Reflecting on the Four P’s

As an aspiring accountant, I went into this course with barely any idea of what Marketing was, but I exit with knowledge and principles that can be applied in my daily life. The marketing assignments were not something that I looked forward to initially, since success is largely dependent on whether you’re lucky enough to be placed in a hard-working group or not, but it turned out pretty okay in the end (and they really complemented my study routine). I learned about the importance of conducting a situation analysis, using correct STP, and strategies surrounding the four P’s have enhanced my analytical skills while causing me to apply concepts everywhere (especially when atmospherics are involved as I walk into a store like Hollister Co.).

Open communication was the best way to resolve conflicts, and I’m glad that my group was always willing to discuss ideas and opinions. I learned to stress less when parts weren’t submitted at chosen deadlines (which were much earlier than the actual deadline), because I knew that everyone in the group wanted to succeed at the end of the day, and our assignments were eventually ready to submit prior to the due date. Most importantly, I learned to compromise more than ever before, which also helped reduce stress levels (this applied to the case where our final video exceeded the time limit, but I realized that the most efficient thing to do was agree with the majority and simply accept this reality). As someone with virtually zero editing skills, I was really happy with how the video turned out, and it was truly a team effort!

I’m not sure what I would do differently next time, but I do know that I have gained a bunch of takeaways from this course. My top takeaways are the “Sales Process” (perfect for recruit season), the various examples involving “Robeez”, and the importance of market research prior to engaging in promotional activities (particularly useful for event planning). This really turned out to be hands down one of my favourite courses this year [thanks Tamar ;)].

Movember fueling a “Social Enterprise”?

I’ve been noticing a spreading influx of people wearing TOMS shoes lately… Even the UBC Bookstore sells them!

After Googling the company, I came across their blog entry on “Movember”; a movement where males around the world grow moustaches in November to raise funds and awareness for men’s health.

The entry highlighted the movement’s importance to some of the TOMS staff members, but most importantly, it also showcased the company’s collaboration with the creators of Movember. The result: limited edition TOMS shoes, embellished with a little moustache on the side. This not only allows TOMS to capitalize on the popularity of Movember, but it further strengthens the company’s sense of social entrepreneurship (with “One for One”).

I’ve tried on a pair of TOMS, and with their classic line priced at around $65, I couldn’t understand why people were paying so much for such a fragile-feeling shoe. However, the company’s strong marketing of their One for One movement, along with their vast selection of styles has clearly struck mass-market appeal. Despite not being a true social enterprise, it seems that the lack of public understanding of the term, has truly worked in TOMS favour.

Spam prevention powered by Akismet