Customer segments are rapidly changing throughout the food industry, as shown by the Washington Post’s recent article. Women have nearly always been the prime targets for food companies, as they have, in previous years , been most likely to do the most grocery shopping within a household. However, as times have changed and women have become the main source of income in many households, companies have adapted and introduced innovative ways of attracting male shoppers’ attention.

This is an incredibly important transition for food companies. Instead of marketing indirectly to the male client through the female shopper, they can widen their consumer base and provide products that will appeal to men as they see them in the store. Thus these companies such as Kraft and Dannon have capitalized well in developing new marketing strategies relevant to their new costumer segment. The ability to adapt to demographic changes is an invaluable component of a company’s success. By expanding and adjusting value propositions to suit a male client, many of the food companies mentioned exhibit transient advantage and thus gain momentum over other company’s who cannot adapt as quickly. Through the bold new flavors and designs of many products on grocery store shelves, the food industry is rapidly reflecting the changing nature of society.

Apple has grown to become a company that embodies all of the aspects of the business model, specifically the “9 Building Blocks,” to near perfection. As related in the article, “Apple: iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus Preorders Broke Records,” in the New York Times, Apple iPhone 6 has once again broken records in the number of sales upon its release. This success is due to Apple’s intricately formulated business model, but especially their attention to value proposition, costumer relationships, costumer segments, and key partnerships.

Apple has created a loyal customer base by developing a reliable brand that continues producing newer, improved versions of its popular items. They listen to customers and provide a product that suits their needs, create technology that appeals to a mass market, and partner with companies that can distribute to many customers efficiently. While Apple has changed their product design and features to suit the ever-shifting ideals of the modern world, they have remained true to their original image and have thus retained their original customer base while adding new followers. This situation has ultimately lead to vast growth and increasing popularity with each new Apple iPhone. The Apple Company has proved that by abiding by many of the 9 Building Blocks of business, one can experience exponential growth and overall customer satisfaction over a prolonged period of time.

The article, “Boom in Energy Spurs Industry in the Rust Belt”, from the New York Times truly illustrates the power of business to change and improve the economy of certain communities while it also serves its own interest in maximizing profits. This situation demonstrates the positive effect of Stakeholder Theory, as many parties, including the business itself, benefit from the actions of the business.

Unemployment is a rampant and problematic issue throughout the United States and, in many areas, it has positively debilitated the workforce. Therefore, as businesses start taking advantage of the resources in these areas, they not only bring in more profits, but they provide job opportunities and an overall boost to the areas’ economic infrastructure as well. This is also not just an intelligent move by the business in terms of resources, however, as their actions result in an image of patriotism and overall morality. Though the businesses may practice in ways that upset environmental advocates, their overall impact has not only served their own interests but the interests of the community. In this case, Stakeholder Theory holds and proves that a successful business need not ignore the interests of the people, for considering both can lead to optimal profits and overall economic well-being.