Southwest Airlines Ad

This is a new spring ad for Southwest Airlines, in which they are trying to sell the idea that they work really hard to be the greatest airline. Illustrating how different individuals follow different paths as they move through life.  The message that they are wanting to get across is basically that the people who work at Southwest chart their own path, never stop moving forward, and never give up. Not only are the employees like this according to the ad, but it's what the airline is all about.
In my opinion, I think Southwest presents this message very well. I liked how they incorporated the chorus of "Some Nights" into the ad. It gave the commercial some life and change the tone of it. It kept me interested in it, I am sure it has had the effect on several others.

What do you think of this ad? Does it change the way you view Southwest Airlines?

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.

Response to Kaley's post on the Jack Links beef jerky commercial

Humor is always a good element in a successful commercial as long as it is used right. This  Jack Links commercial is a perfect example. If a person gets a good laugh out of a commercial, then they are likely to remember it. Then they will associate it with the product and may even be influenced to become a potential buyer of the product. Most of their Sasquatch commercials are capable of providing veiwers with a good laugh; like all the ones in this video:

 

They never really seem to take it too far either. you know what to expect when watching them; a prank being played on Sasquatch, followed by the creature getting angry and punishing them. However, even though they have become quite predictable, they still get people laughing. For a company to be able to maintain a certain level of predictability and still run successful ads, shows that they are taking the right marketing approach.

Is it better for a company to base all their commercials on the same theme, or would running a series of entirely different themed  commercials be more effective? Does it depend on the company?

Global Marketing

With businesses employing global marketing to target markets throughout the world, an individual can wonder whether or not what that business does overseas affects them. They may see it as, well its not happening in my area, therefore it has no impact on my business with the company. This is a valid way of looking at it, but not the way I view global marketing. It will not just affect you directly or indirectly, but the people around you, and the world you live in. We can be dependent on our environment and surroundings, and those can be significantly impacted by globalization. Globalization expands economic freedom, ignites competition, and increases the productivity and living standards of people in countries that open themselves to the global marketplace. It has even lifted many millions out of poverty and improved the standards of living of low-wage families. You may have had the chance to find a job because of global marketing, and the same is true for many of your friends and family. It may be happening overseas, but it still has its impact on the people at home.

Does anyone have a way that global marketing has affected yourself, or someone else you may know?