Snapchat, photo messaging application on smartphones, is a fast developing company that has a completely new concept compared to Facebook and Twitter. There was a surprising news that its CEO, Evan Spiegel, “turning down a $3 billion offer from Facebook (FB) and then a $ 4 billion bid from Google (GOOG).” Is his choice of turning down offers a clever idea?

In my opinion, I think the answer is yes since Snapchat has an idea that is so different from other social networking sites, it should go in the unique way and keep its company seperated from Facebook and Google. Moreover, there is a potential that Facebook or other companies are going to offer a better deal to Snapchat since it has so many aspects that Facebook does not have.

There will obviously be a reason that he turned down the offers. He would have a specific plan for his future. For a business to succeed, it has to make a big opportunity cost for the better and I strongly believe that Snapchat will succeed just like or more than Facebook in the future.

References:http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/breakout/meet-the-23-year-old-kid-who-turned-down–3-billion-for-snapchat-010309114.html

When people work in a close relationships in organizations, it is hard to be just a friend with co-workers. Since people spend most of their time in work, it is harder to avoid falling in love in work sites. However, these relationships does not always bring happiness. There are many things that can go wrong.

As every human being has a perception, it will be hard to avoid other co-workers’ shady perceptions of couples. If one of the couple is not productive in work, everyone will think that it is because he is dating. Like this, it is easier to be the target of many co-workers.

Moreover, sometimes there are power distances between many employees, managers use this power to  harass co-workers.

Even though this can be a trivial matter, it is always best to look at these issues. There should be a clear policy regarding harassment and dating so that everybody has a strict boundary.

It is surprising how more products are created and threatens the existing products. As in Clarence Lam’s Blog, there is an increase in demand for e-cigarettes since real cigarettes are considered unhealthy. E-cigarettes provide nicotine that does not contain toxins from burning tobacco and people think it is a good substitute. I agree that e-cigarette is a product that maybe is successful because of its technological aspect. However, I am going to approach this topic differently.

In my analysis, I do not agree with Clarence on that e-cigarette will decrease the sales of cigarettes because, first, the price is higher than the actual cigarette and many people will not be able to afford it. Second, people do not get the satisfaction they get from the real cigarette and refuse to smoke e-cigarette. If people worried about their health more than satisfaction, they would have not smoked in the first place and, in my opinion, e-cigarette is just another substitute not a replacement. Therefore, it is not true that advancement in e-cigarette will not stop people buying addictive cigarettes.

In Ziyue Han (Dennie)’s Blog, I read an amazing post about Zuckerburg and his goals. Zuckerburg’s actions towards providing internet and computers to third world countries to solve the health problems. I agree with Dennie that creating CPR is an important factor that every company should keep in mind. By taking an action, Zuckerburg is able to enhance Facebook’s brand image and identity and further is able to promulgate Facebook worldwide.

Although this action can raise criticisms that third world nations would not need computers and internet but basic needs, however, some companies does not even care about what is going on outside of their company. For this reason, it is ethical that Zuckerburg strengthens company’ value.

Furthermore, Zuckerburg is looking at a long term future for Facebook as providing internet and computers indirectly promote Facebook in different countries and in the future everyone will know the brand name “Facebook.”

As mentioned in class, we can see that money is not the everything that company should value. To further increase the quality of the brand, it is essential for every organization to embrace ethical values and CPR.

I remember the time when I would always ask my parents to get me the happy meals so that I can get those little toys…  But as I grew up I realized that it was all Mcdonald’s strategy to target customers aged from 6-13. Now the world’s biggest fast-food chain is partnering with National Football League (NFL rush zone), a TV program that is starting a new season on Nickelodeon.

NFL is providing 32 characters that will be offered with happy meals so that NFL can target 6-13 year old children to watch their program.

In my opinion, it is a good choice that NFL sponsored Mcdonald’s because many parents worry that their children are watching football since playing this sport can cause concussions and brain damage but if the characters are distributed with happy meals, children will be able to know about NFL and watch the program. This will be a strength of NFL that will be differentiated from other competitors!

References:http://adage.com/article/news/mcdonald-s-launches-nfl-themed-happy-meals-today/245283/

In Harvard Business Review, there are many blogs posted just like we do in our Comm 101 class. Here, there are many interesting posts about businesses and helps you get ideas and get to know about the news more deeply. I recommend this blog home page because it gives you more explanation about the contents we learned in class such as porter’s five forces, and Business Canvas Model.

If you are having trouble understanding the concept or wants to know more about what we cover in class, Harvard Business Review is a good place to read blogs. Furthermore, this blog site has case studies that are categorized into different parts such as marketing, Finance, Organizational Behaviour and General Management so people can go and see the cases that they are interested in. If you are having trouble with anything, visit this website where many blogs are posted and get inspired!!