Category: Uncategorized

The other day, when I was expecting a long night, I went to the convenient store to buy an energy drink. All the Red Bull was sold out despite there being a couple other types of energy drinks. Then I was wondering why it was pretty much general consensus that Red Bull is the best energy drink, even though all of them taste similar, and have a similar effect. This is when I realized how brilliantly there advertising over the years has worked.

Red Bull decided to target the adolescent market and there advertising has made them a household name. They seem to sponsor every extreme sport athlete and event, such as Shaun White and the X games. Every time one of those  pros pulls off an unbelievable trick that seems to be impossible to do, they are showing off the brand Red Bull by wearing gear covered with their logo. Not to mention how the internet, and YouTube, has helped Red Bull show off the athletes they sponsor. Red Bull is able to reach their market through these athletes. This marketing strategy is one the main reasons why Red Bull is so popular across the world.

Red Bull Commercial

Although the new Tata Nano offers an unbelievable price for a car, and will undoubtedly have success in other parts of the world, I do not think it will be successful in the North American market. It simply does not fit the template consumers are looking for in a car.

The advantages of this car are that it is $2500 and small, which results in good fuel efficiency. Over the past few years, the American market for cars has always preferred larger cars. Although this has slightly changed recently, most customers are still willing to sacrifice fuel efficiency and the convenience of a small car for a large, powerful one. This trend led to everybody in North America getting large cars. One of the most important criterion for a car is safety, and with all the large cars on the streets, customers feel unsafe in smaller cars, especially if it is only worth $2500. Tata might try to target specific markets such as students, but even then I do not think the customers would be able to overlook the fact that it provides no safety if a collision were to happen with an average sized American car.

On the other hand, I do believe Tata Nano will be succesful in the European market, where Smart cars have already thrived.

Nespresso coffee machines are finally becoming big in North America after seeing years of success in the European market. Nespresso had an idea to produce high-end coffee machines, which would allow consumers  to enjoy top-notch coffee in their homes. But this luxury comes at an expensive price; a Nespresso coffee machine could cost up to $800. Despite the fact that the economy is suffering from a recession, Nespresso has seen enormous success with its slick design. Reminds me of what Mac has done with their products, targeting those who could actually afford their expensive merchandise and thriving. Nespresso became huge in the European market, there were Nepresso billboards everywhere in Paris when I lived there a few years ago.

This success occurred because Nespresso established itself as an expensive coffee maker and opened up a new market. It took advantage of the growing demand for quality coffee, as it was obvious that consumers were willing to pay more for coffee with Starbucks’ success. Effective adverstising also helped. Nespresso made George Clooney the image of their product and came up with the catchy slogan, “Nespresso. What else?” This sent the idea that their product was superior and produces the best coffee, and the customers seem to agree.

Nespresso Commercial with Clooney

Article: http://money.cnn.com/2010/09/28/news/companies/Nespresso_coffee_CEO.fortune/index.htm

After an embarrassing 2009 season, the Redskins had to rethink their strategy to win games, have a new identity as a team. Their strategy this offseason was to build a team that will win games by forcing turnovers on the defensive side and by controlling the tempo on the offensive side with a dominating running game. They wanted to become a more physical team. In order to accomplish this goal, the Redskins had to plan smart offseason tactics.

Their defense last year was ranked top 10 overall in the league but did not create enough turnovers, which are crucial in games. So the Redskins hired Jim Haslett to switch their talented defense from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-4, known to be more aggressive and to force more turnovers. To establish a dominant running game, the Redskins hired head coach Mike Shanahan who is known to always get the best out of his running backs. They also had to fix up their horrendous offensive line, which is a key component to a successful ground game.  They addressed that problem by acquiring big offensive linemen Trent Williams, via draft, and Jamaal Brown and Artis Hicks, via free agency.

Only time will tell whether or not the Redskins are able to become that physical team they believe will take them to the playoffs.

A little over a year ago, the Washington Redskins (football team in the NFL) signed defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who was regarded as one of the most dominant players in the league,  to a 7 year, 100 million contract. After a disappointing season in 2009, the Redskins decided to completely replace the coaching staff, including the defensive coordinator, for the 2010 season.

The new defensive coordinator, Jim Haslett, decided to switch the defensive scheme from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense. This is where the conflict begins. Haynesworth signed with the Redskins to play defensive tackle on a 4-3 defense, a position he excelled at. Suddenly, because of a coaching staff change, he will be forced to play a different position he is not comfortable with.

Because of this change, Haynesworth has decided to not attend the mandatory training camps before the start of the 2010 season when it is crucial for the players to attend after an embarrassing 2009 season and a new coaching staff.

Is it unethical for Haynesworth to boycott the Redskins’ training camp after signing a 100 million contract a year earlier? Or does he have the right to do so because he signed with Washington to play a different position than he will be forced to play in 2010?

Picture of the 350lb defensive tackle: