Month: October 2010

While reading David Wang’s blog on the E-book revolution, I felt compelled to give my insight on the future of physical books.

Here is his article: https://blogs.ubc.ca/corona/

In my opinion, the increase in use of ipads, smartphones, and other electronic devices does jeopardize the future of physical books. However, I don’t believe that the use of physical books will disappear anytime in the next five or even twenty years. The benefit of E-books is that it is way more convenient and cheaper than the physical books. Additionally, the use of E-books is more eco-friendly and the growing social trend of going “green” is a huge disadvantage for the physical books.

However, this growing using of smartphones and ipads are only more prevalent in the more developed countries. In the third world countries, these technological devices haven’t made as big a mark as to replacing the physical books. In fact, the majority of the population (ie. school children, college students, teachers etc) still relies on physical books as primary source of information.

I do agree with David that in the more developed countries, it may severely reduce the use of physical books in the next ten years. For me personally, E-books would be way more convenient and I am looking forward to professors in UBC using it even more.

One of the most growing trends in consumer behavior has been the concept of going “green”. This social trend impacts marketing more on a macro-environmental level. Consumers nowadays are more concerned about eco-friendly products than ever. In the last ten years, the market for eco-friendly products has grown substantially. In the wake of this new trend, Sony Ericsson has marketed their product perfectly. The O2 Eco rating system has awarded Sony Ericcson Elm as the most sustainable and eco-friendly phone.

Sony Ericcson has positioned themselves as an eco-friendly company and is planning to reduce their C20 emissions by 20% by 2015. The materials used to make this product are partly recycled plastics and less harmful chemicals are used in the manufacturing of their products. It still includes the same basic features like social networking, WIFI, a five megapixel camera etc. In my opinion, in the market dominated by blackberry and Iphone, Sony Ericcsion has focused on product differentiation by providing a “green” phone. However, it seems very likely that both Blackberry and Iphone will probably introduce their new branch of eco-friendly products in the near future to react to this trend.

So how do you compete with other top-notch vodkas?

With the slogan, “Break the silence! Unleash your inner poet, your inner philosopher, your inner flirt”, Medea Vodka has transformed its vodka by allowing people to use its integrated LED display to write messages.

The bottle can be programmed to display six messages with 255 characters each.

However, the instructions to use its LED display are a little complicated and time-consuming. Additionally, without a spell check and unable to delete/edit a message, integrating a message may be better done while sober.

Also, priced around $40, Medea has been able to create a distinct brand image for their product by associating it with top-notch technology.
While in the long run, it may fail to live up to its reputation, as people may become indifferent to their product. In the short run, this product could be heading towards a sharp increase in sales because this concept of a LED display on a vodka is a quite a fascinating one. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if the other vodka brand decide to integrate their vodkas with LED displays.

This is another site that talks about the benefits and disadvantages of Medea’s integration of LED display in their vodkas.

www.gizmag.com/medea-vodka-bottle-led-display/14810/

Rafael Nadal wearing his $525000 Swiss watch at the French open.



So what does it take to dress like Rafa?

A nine time Grand Slam Champion and the number one tennis player in the world, Rafa’s clothing and accessories are highly marketed commodities. Before, less than $400 was required to buy Rafa’s shoes, shirt, shorts, and rackets etc at different online stores. His new watch, RM 027 Tourbillon, has jacked up the price to over $525000; that is if you willing to spend that kind of money on a watch.

So why $525000 for a watch?

Apart from the fact that Rafa wore it, the watch has no special attributes than any other ordinary watch.  Well it is light, very light, but that is it. This recent trend of sport stars identifying themselves with a product brand has risen tremendously.  In my opinion, this can mislead many consumers into buying these products just for their favorite superstars.  As far as RM 027 Tourbillon is concerned, the product is positioned towards the upper-class young males who are probably the only ones who can afford it.

While Rafa makes millions of dollars of sponsorships from this product, he only has to pay a small price of wearing it while playing his matches.

In a recent report while playing a tournament in Toronto, Rafa’s watch was reportedly stolen. While Rafa has already received a replacement for the stolen watch, many believe this was a publicity stunt from the watch company to generate interest in their product.

Let me know what you guys think