Alexander Lee's Blog

The iPhone 5c was released in September and has been a selling over international markets. Bell Media Business Blog writes how the iPhone 5c is the best iPhone for business purpose with the main reason that its simpler, yet has the main functions of an iPhone. The article states that a simpler phone with less functions is beneficial in the long run because it tends to be easier to support. Their theory is that because it already uses the same technology of the iPhone 5, which has already been used and on the market, there will be fewer things that go wrong and thus, have greater reliability.

My opinion towards this article, is that simplicity is not the iPhones best reason why it is better for businesses. I view that its price is a greater strength towards businesses who buy corporate phones for their employees. The iPhone 5c still has the qualities of an iPhone, but is much more durable as it is made out of plastic, which is much better for business use, as well, has a cheaper price relative to other smart phones and iPhones. I agree with the article, that the iPhone 5c is a perfect phone for business use.

Bell Media Business Blog: http://businessblog.bell.ca/productivity-tips-tools/apples-iphone-5c-whats-in-it-for-businesses/

Since the US government shutdown, many people associated with the government, from federal employees or third party companies that work forthe government have been hit hard financially as there is no work or money made. Because of the economic hardship, and financial troubles created by the government shutdown, the Korean car company Hyundai announced that they will allow federal workers impacted by the shutdown to defer loan and lease payments (Hyundai News Site) on their Hyundai’s. This has become a PR success for Hyundai.

After this news of Hyundai’s generous appeal, the largest Japanese car company, Toyota follows in similar footsteps trying to create the same public image, except, with a larger approach. Toyota stated that as of October 14th, 2013, they will give 3 months deferral on payments for any customer affected by the shutdown, not just federal employees, for Toyota and Lexus (Bloomberg Business). Toyota has realized the widespread impact of the government shutting down, not only on federal employees, but many other businesses and firms that associate with government projects. 

This example shows two different self marketing strategies between two competing companies. Hyundai first started the approach of making it easier for people to pay, but Toyota made it even better.

The Swedish furniture company Ikea today released that they will be selling solar panels for residence in the UK. Solar panels have been an increasing market over the past decade as the environment has become a large part of western lifestyle. Ikea advertises that for each panel, it will take 7 years to pay off, and after, the energy created from the panels will be free energy (CBC News).

As a consumer, I think this is a very smart move by Ikea. Personally, my family has been planning on purchasing a solar panel to reduce our energy price, but have not found a reliable and credible company to supply and maintain the panels. Ikea is a well known brand and also is responsible for the maintenance. Having Ikea sell mass produced solar panels not only lowers the overall costs of the solar panels, making them more accessible, but also increases their revenue stream. Having Ikea be responsible for their maintenance, set up, and monitoring creates a stronger customer relationship.

Ikea is now known as a more sustainable company that is influenced of the impact on the environment. This is a good marketing scheme.

The US government is on shutdown today, affecting 800,000 American government employees (Globe and Mail). Besides the temporary unemployment, causing people to spend less, many Canadian exporters are at risk as US boarder and trade employees are no longer in work. Canadian companies are bracing for delays in shipments, and less demand for their products as the US government is in turmoil. If the US government is suspended for a week, there will be not much damage to the Canadian economy and businesses, but rather seen as an inconvenience. But if the suspension last longer than that, the Canadian economy can result in a 700 million dollar loss per week, according to CTV News Canada. With the US being Canada’s largest trading partner, importing more than 462 Billion dollars last year (Globe and Mail), having the boarder slowed down will greatly affect Canadian businesses and the Canadian economy.