http://www.rfidjournal.com/articles/view?8374

Nowadays, many shops have adopted RFID, Radio-frequency identification. These electronic tags contain stored information, which enables the shop to identify and track the object.  IT and technology systems are definitely one of the key for a business to progress.

American Apparel’s VP of technology stated that: “Stores that are using the RFID system have proven to reduce shrink, improve stock levels and reduce [employee] turnover.” IT has become one of the key resources firms would and should invest in. Technology here provides security and control. RFID is a good system to control stock and inventory.  From short to run long run, the technology promises, “store performance to the technology”. Not only it controls inventory databases but it helps to identify whether an item should be replenished or not. Furthermore, it also changes the culture internally, employees are more aware that items are highly security control and that there’s less chance for theft. Management control is also improved.

According  to an interesting article I read from Rod Toledo, a famous business blogger building up partnerships can build up and help a business to grow and reach for more success. As he stated “a successful partnership supported by good marketing can really boost your business”.

From my point of view, there a many ideas for accepting to create a partnership. Mainly the advantages offered are more finance abilities, the firm has enough money to expand. For instance, partners can replace each others if one of them is sick. Time is saved and if both partners have previous backup knowledge on Facebook would definitely help to build strategies and tactics. Also both will have the same objectives to However, partners have unlimited liability and this shows high risk. In the long run it could even lead to debts but should have an effective business plan. Furthermore, partnerships might lead to misunderstandings and disputes between partners.

Link: http://www.innovationexcellence.com/blog/2013/11/07/how-to-market-your-partnerships/

http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevenrosenbaum/2013/11/11/startups-partners-and-success/

Picture from: http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2013/oct/08/miley-cyrus-what-women-her-age-think

Recently, I have read one of Arielle Uwonkunda’s blog post (https://blogs.ubc.ca/arielleuwonkunda/) and I think she highlighted an interesting situation happening now inside and outside the world of music. Miley Cyrus former known for the famous disney show “Hannah Montana” has turned into a “extreme sexual attitude”. This has been stated by Arielle and I am sure a lot of people will agree with that.

We might consider the star’s incentives to show and promote a sexual look and behaviour. Why has she adopted such a provocative style? From the business point of view, I would say that marketing is one of the key reasons. The world of music has progressed into  a big business industry where big fortune is being made. Miley Cyrus went from that innocent girl to a sexual provocateur and nude look and attitude she wants to share with the world. Her recent hits ” We can’t stop” and “Wrecking ball” (many more) were publicized with shocking videos and images of her.

Should shocking people give them more influence and more impact from advertising? To what extent should wrong advertising be promoted?

Miley Cyrus shows no problem in promoting her products and personal brand image however new ideas and attitude she proposes seem to attract and influence people to buy her music which sounds to be promising. Sure it might not target all the segments of the market but it sure attracts a lot of people’s attention.

Link: https://blogs.ubc.ca/arielleuwonkunda/2013/10/06/she-came-like-a-wrecking-ball/

I was impressed by Starbucks CSR propositions. They are very involved in different areas such as the community, ethical sourcing, and environment. I think that being socially and environmentally implied gives more value to the business. Through community service such as youth leadership, farming communities and creating jobs provide a social caring outlook of the business. Showing the passion for networking with local people through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Being environmental friendly is also the key for sustainability, Starbucks is promoting recycling and ensuring the recyclability of its cups which is a good example for more companies and customer to follow this initiative.

The business creates  shared value with the customers and also be a spillover effect over the third parties. The effectiveness of CSR promotes Starbucks to a high brand positioning and with a variety and promise value propositions, which might influence the consumer behavior (i.e. to attract more consumers). It surely brings to the interest of social media to advertise and value the efforts of the company.

It is definitely a great marketing tool but to what extent? Sometimes exaggerated activities of CSR could lead to out focus of the business’ main issues and goals. Also, sometimes CSR image is only to promote the brand and hidden motivation for profit.

Link: http://www.starbucks.com/responsibility

Recently, Menchies has been top listed as one of the top “Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list, the industry’s most prestigious catalogue of the best franchise opportunities.” Its success shows that  “In less than five years, the CEO helped to grow the brand from one store to more than 300, operating in 33 states and nine countries.”

As an entrepreneur he started business at a young age and “continued to launch, grow and sell a series of start-ups, including a chain of cellular phone equipment stores, a window and glass distribution company and assisted living building for Alzheimer’s and dementia care” Is backup knowledge important? From my point of view, I think that previous knowledge and significant experience are both important things to contribute to success and any entrepreneur must build or have. Amit Kleinberger, the CEO admits that customer satisfaction is the one of the main objective of success besides from going global. For previous knowledge in catering the needs and wants of a customer, he certainly has an advantage on the ways to find strategies and promote producs. The culture and sharing the vision of the company connects more potential customers. Giving a smile to every customer helps to create the brand entity of providing the needs and wants of customers, therefore to expand and grow globally.

Links to articles and references:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/menchies-frozen-yogurt-franchise-soars-up-entrepreneur-franchise-500-list-for-2013-2013-02-06

http://www.fastcasual.com/article/216837/Menchie-s-CEO-taking-fro-yo-global

http://www.menchies.com/frozen-yogurt-press

First social network in Burma was just inaugurated this week. Looks like the social network business is expanding worldwide.
It has been said that “Sites like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram have been inaccessible for years for people of Burma, or Myanmar”.
It is  Rita Nguyen, a Canadian-Vietnamese who founded Myanmar’s first social networking site  named Squar. ”

As the world social network business is booming, it is a good business opportunity to seize. What does it take to start a business from scratch?  Some factors like land, labour, experience and capital need to be considered. Capital such as funding was important to launch the business. However, one cannot enter a market without analyzing and making research. The founder of Squar has previous experience in the technology world. Market research consists of analyzing the market, for instance, Squar’s founder processed primary research data first, she did surveys, communicated, interviewed and collected feedback from Myanmar people. Networking with other businesses and Investors are also primordial for the business to build its name and develop from short to long term. Is evaluating risk important? Yes even if,

“Startup Squar will compete with Facebook for an exceedingly small pool of Burmese web users, with Internet penetration rates in the country at just 1 percent.”,

there’s a lack or no competitors on the Myanmar market. Also, demand is high for the service and therefore, the risks of the business to fail are low but given they have the proper resources. However, competing on the international market like Facebook might be one of the great challenge. Squar had already a competitive advantage on market available so it might start small and safe before going aggressive competition with Facebook.

Link to Video Interview with Squar Founder Rita Nguyen:

BBC News The business of Burmas first social networking site

Other resources :
http://www.socialnetworkingwatch.com/2013/10/burmas-first-social-network.html
http://www.squar.asia
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24393043
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/myanmar-launches-local-social-media-582263

Snickers is the number 1 brand chocolate according to Ranking Brands website. They are ranked as the top favourite in America, closely followed by M&M’s and Reese’s.

But how did they gain that high popularity and success? Snickers has built a strong brand image through sports media and all occasions.  Snickers attaches a lot of importance on their social marketing.  Their big idea they want from their marketing strategy is “We would firmly place the blame for these moments at hunger’s door, positioning Snickers as the hunger-busting solution to make sure you stay on top of your game.” With their strong brand value, Snickers try to reach out for more potential customers.

Snickers also emphasizes on its value proposition. Its website gives all the information customers should be interested in.

“SNICKERS^® brand handles your hunger so you can handle, well, anything. It is a treat that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.”

Nowadays, people are more health conscious. Some customers’ perceptions of the product might be that it’s an unhealthy processed snack. Looking on this aspect, Snickers contain sugar and peanuts which are rich in calories and fat. However, Snickers emphasizes on the fact that they are “committed to addressing health and wellness issues and promoting healthy lifestyles”. Customers perception of the product might change over time. That’s why it is important for a brand to constantly update and improve their brand perception throughout the market. “We are working hard to improve the nutritional content of our products without any compromise to taste or quality.We continue to invest time and resource into making sure that we promote healthy, active lifestyles for our consumers and associates.” Snickers’ brand promise proves that they are determined to achieve and answer to the new healthy demand and offer products that the consumers are looking for, for the same satisfaction while enjoying Snickers!

Resources:

http://www.snickers.com
http://www.rankingthebrands.com/The-Brand-Rankings.aspx?rankingID=240&nav=category.
http://mediacom.co.uk/en/results/mediacom-case-studies/snickers-youre-not-you-when-youre-hungry.aspx
http://cargocollective.com/AndreyRalu/Snickers-Outdoor-Campaign

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