Monthly Archives: November 2014

Reading Saxon Yeung’s blog on the startup company Signpost reminded me of the common topic and similar startup, Bench. Signpost is a cloud-based marketing software company that offers a product that assists businesses in getting and keeping customers. Similarly, Bench is a startup that provides bookkeeping services that are quick and tax-ready.

Both companies are recent establishments that were presented within the past three to four years. In saying so, the companies could benefit from Porter’s five forces analyses as it allows for better understandings of the industries in which the firms have entered.

As for their products and services, Signpost and Bench have exhibited disruptive innovation within their markets. As the companies were freshly introduced to their corresponding industries, the costs for their work is affordable and more attractive to business owners. Fortunately, with young entrepreneurs familiar in the world of technology, both Signpost and Bench incorporate advanced technology thus enhancing the speed and simplistic outlook of the consumer’s data. In doing so, the companies employ lower net costs than larger companies at the upper end of the niches.

To me, successful entrepreneurs, in the current era, must produce and innovate pertaining to the desires of consumers. And over the past decade, technology has been the thriving industry.

During The Spark, Sauder’s first year orientation event, I was luckily placed in a team led by a fifth year BTM student. Initially, I was disinterested in the conversation topics as I was not a big fan of technology; however, my Spark leader provided and insightful summary of what business technology management is all about which caught my attention. In fact, this was when I first learned that Target, the department store, figured out a teen girl was pregnant before her dad did.

I then did some research and came across this article that offers more information on this news story. Target labels each customer a Guest ID number which is sorted through attaining the names or email addresses of consumers which is tied to bankcards. The large department store was able to do so with a teen girl. Knowing she was pregnant, the company sent coupons for baby items which her father unfortunately received.

From here, I can see the outstandingly accurate and extensive customer targeting and marketing can get. Additionally, Target was able to collect this information through revolutionary technology. Although, targeting is a successful tactic to increasing sales and brand awareness, at what point does it become unethical? In Target’s case, one can say gathering all this information invades one’s privacy. Thus, firms should be careful and strive for compliance as this way of advertising may drive consumers away.

After reading Juliet Choi’s blog, I thought back about a week ago when we welcomed Danielle van Jaarsveld as a guest speaker. Similar to what Juliet took from Danielle’s lecture, I was also able to see the significance of passion and dedication from employers and employers. In the article she came across, future employees are said to alter organizational culture as they make up a big proportion of the workforce.

I believe this to be true as employees are often the individuals that provide service firsthand to consumers. With this being said, it is important for employers to seek workers whose values comply with the companies corresponding vision.

In saying so, I came across this article exploring the reasons for Disney’s success. Being rated as one of the top 17 most enjoyable companies to work for as stated in this editorial, the Walt Disney company pursues a culture that aims for innovation, organizational support and education for employees, and entertainment for all. To ensure this to be successful, the company offers training at Disney University which prepares employees to perform accordingly. As well, Disney has a wonderful community and offers amazing growth opportunities and benefits  for employees.

Clearly, Disney is operating in the correct manner as Disney theme parks are referred to “The Happiest Place on Earth”.