Reference Groups

As the end of the school year approaches, I've been getting graduation announcements from cousins and younger friends graduating high school..It seems their biggest worry is of course

"High School is ending, these are the best years of my life. I will never make better friends than the ones I have now!"

I can't help but think how young and foolish they sound.

This brought me to realize the different amounts of references available in college.

There are:

Athletic Teams

The Greek Life

The Campus Crusaders 

The skiing community

The snowboarding community

The crazy party go-ers

The Library kids

The Rec center, fitness students

and not to mention all of the offered clubs throughout the University...

If only I could let them know..or if only they would listen...

But I didn't then...why would they?

They are in for an always welcome surprise.

Alright, I admit it..

I am once again posting about Justin Bieber..

But I PROMISE...it has to do with consumer behavior

After a recent trip to Denver, a fellow friend and I realized we had more in common than we expected, and indeed it was our love for Justin. To make life better, upon arriving home her roommates had a surprise waiting for her..and yes I already have one now too..

The JUSTIN BIEBER SINGING TOOTHBRUSH

With two different toothbrushes and four different song choice options, I can't help but think this is the coolest singing toothbrush ever...and let's be honest.. it SINGS.

Pushing my bias aside, my friends and I couldn't help but discuss how brilliant this product is. The Biebs appeals to girls of all ages, starting from toddlers..to women in their 30's. 

How perfect would it be to inspire kid's to brush their teeth if their toothbrush sings?

I know if I was still young this idea would be the coolest toothbrush ever...

And let's be honest, it's just too perfect to be brushing your teeth to the sweet tune of 

"You smile, I smile"

Pure Barre

Pure Barre Bozeman

Opens May 10, 2012

 

Such an amazing workout!


While down in Denver for instructor training, I was able to hear the history and amazing opportunities this company offers. Check it out!

As you can see, my friend and I are getting our butt's kicked. Pure Barre is meant to appeal to women of all ages, it's main scheme is to simply be a lifestyle, not just a workout.

It's a very inspiring story, and brilliant subtle marketing plan.

Internet Advertising

No matter how often I shop online, I am always remarkably surprised by the Internet's ability to remember where I was last shopping and then apply it to let's say.. the weather that I'm checking.

Even last night, I was looking up a new brand called Splits 59. 

This morning, as I get on to google, check my email, the weather, D2L..the usual morning list..

I see on my side bars, new advertisements.

For Splits 59.

I know this is not an unheard of thing, in fact I see it daily and am aware that it is happening...

But it still surprises me. Always.

It's Easter...

And that means one thing. 

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups shaped like eggs.

(My favorite)

If I have a weakness, it would be a giant Reese's Peanut Butter Cup..

It's safe to say I'm obsessed. 

And while my favorite candy tastes best shaped like an egg- it also becomes a sad day 

when Reese's Peanut Butter Cups no longer have a seasonal shape. 

As a Peanut Butter Cup Connoisseur, I take pride in my knowledge that..

In October, we have Pumpkin shaped Reese's.

In December, Christmas Trees.

In February, Hearts.

And In April, Eggs.

Now this is all great fun and something to look forward too. Reese's has done a wonderful job in maintaining seasonal shapes in order to appeal to people like me...

The issue is.. the 6 month break where there aren't any fun shaped Peanut Butter Cups.

I propose that they at least come out with a Star Shaped Cup for the 4th of July.

It's a long 6 months. 

Do you have the Fever?

The

Bieber Fever

That is......

This teen has stolen the hearts of most of the nation.

But has he stolen yours?

Not only is he talented and one of the most successful 18 year-olds today,

but he has an amazing marketing staff.

I have to admit, it took me awhile to cave into the Bieber Fever, I was always a fan of his music, but I thought he would be a phase. Come and go like the Aaron Carter's and Jesse McCartney's of my age.

Yet- here he is, still going strong. 

I would adore meeting his marketing team. 

Some say Justin went overboard, with his movie, his nail-polish line, his perfume. 

I say..... GENIUS.

The team look at the demographics, and at his fan base.. and nailed it.

When I was younger I would have adored Aaron Carter nail polish...

How cool would that have been?

Besides the obvious success.. The young kid still amazes me with his never-ending talent.

Big Brand Names

The effect a brand has on a consumer is overwhelming..

But what about the brands that have become the defining name for every other product in that category?

My brother and I often talk about brands that have dominated the product world and wonder

how a product can achieve that status..

For example, Kleenex. 

When you walk into a store, or have a cold- you think of one thing. Kleenex. You rarely hear

"I need a tissue" or "I need (Name Brand of other tissues)"

You hear..."I need some Kleenex"

How did this one brand become such a success that all other types of tissues, no matter what the brand- is still referred to as Kleenex?

Another brand- Clorox Bleach

Bleach is Bleach, and when you think of Bleach, you think of Clorox.

How did these products become some dominating in the market?

I just wish luck and congratulations to the next big future name.

A Man's favorite shoe

Nike has become one of the most influential athletic shoe companies in the world.

It reflects style, and athleticism, but what about the

the brands undertones?

Durability, Reliability?

The brand's continuous success shows that they are exactly that. Not to mention their constant embrace of providing inspiration to men and women around the world to stay fit.

A game, an advertisement.

This past weekend I attended the Cat/Griz Basketball games in Missoula, MT.

Growing numb to our own advertising schemes it was interesting to watch the take of others.

While sitting in the stadium, I became aware that I was being subjected to hundreds of advertisements- and in retrospect, Cat/Griz is just a small portion of advertising opportunity compared to larger games,

ex. NFL, Major League Baseball, MBA

As a student-athlete I've had the opportunity to see some behind the scenes action 

as to how exactly marketing can occur during a single game.

It's phenomenal. 

Perhaps one day I can engage in using my degree for Sports Marketing.

The 

Lack

of Buyer's Remorse

Many people often have that sickening feeling after spending money.

The thoughts of distress and regret can often are painful-

So what makes a purchase worth the remorse?

I believe a well thought-out purchase.. Maybe one you can't stop thinking about. 

In this case... Dropping money for an airline ticket was far from causing remorse.

Spring break can't come soon enough! There will be no buyers remorse in this case!

This is a well needed vacation. 

With sunshine on my mind there is little room left to worry about this form of Cognitive Dissonance. 

It's official.

I'm a Marketing Nerd.

As my friends and I sat down to watch the Super Bowl, I began to realize I may have an obsession.

This has always been a fascination of mine but now that I am aware of key marketing strategies I find them everywhere. 

I first came to the realization that I'm a nerd due to three consecutive commercials where I turned to my fellow watchers and not only explained, but pointed out critical and small details of the marketing strategy from each commercial.

My gracious friends politely acted interested, until one, who has an amazing sense of humor; informed me if I didn't stop there might have to be an intervention. In this case...no more Super Bowl commercials for me. 

Needless to say I kept my thoughts to myself.. for the most part.

First, I'd like to simply state that this Super Bowl commercial reflects both my first and second blog post to a perfect T.

Didn't I tell you that sex sells?

This second one, which also includes Victoria's Secret Angel Adriana Lima, integrated not only Victoria's Secret but also, Kia Optima, Motley Crue, Subway (unofficially), and UFC fighting. I'd probably never buy a Kia, but....

Talk about a successful marketing strategy. 

In lieu of the Celebrations:

It's Super Bowl Sunday. The Marketers dream- a day dedicated specifically to Football, (Go Patriots) and commercials. 

Super Bowl Sunday may as well be a national holiday. 

But what would the Super Bowl be without the famous competition for commercial airtime;

let alone the chance to be the talk of the town the following week!

Personally, the beer commercials usually win my vote- we shall see if they keep up the status!

Also;

A special shout out to Dane Fletcher, formally representing Bobcat Nation!

It's that time of year!

As I approach any grocery store it's hard not to notice that Christmas is out- Valentine's Day is in. 

Seasonal Marketing at it's finest. How intriguing is it that consumers can bounce from holiday to holiday in a blink of an eye?

Grocery Store isles are filled with ample amounts of pink and red heart shaped delicacies. A little over a month ago it was red and green, and before that orange and black. 

Marketers are geniuses. Every item placed so intently on those shelves are available on  a daily basis. Yet, a change of color, shape, and the season, and sales are off the charts. 

If only I could go back in time and be the one to come up with that idea originally..

Sex Sells.

The sensation that grips the nation.

Retail Therapy is one of the most common phrases that I hear of from friends.

"That was a hard test, I need some retail therapy."

"Gosh what a great day, I'm going to reward myself with some retail therapy."

"I need to look good for So-and-So, I need to shop."

"So-and-So broke my heart, I need to shop."

The list goes on and on.

While studying marketing, this is in fact one of the most intriguing ideas for me. Not in a "I never thought of it that way idea," but in a "Why does no one else understand how brilliant this is? Type of way."

While reading "Retail Therapy" and learning about Ernest Dichter, it was stunning to learn that he was the first to implement many of these ideas. It seems like common sense.

If a company wants to sell to men, why not have a beautiful woman in the picture?

If to women, have another beautiful woman in the picture, all women aspire to be what they are not- and we all relish the fact that someday..maybe we could appear to look like a Victoria's Secret model. 

If we can't look like them, at least we can wear the same clothes as them. 

Sex sells.

It's the easiest concept to understand. Everyone wants to appear sexy. 

When people want to do some "retail therapy," they are searching for something to make them feel better. To make them feel...sexy.