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