-self heard on issues of almost any subject. Not only that, but many companies (i.e. Amazon.com) actually welcome active participation of reviewing and criticism on their websites to help buys make informed decisions based on their fellow customer’s opinions. This can be both extremely useful, and extremely damaging simultaneously. The proverbial double edged sword.
First off, support. It should be stated that no one product or service will please every potential customer on the planet. Negativity towards your product or service is a consumerism given. But simultaneously, customers have come to appreciate companies that take pride in customer service and who offer their customers the chance to speak out about the product, often directly through the manufacturer. Constant listening and improvements of products is one great way of supporting your product virtually. Provide a place for customers to make their voice heard, then actually listen to what they are saying and do something about it. Video games are a great example of this trend in customer respect.
Second, protect. Since no product or service is perfect, and will eventually garner bad reviews from one side or another, quick response of negative publicity is key. Whether it be large scale or simply addressing the issue as close to the moment it goes out is paramount to maintaining good brand image and customer will towards your product or service. In legal situations, if an accusation is made and the accused gives no answer, the jury, audience, judge, and prosecutor may assume silence is equal to guilt. That is why a strong vocal addressing of the issue is very important to maintain your products integrity in the times of adversity.
First off, support. It should be stated that no one product or service will please every potential customer on the planet. Negativity towards your product or service is a consumerism given. But simultaneously, customers have come to appreciate companies that take pride in customer service and who offer their customers the chance to speak out about the product, often directly through the manufacturer. Constant listening and improvements of products is one great way of supporting your product virtually. Provide a place for customers to make their voice heard, then actually listen to what they are saying and do something about it. Video games are a great example of this trend in customer respect.
Second, protect. Since no product or service is perfect, and will eventually garner bad reviews from one side or another, quick response of negative publicity is key. Whether it be large scale or simply addressing the issue as close to the moment it goes out is paramount to maintaining good brand image and customer will towards your product or service. In legal situations, if an accusation is made and the accused gives no answer, the jury, audience, judge, and prosecutor may assume silence is equal to guilt. That is why a strong vocal addressing of the issue is very important to maintain your products integrity in the times of adversity.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
EOC: Price vs. Worth
My condo. Four and a half years ago after moving to work in Las Vegas, I became very tired and disenfranchised with renting apartments and paying the exorbitant prices of living in a nice area, in nice accommodations. And thus I walked into the world of home ownership. At the time, Las Vegas was riding the ever expanding bubble of home ownership, and prices for houses and real estate were at an all time high. Las Vegas itself was the number one growth area for home purchases in the entire country and the economy was looking great. Similarly I was making a good deal of money and was very financially secure thus the decision came easy enough. I was going to buy my first home, a single story condominium in Green Valley.
At the time, even though the price was still expensive, I felt it worth it due to how well the place fit my personal needs including location, size, neighborhood, upkeep, and style. I was (and still am) very happy with my first home purchase.
Unfortunately, not long after this major purchase the market began to dip. Prices plummeted and suddenly I found the property that I had bought at the height of the overpriced real estate market was now only worth a fraction of what I had paid for it. As I said before, I am still quite happy with my home. It is comfortable and suits my needs quite well. But because of my commitment to it and the state of the market, I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. So this house is definitely going to get its share of good use, even if it’s only worth part of what I paid for it.
At the time, even though the price was still expensive, I felt it worth it due to how well the place fit my personal needs including location, size, neighborhood, upkeep, and style. I was (and still am) very happy with my first home purchase.
Unfortunately, not long after this major purchase the market began to dip. Prices plummeted and suddenly I found the property that I had bought at the height of the overpriced real estate market was now only worth a fraction of what I had paid for it. As I said before, I am still quite happy with my home. It is comfortable and suits my needs quite well. But because of my commitment to it and the state of the market, I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. So this house is definitely going to get its share of good use, even if it’s only worth part of what I paid for it.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
EOC: Sex and the City Party Ideas
Borrowed Ideas:
Specialty drinks and food to celebrate the movie (come and drink and eat like the girls of the show)
Charity fundraiser (all proceeds go to charity of the women’s choice)
Themed party (dress up as your favorite character)
Create stylized NY locations for party (party theme, decorate individual rooms as popular locations from the show.
Fasion swap (each guest brings one or two fashion items to swap with other guests)
Sex and the City trivia contest (display your knowledge of the show, earn bragging rights as the mistress of style) Earn tickets for four to the movie priemier.
Shoe Design Submissions (Best independent design ideas get ads on the movie credits and temporary contract with sponsoring designer in the movie)
Original Ideas:
Best original dress in the style of the show (Guests who have created their own original dresses, gowns, etc in the style of the show are judged and style and appropriateness. Winner receives expense paid trip to NY and a party with the girls from the movie)
Lookalike contest (contest for the best lookalike, including clothing and style, of all four major cast members) Winners get free tickets for a girls night out
Create-a-Club (Best ideas for theme, décor, space usage, style, etc. is invited to participate in the design and creation of the new Sex and the City Night Club).
Specialty drinks and food to celebrate the movie (come and drink and eat like the girls of the show)
Charity fundraiser (all proceeds go to charity of the women’s choice)
Themed party (dress up as your favorite character)
Create stylized NY locations for party (party theme, decorate individual rooms as popular locations from the show.
Fasion swap (each guest brings one or two fashion items to swap with other guests)
Sex and the City trivia contest (display your knowledge of the show, earn bragging rights as the mistress of style) Earn tickets for four to the movie priemier.
Shoe Design Submissions (Best independent design ideas get ads on the movie credits and temporary contract with sponsoring designer in the movie)
Original Ideas:
Best original dress in the style of the show (Guests who have created their own original dresses, gowns, etc in the style of the show are judged and style and appropriateness. Winner receives expense paid trip to NY and a party with the girls from the movie)
Lookalike contest (contest for the best lookalike, including clothing and style, of all four major cast members) Winners get free tickets for a girls night out
Create-a-Club (Best ideas for theme, décor, space usage, style, etc. is invited to participate in the design and creation of the new Sex and the City Night Club).
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Final Project: Vodka
The Perfect Summer Cocktail Compelment
Imagine your summer. Hot, humid, miserable. But all of those things happen before you find your perfect summer refreshment. What you need is something to cool you off, something to smooth you out. You need something to refresh your body and mind, and get you into the proper mindset to relax and enjoy the time you have for yourself, your family, and your friends and truly taste the sweetness of summer. Sparkling Watermelon Vodka is the perfect way to kick off your vacation, weekend, or afternoon of relaxation and enjoyment. Perfect straight, or perfect as a compliment to your favorite varieties of fruity summer cocktails.
Taste the essence of summer cool with watermelon. It’s the most refreshing drink to beat the heat, and holds to dance on your tongue. Feel the bubbly sensation roll off your tongue and even you out. The sweet, cool sensation of watermelon will help relax and heighten your days as you forget about your worries and drift away on the delights of a melon breeze.
This brand new vodka is the perfect complement to all your summer favorites whether they are juices, fruits, or sweeteners. The light, yet distinct flavor provides just the right twist for any occasion whether you’re entertaining friends and family, sitting on the porch enjoying the evening, or splashing around in the pool or at a barbeque. This vodka is perfect for sipping chilled on its own, and amazing for adding a special zing to any cocktail.
This vodka features a slightly lower alcohol percentage in order to give it the optimal flavor pallet and allow it to combine exceptionally well with any drink modifier. Enjoy anytime, especially summer.
Imagine your summer. Hot, humid, miserable. But all of those things happen before you find your perfect summer refreshment. What you need is something to cool you off, something to smooth you out. You need something to refresh your body and mind, and get you into the proper mindset to relax and enjoy the time you have for yourself, your family, and your friends and truly taste the sweetness of summer. Sparkling Watermelon Vodka is the perfect way to kick off your vacation, weekend, or afternoon of relaxation and enjoyment. Perfect straight, or perfect as a compliment to your favorite varieties of fruity summer cocktails.
Taste the essence of summer cool with watermelon. It’s the most refreshing drink to beat the heat, and holds to dance on your tongue. Feel the bubbly sensation roll off your tongue and even you out. The sweet, cool sensation of watermelon will help relax and heighten your days as you forget about your worries and drift away on the delights of a melon breeze.
This brand new vodka is the perfect complement to all your summer favorites whether they are juices, fruits, or sweeteners. The light, yet distinct flavor provides just the right twist for any occasion whether you’re entertaining friends and family, sitting on the porch enjoying the evening, or splashing around in the pool or at a barbeque. This vodka is perfect for sipping chilled on its own, and amazing for adding a special zing to any cocktail.
This vodka features a slightly lower alcohol percentage in order to give it the optimal flavor pallet and allow it to combine exceptionally well with any drink modifier. Enjoy anytime, especially summer.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Passionate Advertisement for the Audio R8
Power. Passion. Excitement. Adrenaline. Performance. All of these adjectives describe what the 2010 Audi R8 embodies to its drivers, and to you. No longer must you imagine the wondrous details of combining the legendary precision of the Bavarian auto surgeons with the exuberant style of the Italian power houses. The dream has finally come true. Style, elegance, performance, power and precision all come together in the R8.
This German super car embodies many things that you will notice as the barely tamed energy of the artfully designed coupe cruises the road. Simplicity and functionality hold you in effortless bliss in the sleek yet comfortable cabin. Meanwhile the road disappears below you as the silky smooth V10, 525 horsepower engine ignites the luxurious beast within when you finally realize the beautiful truth…200 miles per hour on the highway isn’t just a fantasy.
Through it all the polished style and detailed design, combined with the legendary carnal power and raw magnetism will have you begging for me. Expect more than one sleepless night as you lay awake thinking only of the hum of the ravenous engine, and the tight turns of the next mountain road. You want it…oh yes you do.
This German super car embodies many things that you will notice as the barely tamed energy of the artfully designed coupe cruises the road. Simplicity and functionality hold you in effortless bliss in the sleek yet comfortable cabin. Meanwhile the road disappears below you as the silky smooth V10, 525 horsepower engine ignites the luxurious beast within when you finally realize the beautiful truth…200 miles per hour on the highway isn’t just a fantasy.
Through it all the polished style and detailed design, combined with the legendary carnal power and raw magnetism will have you begging for me. Expect more than one sleepless night as you lay awake thinking only of the hum of the ravenous engine, and the tight turns of the next mountain road. You want it…oh yes you do.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Difference between Marketing and Advertising
According to Don Draper from the television show, Mad Men, “Advertising is happiness.” Well if advertising is happiness, then that makes marketing the sweat, tears, blood and grit to achieve said happiness. To be more concise, advertising is happiness, marketing is pain.
The difference between the two closely related subjects can be explained somewhat simply. Marketing is the whole thing. It is all the planning, strategizing, research and development that goes into properly placing a product, good or service in its appropriate place within a specified market of potential buyers. So where does that leave Advertising? As happiness? Perhaps. It is an apt metaphor to use when advertising is looked at in relation to marketing. Advertising is the part that puts the same product or service in the eyes of the public. It is the campaign that follows the rules and ideas set out by the marketing strategy in order to reach the very same customers that the marketing plan identified as the product’s target market.
So in a way, advertising is happiness, because it plays upon that little bit, that image, that ray of sunshine that is the product that makes it shine ever so brightly in the eyes of the intended audience. Advertising is happiness because that is what it projects to the people who buy the product. With a good advertising campaign along with a well devised marketing plan, the target market is effectively reached…and all they see when they buy that product or service is their own happiness.
The difference between the two closely related subjects can be explained somewhat simply. Marketing is the whole thing. It is all the planning, strategizing, research and development that goes into properly placing a product, good or service in its appropriate place within a specified market of potential buyers. So where does that leave Advertising? As happiness? Perhaps. It is an apt metaphor to use when advertising is looked at in relation to marketing. Advertising is the part that puts the same product or service in the eyes of the public. It is the campaign that follows the rules and ideas set out by the marketing strategy in order to reach the very same customers that the marketing plan identified as the product’s target market.
So in a way, advertising is happiness, because it plays upon that little bit, that image, that ray of sunshine that is the product that makes it shine ever so brightly in the eyes of the intended audience. Advertising is happiness because that is what it projects to the people who buy the product. With a good advertising campaign along with a well devised marketing plan, the target market is effectively reached…and all they see when they buy that product or service is their own happiness.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Should America have a strong or weak dollar?
The answer, in my opinion, is neither. As in many things in life, business and inter-country relations included, balance is key to all things. My own reason for this conclusion is that I stem from experience in the holistic healthcare industry, specifically studying Ayurveda. One of the principle teachings of Ayurvedic medicine is balance or harmony between the mind, the body, and the spirit. So is it with economics and world trade. Balance between nations is key to a healthy relationship between the individuals that make up this world. If one is completely dominant over the others, balance is thrown off and the results can have very negative effects on those near the bottom rung of the social ladder. However, when more balance is introduced into the equation, then that allows for more important interactions between countries such as trade and commerce which fosters more growth for all parties involved in the system.
What I believe will happen is that balance will begin to return to the world-wide economy. The American dollar will strengthen, but not so much as to overpower the other countries that we do business with. Meanwhile, the value of the other monetary symbols will soften and allow for the balance between countries to adjust accordingly which will in turn foster that mutual gain and cooperation amongst countries. As I said before…it’s all about balance!
What I believe will happen is that balance will begin to return to the world-wide economy. The American dollar will strengthen, but not so much as to overpower the other countries that we do business with. Meanwhile, the value of the other monetary symbols will soften and allow for the balance between countries to adjust accordingly which will in turn foster that mutual gain and cooperation amongst countries. As I said before…it’s all about balance!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
EOC Week 2 - Customer Service Experience
Bad Customer Service Experience:
One poor customer service experience that stands out in my mind is a time when I dealt with Adobe. I was contemplating obtaining A.C.E. (Adobe Certified Expert) certifications for several different pieces of software available through their software suite. Unfortunately the explanations for the certifications or the education were not very clear so I called the support line. After several minutes of very frustrating dialogue with two different operators in India, it was determined that they neither had any information on what was looking for (information on their certifications and training available on their website), nor did they even have a phone number for me to call their corporate office to speak with someone that would know. Needless to say, while I like Adobe products, I would rather trim my fingers nails with a hacksaw then call Adobe customer service again.
Good Customer Service Experience:
I have owned Dell computers for a number of years and they have always been used to run Adobe software products. Typically they have been very trouble free. However, on rare occasions when I have had to call customer service, as in recently when my mother board began to burn out, I have met with swift and pleasing results. Point in fact, on this last occasion when I called, I was connected to a representative in India (which I'm not overly fond of considering the unfortunate language barrier), and after only a few minutes of testing via phone, a conclusion was met that I required a certain level of service (replacement of my motherboard). Less than 24 hours later a technician with new parts was on my doorstep and my computer was fixed. A perfect example of why you always pay extra for the warranty when it comes to delicate and important electronic equipment.
One poor customer service experience that stands out in my mind is a time when I dealt with Adobe. I was contemplating obtaining A.C.E. (Adobe Certified Expert) certifications for several different pieces of software available through their software suite. Unfortunately the explanations for the certifications or the education were not very clear so I called the support line. After several minutes of very frustrating dialogue with two different operators in India, it was determined that they neither had any information on what was looking for (information on their certifications and training available on their website), nor did they even have a phone number for me to call their corporate office to speak with someone that would know. Needless to say, while I like Adobe products, I would rather trim my fingers nails with a hacksaw then call Adobe customer service again.
Good Customer Service Experience:
I have owned Dell computers for a number of years and they have always been used to run Adobe software products. Typically they have been very trouble free. However, on rare occasions when I have had to call customer service, as in recently when my mother board began to burn out, I have met with swift and pleasing results. Point in fact, on this last occasion when I called, I was connected to a representative in India (which I'm not overly fond of considering the unfortunate language barrier), and after only a few minutes of testing via phone, a conclusion was met that I required a certain level of service (replacement of my motherboard). Less than 24 hours later a technician with new parts was on my doorstep and my computer was fixed. A perfect example of why you always pay extra for the warranty when it comes to delicate and important electronic equipment.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
For the past seven years following my graduation from Seattle University with a degree in English, Creative Writing, I diverged from the path of writing and worked as a graphic designer. After years in the industry I have a desire to move onwards and upward in my own experience. Currently I am working towards a degree in Web Design as a means to an end for bridging the growing gap between graphic art and communication over the World Wide Web. I am also working towards finishing writing my first science fiction novel which I hope to have completed in first draft form by the end of June. Following the completiong of the novel draft I hope to utilize my abilities as a web designer to market and display my writing in new, interesting and effective ways as I continue to grow both my graphic and web skills, but my writing and storytelling skills as well.
In the past my graphic desing approaches have focused on working with small businesses. My goal in this industry has been to use design to effectively display the true nature of the company in a clean and clear way that optimally represents the mission and personality of the company. During this pursuit I have worked as the creative director for both a nationwide hospitality and room service company, as well as a regional holisitic healthcare center. Working in different genres of the industry has given me a unique insight ingo the needs and desires of individual companies and what to expect in many reals of the industry.
As a writer, I have been working towards completing and publishing science fiction and fantasy novels for the past ten years. Until recently I have given up on my pursuits before the job was finished. But now I have found true drive and work ehtic combined with a truly great story idea that is pushing me to the end until is is completed by the end of June of this year.
In the past my graphic desing approaches have focused on working with small businesses. My goal in this industry has been to use design to effectively display the true nature of the company in a clean and clear way that optimally represents the mission and personality of the company. During this pursuit I have worked as the creative director for both a nationwide hospitality and room service company, as well as a regional holisitic healthcare center. Working in different genres of the industry has given me a unique insight ingo the needs and desires of individual companies and what to expect in many reals of the industry.
As a writer, I have been working towards completing and publishing science fiction and fantasy novels for the past ten years. Until recently I have given up on my pursuits before the job was finished. But now I have found true drive and work ehtic combined with a truly great story idea that is pushing me to the end until is is completed by the end of June of this year.
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