Response to Aubrey Menegus

"So should companies even be able to use social networks to dig up dirt on people or in a positive way to see how well people can use social networking? How much information do you put up about yourself on the internet?"


Aubrey makes a very good observation about how prospective employers view Facebook before hiring a candidate. In my opinion, if someone is going to post "partying" pictures on the Internet then they are up for viewing. Facebook and other forms of social networking are the growing phenomenon. Employers have the right to look at the job candidates Facebook pages before making a decision on who to hire. Like Aubrey says, there are privacy settings so that you can decide how much of your profile you want shown to the public. I don't fully trust the people that are on the internet so I only accept people that I am friends with. I also don't have anything on my page that I wouldn't want my Boss to see. The internet is a very large, growing, and dangerous place. You should never put something out there that demeans you in any way. 

iPhone: Large and In Charge

Apple has always been top notch in electronics since they came out with the original ipod in 2007. I recently purchased an iPhone and have had nothing less than perfect service. What sets the iPhone out from  all other "Smart phones," is its innovative and convenient technology. Do you need to look up the weather? Get driving directions? Or check your email? The iPhone has it all! How exactly did the iPhone rake in all of it's sales? The answer is outlined in the marketing plan. 

The first decision that Apple needed to come up with is who do they want to buy this product? The iPhone is so diverse that it is popular to all ages and professions from business people to college students. There are "apps" that fit everyone. The next decision that they had to decide was what price should we sell it at to make a profit? The iPhone is priced right now around $350. For all that it offers, I find this to be a very reasonable price. Originally, it was only offered to AT&T customers. However, as of February 10, 2011 it will be available to Verizon as well. Next, Apple created commercials and ads to promote the phone to the public, which are shown here. A recent article I found says that

"Advertising will be appearing on a regular basis to maintain general public awareness and communicate various differentiation messages to several targeted groups" (Maxwell, Colleen). 

Apple strives to be the best, like many of its competing companies. The major way it stands out is its customer relationship management. They use research and surveys to make sure they are always meeting customer needs. From experience, I can say that Apple has always been readily available if any of its products break or aren't working. Overall, the iPhone has been a very successful product in the cellphone market and is a good example of how a marketing plan is implemented. Do you all agree or see any other part of Apple's marketing strategies that stand out?

Response to Laurie Whalen

"Price: Companies are always trying to pay the minimum that they can for their labor. As a new employee, do not assume that you deserve the least amount. If you have a hunch that the employer is not going to pay you as much as you deserve, then do not take the job."

Price is most certainly, one of the most crucial "P's" in the marketing mix. It is the sole reason that we go out and get ourselves jobs in the first place. Price is the exchange of money for our services. When applying for a job, I agree, that it is very important to get an idea of what you will be paid. I think that most first time jobs start you off at minimum wage, however, it is important that you have room to grow. I also agree that if you don't see that growth or promotion in your future, you might want to reconsider taking the job. A lot of times people will be afraid to ask for a pay raise, when in reality, they deserve it.