Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Week 10 EOC: Promotion without discounting

(http://www.pdco.com/node/88591) <--- Where I got my information at (mixed with my own ideas)

When it comes to promoting my business I am so glad to be a part of the technology generation. The last few years, Facebook has become the ultimate way to connect with others around us. So by making a profile for "The Vault" I will begin there by advertising and building up my restauraunt clientele. And every somebody would be a nobody without the famous Twitter! I will be tweeting my business's opening date and sneak peaks to our foods and beverages (along with specials during the holidays). And for those who are using Twitter to follow me I will also be promoting our Instagram Winner of the Week, this is how it works: "For every person who comes out to eat at The Vault and takes a photo of their experience (that is the most exciting and unique), I will be printing a 8x8 of that person's photo and it will be by the main entrance for that week (along with their name and where they're originally from)." To bring even more customers in without using Social Media, I plan on fundraising and spreading the word in my community as well. Consumer studies have shown that consumers will support restaurants that support the local community. It's all about the people and what they want most.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Implementation Evaluation Control

"Planning good strategies is only a start toward successful marketing. A brilliant marketing strategy counts for little if the company fails to implement it properly. Marketing Implementation is the process that turns marketing plans into marketing actions in order to accomplish strategic marketing objectives. Whereas marketing planning addresses the what and why of marketing activities, implementation addresses the who, where, when, and how." (Pg. 57)

To make or build something great, there is always a significant amount of planning before hand. I've had this idea for a restaurant for a little over a year and after writing about it throughout 10 blog posts, it really starts to set in, "Could this be a reality?" I've always thought of myself as an artist, not really a business woman, but as a child I enjoyed anything (mostly cooking) because of the people I surrounded myself with, so when it came down to choosing a restaurant or a bar, I already knew which direction I was taking. The Vault came to mind because being in Downtown Las Vegas, I was used to seeing these art museums and bistros that were connected to galleries, but never a restaurant and gallery made into one (healthy and green!) so that's where the idea came from. I think if this assignment was an actual start to my business, I know that I'd succeed. Because I chose a location where there is a lot of customers, I know my prices and how I'd promote myself. I have the design and layout for how I'd want things to look, I'd just have to find the right people to fill the spots for employees. I'd want to hire and share my experience with the kind of people that love what they do, whether they're musicians or artists. And I'd want their work to be shown as well, because The Vault is a place where everyone can be together, as a whole. Ideas, passions, inspirations, photographs, art. Everything.

"Many managers think that "doing things right" (implementation) is as important as, or even more important than, "doing the right things" (strategy). The fact is that both are critical to success, and companies can gain competitive advantages through effective implementation." (Pg. 57)

Price

"A company can always increase customer satisfaction by lowering its price or increasing its services. But this may result in lower profits. Thus, the purpose of marketing is to generate customer value profitably. This requires a very delicate balance: The marketer must continue to generate more customer value and satisfaction but not "give away the house."" (Pg. 17)

As far as the price goes for my restaurant, I'm not wanting to burn a hole through everyone's wallet, but I don't want my prices to be so low that it gives off the vibe that my food and photography isn't worth more.

I got most of my inspiration from a health food restaurant I go to all the time called "Greens & Proteins" so I want to base most of my prices around theirs.

For soups, appetisers or main entree salads - ($7-8.50)

Main dishes(pasta, sandwiches, or sides) (fish, chicken, steak, vegetarian) - ($10-16.50)

Fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee, desserts (gluten-free) - ($2.50-6)

For my photography, the prices for all the different sizes are in my "Product" blog.


"The company can offer greater customer value either by charging lower prices than competitors, or by offering more benefits to justiy higher prices."

"But if the company promises greater value, it must then deliver that greater value."

Promotion

"Finally, it must communicate with target customers about the offering and persuade them of its merits (promotion)." (Pg. 13)


When it comes to promoting my business I am so glad to be a part of the technology generation. The last few years, Facebook has become the ultimate way to connect with others around us. So by making a profile for "The Vault" I will begin there by advertising and building up my restauraunt clientele. And every somebody would be a nobody without the famous Twitter! I will be tweeting my business's opening night date and sneak peaks to our foods and beverages (along with specials during the holidays). And for those who are using Twitter to follow me I will also be promoting our Instagram Winner of the Week, this is how it works: "For every person who comes out to eat at The Vault and takes a photo of their experience (that is the most exciting and unique), I will be printing a 8x8 of that person's photo and it will be by the main entrance for that week (along with their name and where they're originally from)." Social Media has grown to the extreme the last couple of years, so I know that I'm taking the right route of promoting my business.

"Evaluation is also very important. Many companies fail to evaluate their sales promotion programs, and others evaluate only superficially. Yet marketers should work to measure the returns on their sales promotion investments, just as they should seek to assess the returns on other marketing activities." (Pg. 438)


Creative Content:

The Vault (design & layout)



Distribution

"Companies often pay too little attention to their distribution channels, sometimes with damaging results. In contrast, many companies have used imaginative distribution systems to gain a competitive advantage." (Pg. 312)

Distributing to the public, I want my restaurant to be a direct distributor. Like, HP or Ford I want all my products to be my own. I want to be able to change my advertising, prices, and promotions to what I want them to be because I'm not getting help from another channel or retailer. The advantage of direct distributing is that it gives me (the manufacturer) complete control over my own product.
So whether I'm needing to spice up some old recipes or change the menu overall, I'll be able to do so in my own restaurant. Efficient and effective distribution is important if the organization is to meet its overall marketing objectives. If an organization underestimates demand and customers cannot purchase and be satisfied with the products being given to them, profitability will be affected.


"Distribution channel decisions often involve long-term commitments to other firms. For example, companies such as Ford, HP, or McDonald's can easily change their advertising, pricing, or promotion programs. They can scrap old products and introduce new ones as market tastes demand. But when they set up distribution channels through contracts with franchisees, independent dealers, or large retailers, they cannot readily replace these channels with company-owned stores or Web sites if conditions change." (Pg. 312)

Product

"As a marketer, you'll need a good marketing plan to provide direction and focus for your brand, product, or company. With a detailed plan, any business will be better prepared to launch a new product or build sales for existing products." (Pg. MP1)


At The Vault, we have anything from salads and soups, to vegetarian/gluten-free meals and delectable meat and low calorie sides for those who are craving it!


(Found on Google.com)



"Another form of contractual retail organization is a franchise. The main difference between franchise organizations and other contractual systems (voluntary chains and retail cooperatives) is that franchise systems are normally based on some unique product or service; on a method of doing business; or on the trade name, goodwill, or patent that the franchisor has developed. Franchising has been prominent in fast food and restaurants, motels, health and fitness centers, auto sales and service, and real estate."
(Pg. 352)



Alexellen Gallery featured at The Vault: (8x10 ranges from $20-55) (11x14 ranges from $55-65) (Any larger $100-115) 



Soundtrack @ The Vault: Indie/Acoustic
  • Two Door Cinema Club
  • Manchester Orchestra
  • Anthony Green
  • Grouplove
  • FUN
Etc..guests can tweet @TheVaultLV what they want to hear too! 



Target Market Strategy

"Target Market is a set of buyers sharing common needs or characteristics that the company decides to serve." (Pg. 187)

For The Vault I was envisioning more of a younger crowd of customers, but adults and hard working parents are welcome as well. The last two years I have been noticing that a huge health streak is rising and more people are choosing to be vegetarian and vegan than living a life eating meat. I have also noticed that art schools are becoming full of more inspired students, I guess that's the main reason I decided to mix the two together instead of having them separate. I feel strongly that I'm going to bring in more customers this way and it will be the best technique for keeping all of my guests happy.

"The company must first decide who it will serve. It does this by dividing the market into segments of customers and selecting which segments it will go after. Some people think of marketing management as finding as many customers as possibly and increasing demand. But marketing managers know that they cannot serve all customers in every way." (Pg. 9)

SWOT Analysis

"SWOT, which evaluates the company's overall strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunites (O), and threats (T).." (Pg. 55)

S:  Clean and tidy establishment, a fresh idea for a gallery/health food restaurant, customer service is new to the area, location is at a busy intersection, and a place where artists can relate.


W: New and not established yet, my restaurant can be closely related to a Greens&Proteins w/out the art on the walls, and I have limited funds available.


O: We are the technology generation and we have so many ways to connect, to get the word out about my business opening. If my business sky rockets, I can branch out into more of the Henderson area. Young kids and adults are turning more to the vegetarian side and lighter options.


T: No alcoholic beverages, so that could take a toll on my male customer count. More businesses are starting to open that are on a healthy streak. My main Downtown Las Vegas competitor: The Art Factory.

"Strengths include internal capabilities, resources, positive situational factors that may help the company to serve its customers and achieve its objectives. Weaknesses include internal limitations and negative situational factors that may interfere with the company's performance. Opportunities are favorable factors or trends in the external environment that the company may be able to exploit to its advantage. And threats are unfavorable external factors or trends that may present challenges to performance."
(Pg. 55)

Objectives

"Under the strategic plan, the major functional departments, operations, information systems, human resources, and others -- must work together to accomplish strategic objectives." (Pg. 61)

Overall, my objective for The Vault is to build a friendly environment for artists and anyone wanting to take a step towards a healthier life. Because one thing I've learned is that when I'm eating right and I'm surrounded by people who have passions related to mine, I'm genuinely happy and truly inspired. That's what I want most out of my business: To bring happiness, and open new chapters. When customers walk in I don't want them to feel discouraged by the prices on the menu, or the photographs on the wall, I want them to feel like they're at home. "The Vault, to be a part of something much bigger than you and I."

"Once the unit's objectives are set, marketing's tasks is to help carry them out profitably." (Pg. 47)

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Week 9 EOC: Three great mission statements (in my opinion)

The first mission statement I enjoyed reading was Bree's. Right away I'm aware of what type of business she is creating and what kind of energy and people will be attending her establishment. I like the fact that it's an all women's bar and it's a place where no one will feel insecure. Her bar sounds exciting and fun, and I love that. The second mission statement that caught my attention right away was Jose's world football house. I like his idea because it's a unique one and although I have nearly to no interest in sports whatsoever, his business sounds intriguing. His statement overall may not be that long but the way he also included a description of his business, a slogan, and a definition of the word "Mission Statement" which made it that much better and well thought out.  The last statement I looked at was Monet's. I adore the way she writes and I can tell there's some type of passion behind her words and at that moment anyone could tell who her target market is. There's only been a few great teenage clubs in Las Vegas and in all honesty, if her idea were to go any further, her establishment would be at the top places where I would want to visit. I also like how long her statement was, she wanted to make sure we all understood her vision, which is very important. 

All of these include most of the same material, but something in each post makes them stand out.


Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Business Mission Statement

 "A statement of the organization's purpose --- what it wants to accomplish in the larger environment." (Glossary, Pg. G10)

Our mission at The Vault is to build a comfortable and reliable relationship with our costumers. We want to make sure that no matter who you are, you feel welcome and all your food and beverage needs are being met. We offer only the freshest of ingredients and allow each guest to explore into our view of photography and the way we see ourselves and you as well! An artsy, friendly, and upbeat environment will surely be seen here.

"..being our costumers' favorite place and way to eat." (Pg. 41)

"Mission statements should be meaningful and specific yet motivating. They should emphasize the company's strengths in the marketplace. Too often, mission statements are written for public relations and lack specific workable guidelines." (Pg. 41)

We want to offer something different, something unique and something that people will remember. Yes, the taste of our food is important..but I want people to know who we are, through my artwork.
"Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever...it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything." -Aaron Siskind

Week 8 BOC: Progress on my final project --





The progress I have made so far is finding a great location that my business can be established at, having a solid and great idea for how I'm going to make my money, and last but not least..named my restaurant. I'm going to be named it "The Vault", which is a synonym from the word "Gallery". See my "Pitch" for more information. 


So instead of following my other idea with the coffee shop, I am going to be creating my own restaurant. All my food will be freshly prepared daily and have a vegetarian menu and gluten free options as well. My menu will have everything from all-american style food to salads and soups (just made light) along with a famous dish. My decor on the inside and outside of the building will be eco friendly but still will manage to keep a mod and sophisticated look. I will accomplish making more money by having my own gallery throughout the restaurant. Framed prints of portraits, and landscapes. Depending on how big and what the photo is, my prices could range anywhere from $40-$150. I will also be having a close friend of mine (photographer) walk around to each table and take a group, family, or couple shot and at a later time they would be able to purchase their photo if they wanted to. The location I found used to be an old steakhouse at the intersection of Eastern and Tropicana. Includes a full kitchen and seating arrangements. Although I don’t enjoy the colors on the outside of the building, that’ll have change to becoming all black, will wipe spray paint for the name.

Address: 4901 S Eastern, Las Vegas, NV 89119 


Week 7 EOC: The Pitch

So instead of following my other idea with the coffee shop, I am going to be creating my own restaurant. All my food will be freshly prepared daily and have a vegetarian menu and gluten free options as well. My menu will have everything from all-american style food to salads and soups (just made light). My decor on the inside and outside of the building will be eco friendly but still will manage to keep a mod and sophisticated look. I will accomplish making more money by having my own gallery throughout the restaurant. Framed prints of portraits, and landscapes. Depending on how big and what the photo is, my prices could range anywhere from $40-$150. I will also be having a close friend of mine (photographer) walk around to each table and take a group, family, or couple shot and at a later time they would be able to purchase their photo if they wanted to. The location I found used to be an old steakhouse (Dessy B's Steakhouse) at the intersection of Eastern and Tropicana. Includes a full kitchen and seating. Although I don’t enjoy the colors on the outside of the building, those will have to change.


Address: 4901 S. Eastern, Las Vegas, NV 89119



I incorporated the idea of a healthy restaurant and my photographs all wrapped in one!