I found Joie Chan’s post on SMS marketing quite intriguing as I haven’t previously thought about text messages as a platform for company advertisement. Though never having thought of it, it appears to be a clear, plausible and effective way of reaching people.

After reading more about SMS marketing, I decided to do some research on actual real-time companies that are implementing such methods to reach their customers.

Recently, Best Buy has initiated a marketing strategy for their upcoming Black Friday sale. Customers are able to opt-in to their messaging service to receive sneak peeks on the massive Friday sale and to get early deals for other electronics sales. Though the initial publicity is very effective, Best Buy should have considered using different platforms to leverage the SMS advertisement. For example, the messaged link should lead directly to their mobile website while allowing customers to share the page through various social media platforms.

SMS advertising is a sure way to reach many consumers, despite having the resource available for such a long period of time. However, to optimize the effectiveness of this method, it is necessary to utilize multiple platforms so that customers may propagate the advertisement throughout many different angles.

Sources:

1) https://blogs.ubc.ca/joiechansh/2013/11/17/43/

2) http://www.mobilemarketingwatch.com/best-buy-banking-on-sms-for-black-friday-37479/

Images:

1) https://blogs.ubc.ca/joiechansh/2013/11/17/43/

2) http://prodimages.vertmarkets.com/image/50175935/50175935-dbb9-4969-b80c-7706084a3f05/original/best_buy_sign.jpg

With the available abundance of technology, employers are making efficient use of the innovation within their businesses and outside of their buildings.

Thoughts about privacy invasion and anxiety by being tracked by an employer are inevitable and predictable. However, such methods are clearly efficient in managing employees and their work habits. By tracking offsite workers with GPS applications on their phones, companies see growth in safety, productivity and honesty. Video surveillance has also helped in decreasing employee thieving and in increasing employee performance.

What makes this method effective is the ‘fear’ instilled within the employees. Upon learning of surveillance, employees are motivated to work harder and to stay on task in order to retain their employment.

Employers, too, take part in revamping perspectives in the workplace: they are to be honest with their employees while creating a trusting environment with newly implemented technology. Owners must keep promises with employees of the limitations of surveillance and also be genuine with their intentions. Employees will then be open to the monitoring of their location and trust that employers will not be using it for manipulation. By continually promoting an honest workplace, workers are inclined to improve behavior and views on their job.

Sources:

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303672404579151440488919138

Images:

Image 1: http://licensebase.ca/resources/employee-tracking.jpg

Image 2: http://www.wired.com/wiredenterprise/wp-content/uploads//2012/06/Screen-shot-2012-06-20-at-2.54.05-PM.png

One would not initiate an everyday conversation on what makes the extremely Herschel brand, seen everywhere on campus and across the world, a huge success.

Colin’s post on Herschel backpacks¹ brought up many points that explained their success and sustainable advantage very well. His point on the sale of Herschel products only at trendier stores is a key factor, as they are able to create a niche for their product and invoke a sense of prestige among those who match the styles of the stores in which Herschel products are sold.

On top of all the excellent quality and detail of their backpacks, messenger bags, laptop and phone cases and various leather-fabric hybrid products, Herschel has another enormous advantage: their brand. They have established loyal customers that all promote the products’ design and quality. They have also created a culture around the current versatile fashion scene of men by mixing everyday casual needs and formal wear, with an emphasis on the rural, outdoor cabin image.

In an interview², the creators state that they are able to keep up with changing trends by observing customer trends and purchases.

What do customers want?

What are they putting in it?

And how will they be using it?

Sources:

1) https://blogs.ubc.ca/colinlam/

2) http://blogs.nordstrom.com/men/backpacks-101-qa-with-herschel-supply-co/

Images:

Image 1: http://www.highsnobiety.com/files/2012/07/herschel-supply-co-spring-summer-2013-little-america-03.jpg

Image 2: http://www.herschelsupply.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/lookbook5.jpg

Image 3: http://www.herschelsupply.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/lookbook2.jpg

Corporate Social Responsibility is becoming a well-known and used term among corporations around the world. Creating shared value to promote both economic and societal value is a key component of any company that wishes to survive in an ever so environmentally and equality-focused generation.

An excellent example that focuses on the broad-view of both revenue and community is the outdoor clothing and equipment company Patagonia. The company takes steps to share success with society and environment by allowing employees to travel internationally to aid in multiple organizations and by donating sums of money to environmental groups¹. They have also recently announced a move to only using 100 percent traceable down in all of their products².

What drives Patagonia to success is the founder, who originated the company based off of his own passions. He continually strives to provide environmentally sustaining products and company actions. The success of Patagonia is not their monetary value in sales (which, still, is reasonably high) but their company passion to strive for groundbreaking goals and to inspire trust among the customers through CSR.

I now wonder, will their actions ever hit a peak? How will they continue to blaze a trail that influences other companies?

Sources:

1) http://www.patagonia.com/us/patagonia.go?assetid=1963

2) http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/patagonia-announces-move-to-100-traceable-down-230851261.html

Images:

Logo: http://symplicity.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/logo-patagonia-small2_0.jpg

Image (L): http://www.patagonia.com/images/common/non_seasonal_images/general_2_430x155/gen2_MLK-Day_S13.jpg

Image (R): http://www.patagonia.com/images/common/non_seasonal_images/general_2_430x155/gen2_Backyard-Collective_S13.jpg

Bell has announced the tracking of customers’ usage (from calls to search engine entries)¹ in order to render their advertisements more precise and fitting to specific customers. A representative stated that they are “looking to make online advertising that mobile customers already see more relevant to them”².

This is a large step for mobile and online service providers, as they are able to use the information technology and systems available to them to track clients’ usage to maximize advertising efficiency. This can be beneficial to already bombarded customers, as they will be surrounded by advertisements that are relevant to their habits and interests.

However, customers are worried that this information can be accessed by law enforcement and intelligence agencies. This retaining of details also poses problems, as many potent and capable individuals are able to enter Bell’s systems to obtain very personal information.

The many unanswered questions and continuous scrutiny about the veritable safety of the retention of highly personal information may block Bell from efficiently producing their intended goal. Without further confirmation on the security and procedure of information retention, Bell will only be instigating uproar among loyal customers and influential company and professional peers.

Sources:

1) http://windsor.ctvnews.ca/bell-to-start-tracking-customers-web-history-tv-viewing-unless-they-opt-out-1.1509966

2) http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/bell-data-collection-part-of-disturbing-trend-1.2223949

Images:

Image 1: http://wpmedia.business.financialpost.com/2013/10/bell-privacy.jpg?w=620

Image 2:

http://www.thestar.com/business/personal_finance/2012/03/04/bell_cellphone_billing_error_topped_3000.html

Samsung is under scrutiny for their products: for quality and for their advertisement. Samsung has issued apologies for their faulty memory chips, as well as improper usage of advertising firms to criticize other companies while promoting their own¹. The above allegation cost Samsung not only money, but also its reputation built in Asia as a dominant phone company. As Samsung promises “reliable products and services” as well as “a responsible approach to business”², this story is a clear disdain to their motto.

However, the way in which Samsung handled the situation displays their experience in the field and their dedication to rectifying problems. Samsung’s apologies came without excuse or rebuttal, which will initially please the general public. Their promise to repair faulty phones free of cost shows their strong value of relationships with customers.

But contrary to the positive elements pulled out of the story is the question of why Samsung must resort to using tactics (such as criticizing HTC products) in order to promote their sales. This displays a fear in Samsung that other companies may overtake them, or that they are willing to go under their promises in order to accomplish complete control over the technological market.

Sources:

1) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24634589 

2) http://www.samsung.com/ca/aboutsamsung/ 

Images:

Logo: http://cdn.androidbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Samsung-Logo.jpg

Phone 1:

http://cdn4.pcadvisor.co.uk/cmsdata/reviews/3404735/GALAXY_SIII_mini_Product_Image4.jpg

Phone 2: http://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Galaxy_Note_2.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2AjPfHTIS4

Samsung is continuing their technological innovation with the Galaxy Gear watch. The watch has capabilities outside of normal time telling functions, including camera, video, alerts for texts and calls, music, call control and various (and at this point, limited) applications.

The watch has a potential appeal to many of the smartphone (and future ‘smartwatch’) consumers, as they are able to expand their inter-product capabilities and add to their unique tools for everyday life. However, critics argue that the Galaxy Gear does not have a satisfactory aesthetic appeal. Mixed opinions result as the smartwatch struggles to be categorized by its customers as a legitimate watch or a ‘smart’ product.

With this brand new product’s large array of capabilities, Samsung is testing the interface and maneuverability with eager customers. However, from a current standpoint, it is obvious that the applications do not flow seamlessly together and there is much improvement to be done on the performance and design.

Is Samsung over their head with this product?

Will there be a large enough market to produce revenue on such a unique and novel item?

Or is this the next big piece of technology waiting to reach electronic fame?

Sources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/03/technology/personaltech/samsung-watch-sinks-under-weight-of-its-features.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2425280,00.asp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2AjPfHTIS4

With the rising popularity of shopping online, landlords and their teams are attempting to increase not only the experience, but also the amount of time spent for those in-person shoppers. Many shopping malls have been pumping money into the design and content of shopping malls in order to accomplish this mission. Because of the rapidly advancing technological times, they are finding urgency in re-establishing the experience and value in shopping at malls.

Since the inception of various sites of McCafé within Canada during 2011, the McDonalds franchise has been continually expanding their array of coffee and drink products. During the fall of this year, McDonalds plans to continue to expand their selection by introducing their new Pumpkin Spice Lattes. The higher-priced (yet still cheaper) product is being released in hopes of maintaining profits while paying the rising prices of labor and operating costs.

McDonalds is continuing on their idea of creating products to cater to various markets in the food industry. Besides the typical burgers and fries and soft drinks, McDonalds may be creating a valid substitute for pricier coffee shop drinks (prior releases include frappes, which gained considerable sales). By bringing in a more expensive product, customers may easily be swayed into buying a festive coffee along with their meal to avoid multiple stops. The fast service and option of drive thru will also play a big role in the success of the Pumpkin Spice Latte as many consumers seek faster, more convenient options in their busy quotidian lives.

Based on the overall success of beverages from McCafé, the franchise hopes to once again rival others (Starbucks) this upcoming season.

Sources:

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2013/09/pumpkin-spice-latte-starbucks-mcdonalds.php

http://www.marketingmag.ca/news/marketer-news/mcdonald%E2%80%99s-goes-big-with-mccafe-launch-40213

http://business.financialpost.com/2013/09/24/mcdonalds-pumpkin-spice-lattes-target-starbucks-crowd/

Since releasing the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C, Apple has garnered attention: although some positive, much is negative. Many articles criticize the problematic methods of Apple’s subcontractors, including inadequate safety, unpaid wages and excessive hours. In 2010, similar concerns arose near the announcement of Apple’s iPhone 4. Screen-cleaning chemicals poisoned workers and it was reported that many had committed suicide in Foxconn, an assembly factory. However, there are articles supporting its first-class facilities. In 2012, the president of The Fair Labor Association (FLA) stated that the physical conditions were above the average norm.

The conflicting articles over the past 3 years raise the question of Apple’s suppliers’ consideration of all parts of business: including employees. The FLA stated they would recommend actions, but suppliers have yet to permanently rectify ethical issues. Apple is not completely to blame for the mistreatment of factory employees: it is the suppliers’ actions that summon Apple’s name in the media. Maintaining solutions to this issue proves to be difficult as the companies’ values lie in the mass production of products at low costs, while ignoring social expectations. Apple’s corporate image helps to shadow such companies’ unethical procedures, allowing them to evade the complete potential blame.

Sources:

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/may/07/chinese-workers-sickness-hexane-apple-iphone

http://www.labornotes.org/blogs/2010/06/suicides-apple-factory-china-rock-sweatshop-supply-system

http://business.financialpost.com/2012/02/15/apple-factory-conditions-in-china-way-above-the-norm-agency/?__lsa=1153-7f3d

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/sep/05/workers-rights-flouted-apple-iphone-plant

http://www.zdnet.com/china-labor-watch-says-pegatron-student-unpaid-rights-violated-7000020465/