The Office

On the TV show The Office tonight, Michael wants to start a new paper company. He is trying to recruit salespeople, but many of them are skeptical of his company. Oscar asks him if he has a business plan and a number of other things referencing marketing, including a business plan, funding request, market research and financials. He mentions that new business' profit margins are very thin and most new businesses don't make a profit for at least two years.

Twitter

Honestly, I don't really get it. I get the idea of it and everything, but I don't know why people feel it is necessary to update people on your every move.

However, I do think that since the number of users has increased by 900% (according to Mike Blaney's blog - http://themarketingguy.wordpress.com/2009/03/30/marketing-with-twitter/) in the last year the potential for using twitter as a citizen news source or for marketing is huge. In some of my communications classes we have discussed the use of twitter for citizen news reporting and people can give details about breaking news as they are experiencing it. Many online newspapers have their reporters and average citizens giving up to minute details through the use of twitter.

As for marketing, word of mouth marketing and creating buzz about a brand could reach millions of people through the use of twitter. Plus the amount of celebrities now using twitter and being read on twitter creates another way for marketers to ensure that their brand's name gets out there in the public eye. Sean "Diddy" Combs is a perfect example of incessant advertising of his own brands and publicity of the bands on his record label.

Seattle Sounders marketing

When I was home for spring break I got to attend the Sounders FC home opener. Having been a soccer player all my life, and lived in Seattle all my life, I have to say that the kind of support Seattle showed to soccer was long awaited. I read this article about the marketing tactics the Sounders management has used to increase support and ticket sales for the brand new MLS team. My dad and I also discussed their approach to bringing "The World's game to Seattle" and how they have done a great job with making the Sounders name known to the community.



http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2008876913_sounders18.html

Grocery Store Product Placement

Today while grocery shopping at Safeway, I noticed the product placement of specific products next to others. For example, limes and lemons convieniently had a small display next to the beer aisle since they commonly can go with beers like Corona. Another product that was placed to aid in the convienince of the shopper's experience is the tortillas are located at the end of the aisle with the salsa and other spanish types of foods.