The article “Data 2.0” explained the way market research is being underused on social networks. When social media and marketing is discussed we tend to think of the advertising side of marketing and ignore the important aspect of market research. Social media is a world of information that a company’s marketing team can use to determine the amount of product demanded in certain demographics through the use of this medium.

I agree with the articles viewpoint that marketing in social media is not being fully utilized. Traditional marketing research methods are becoming out dated and social media is the new wave of researching for company’s regional demographics, and operational management. On Vitamin Water’s Facebook page people respond to new flavours and promotions on their “wall” which allows the company’s marketing team to respond accordingly. This means that they will utilize the data collected from the social media cites in order to supply the correct amount of products and flavours to the areas with this corresponding demand. The market team’s research will also aid in preventing excess inventory because they will have reliable forecasted sales based on the feedback from the regions consumers.

Founded in 2002, 1% For the Planet (1%FTP) is a growing global movement of 1402 companies that donates 1% of their annual revenues to a network of 2,705 environmental organizations. The organization believes that the business, industry, and the environment are all inherently connected, and without each other would not exist. I believe this is true and businesses should be socially responsible for the environment more than anything else.

1% For the Planet aims to get businesses to pledge 1% of their annual sales to environmental agencies and in exchange the businesses will feel an increased “self-worth” as well as an increased net-worth as they are now seen as an environmentally conscious company. 1%FTP also believes membership in their organization will open up your business to new opportunities and relationships with other members that may be able to help your business grow.

In my eyes, 1%FTP is a powerful way for business to gain recognition for their responsibility and to promote action to sustain the environment. The most interesting part of 1%FTP is the amazing network of businesses that choose to be associated with 1%FTP. The businesses all have a common goal of sustainability in the environment but all have different types of businesses with different backgrounds and stories.

1% For the Planet’s slogan “KEEP EARTH IN BUSINESS” really illustrates the organizations vision as well as showing the importance of the environment in the business world.

http://onepercentfortheplanet.org/en/