Response to Will's post on the marketing of spring break

Do you think the idea of spring break is marketed to students?

I would say yes, it sure can seem that way. When you think of spring break, you can see how it is directly associated with the idea of going somewhere warm and partying for a college student. Students are always wanting to get away from their studies and enjoy warm weather. I think how it is referred to as "spring" break has a great deal with that. Students hear spring, and think of the snow melting and the weather warming up. It puts the idea in their head that winter is over, and makes them want to spend time outside in the sun. However, spring break at school does not always bring with it warm weather. This is where the traveling comes in. People realize that if they really want to get the spring break experience they want, they must go somewhere such as Florida. 

If Spring break was labeled under a different name, that didn't bring up the idea of warm weather, would it have a different effect on college students? 

To buy or not to buy?

Our text suggests that their are four factors that influence consumers on whether or not to buy a product. These include social factors, individual factors, cultural factors, and psychological factors. The factors that I believe influence me to purchase a product or service the most would be psychological. My beliefs, attitudes, and perception of the potential purchase will usually determine my motivation to buy the product or service. The other factors do add some influence as well but ultimately it comes down to whether or not I perceive it as the right option. I am not saying, however, that I  have never made a purchase based on individual factors (gender, age and family life cycle stage, or personality) or social factors (reference groups or opinion leaders). Different product or services call for different consumer decision-making process factors. 

What was your last purchase, and what were some influencing factors that helped you make the decision?

Response to Arthur's post on logos

Companies dialing back on logos or branding would be a smart approach in marketing. Many companies go way over the top with one or the other and end up losing interest of potential customers. Too many companies spend too much time working on the perfect  logo or brand and not enough time maintaining the product. All that is needed is a simple design, such as the Nike swoosh, which has been more than effective. A brand or logo may get a customer's attention, but what will get their loyalty is the quality of the product.

Have you ever have bought a product without any knowledge of it; only buying it because you were drawn in by the logo?

Branded for Life

Do you know Andrew Olcott? You may not know him by name, but if you have cable or internet chances are you have probably seen his face. He was the smiling face of Enzyte, a natural male enhancement product, for some time. Whenever people saw his face they would immediatly associate it with Enzyte and still do. In fact, he will most like be forever linked to the product. The company used his signature smile to show the satisfaction that they believe their product offers. The obviously exaggerated smile was the reason that everyone remembers the face of Andrew. The smile is the main takeaway from the ad, which is exactly what Enzyte wanted to achieve. They simply just wanted to display a happy customer, and Andrew was the perfect fit.