Week 4 EOC: There's an app for that..

Smart phone's have come up with many different apps; from recipes books and video games to travel guides and venue locations. An app that came to my mind would be the most ideal photographer's helper. I would call it "Photosmart" and the whole idea of this would be that whenever someone would snap a photo while inside the application, it would say out loud positive remarks and smart criticism to the person taking it. Then on the right side of the screen it would list a few tips on how to make their photo more visually exciting (different techniques, angles, etc.) and links to videos explaining how to do so along with links to different websites to buy equipment (If interested). It's meant for photographers just starting out, who maybe only have their phone as a real photography instrument, to get the best photos they possibly can. Because it's not about how big or expensive the camera is, but how someone uses it. In my opinion it would be an app that I definitely would invest on getting, 99 cents or a dollar fifty, I'd buy it. It's a creative tool and looking up some research online, there is no app for this.

Week 3 EOC: My Demographics

I am a Millennial on the Demographic scale. Also known as Generation Y or echo boomers which is closely related to the baby boomers because of the size of our generation. In our Marketing textbook it mentions that Millennials were the first generation to actually grow up in a world filled with computers, cellphones, satellite TV, iPods, and online social networks; which is completely true. “All generations are comfortable with technology, but this is the generation that’s been formed by technology..” (Yahoo! executive, Ch. 3 pg. 74) Marketers of all kinds are now targeting us Millennials because of use of technology. The presidential election passed a few months ago and although I wasn’t a young adult who voted, Barack Obama’s strategy to market like a high-end consumer brand make teens my age want to be connected and contribute. “Young people want to be in control of their relationship with a brand. They want to customize and personalize. The Obama campaign site allowed just that, with it’s use of tagging, discussion boards, photo uploads, and other interactive elements.” (Analyzing the Marketing Environment, Ch. 3 pg. 74) What I found interesting while searching the web was that unlike the previous Generation X, whose members spent only a sum of their time (30 minutes every 1 to 3 weeks) Millennials were found spending an average of 6 and a half hours talking to one parent over the phone. “What’s interesting is that instead of trying to deal with problems on their own, Millennials prefer venting to their parents in a ceaseless chain of grievances that lasts on average from 9 AM to 10 PM daily..” (Sociologist Rick Winter, The Onion) http://onion.com/Z3O828 I almost want to disagree with his statement because I find myself spending more time on the phone with a close friend than a parent, when it comes down to talking about my problems. So, the way I see it, us Millennials are the most emotional and technology savvy.

Week 3 EOC: Making Money for Good

Similar to the organization TOMS, Burt’s Bees has become company partners with Habitat for Humanity to build Eco-friendly homes. Based in Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties Burt’s Bees is focused on giving back to its community. Habitat works with Raleigh-based Advanced Energy to ensure the monthly payment of both heating and cooling costs no more than $34. Burt’s Bees has gone above and beyond these standards to add more green components such as icynene spray, foam insulation, and the use of alternative flooring and counter top options to improve air quality. “One of the reasons we moved our offices to downtown Durham was to deepen our roots in the community…” (Burt’s Bees CEO, John Repogle) http://burtsbe.es/afXVQ2 Also, in 2007 Burt's established the Greater Good Foundation that is a non-profit/charitable organization funded by their sales. It's goal is to "...help empower non profit initiatives whose efforts resonate with our own mission, particularly in the areas of natural health and well-being, the environment and social responsibility." (Lawrence Karol, Take Part) http://bit.ly/146UZrx Their foundation is run by volunteer employees and is funded by a donation of 10% of the burtsbees.com website sales. Lastly, the company gives back by working to develop sustainable packaging solutions. "Naturally, we're nothing but the good stuff." (Burt'sBees.com) http://burtsbe.es/qH5i1Being a consumer of Burt's Bees I never thought of their mission, but now that I have read bits and pieces, I'm amazed of their determination to make this world a better place.

Week 2 EOC: Boston Consulting Group - Video Games

The Video Game industry has struggled a tremendous amount in 2012. The NPD group recently reported that the video game hardware, accessories, and software has decreased 29% in June. Recent reports from DFC Intelligence indicates that the market for video games is going to take an astounding growth from $67 billion which we have seen in 2012 to $82 billion in 2017. The future of our consoles are changing as well, although Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's games have been family favorites for years, Apple has taken over. "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."(The Wall Street Journal 2009) But don't be too worried, in 2014 ad 2015 Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo are going to be coming out with new and exciting game accessories that is going to help gain some momentum for the console community. "However, the steadiest area of growth is on the PC and mobile side." (DFC Intelligence, David Cole)


BCG Analysis:

The Wii - Dog

The Wii U - Star

Xbox 360 - Cash Cow

Nintendo - Question Mark

PC Games - Dog

Playstation 3 - Question Mark

ISO iPhone, Android, Tablet - Star

The BCG analysis I have listed above is mostly my opinion, but supported by reviews and other websites, the accuracy is close to being right on point. The Wii U that was released last year was definitely something that changed the younger generations, "Overall, I feel the Wii U is a step in the right direction for Nintendo, but the company is under far more pressure to succeed than ever before." (Winda Benedetti , NBC News) I truly do feel like when it comes to our phones and communication with everyone around us, gaming mobile has taken over. Hard to say, but every competitor out there is just going to have to try even harder to succeed in the gaming industry.

Week 1 EOC: Great Costumer Service

The best costumer service I have had was at a store called Anthropologie. It’s a retail store located at The District in Green Valley Ranch. Although I wasn’t shopping for anyone special, I was returning a couple items for my mother and they were so kind and generous to give me cash in return. Usually stores as big as they are, might want to interrogate me or expect for the person who bought these items in the first place to be there with me, but not these ladies! Another plus was their personal appearance; shows that they took time getting ready for their job. Anthropologie has a nice aroma and looks extremely clean as well, so that’s another reason why we’re continuously shopping there. It really does show how much they care about there customers and shows overall passion for their job.

Week 1 EOC: My Voice

I was born a photographer, plain and simple. Ever since I could remember I have always been so interested in finding different ways to express my emotions. The last five years, photography has been my gateway to that. Being where I am now, my future has become so clear in such a short amount of time. I never thought of myself as confident or even as a college student who would one day stand next to there work and say, “Yes, I took this photo. And I’m so proud of it.” but I know that day is coming up soon and I'm already preparing myself. That’s why I’m so grateful for the opportunities that have been given to me. I’m lucky enough to have my family behind me supporting every one of my decisions, which is why I’m here in the first place. They have had faith in me since day one, and someday soon I hope to repay them for everything they have done for me. I also plan to open my own business for a friend of mine who has passed away, in her memory. Overall, I want to do something no one else has and I want to have the determination and tools to be able to. Being here, in this moment, at this point in my life I know I will have them. My full name is Alexsandra, and every day that passes I’m getting better at being myself and accepting the changes that are happening around me.