Friday, December 11, 2015

Week 10 EOC: "What are The Benefits VS The Features?"

BENEFITS
  • Charity donations through distribution of purchase
  • The taste of a home-cooked meal in a package
  • Lightly fried and salted (for original flavor) so it is easy for your health
  • There is enough Fried Plantains in the package for two people. (Perfect for bars)
  • Will be popular in the Caribbean, South America, and Southern Asia. Then internationally.

FEATURES
  • The design of the bag, in this case for Haiti, will feature the country's flag colors and an island as the background (not as clear as the actual picture)
  • 100% recyclable
  • Most proceeds from each purchase is donated to charity to provide a meal for anyone in need in Haiti, and any other Third World Country.

Phileas Fogg Adventure Story

“This snack reminds me of my most recent trip to the Caribbean, specifically the small island of Haiti. It was quite the experience that I am more than ecstatic to tell you the tale!” 

- Phileas Fogg 

 Phileas Fogg was traveling through the Caribbean from South America during his trip around the world in 80 days, wondering about the newest possibilities of adventures that awaited him. In a few days time he had reached the small island of Haiti. At first glance he thought the island was absolutely breathtaking, from the rich deep greens of the trees and fields, to the pure white beaches that surrounded the island’s coasts. Eager to land his balloon, Phileas noticed a faint roar over the mountains, puffs of black smoke looming mysteriously in the distance. Curiosity taking over him, he decided to see what was happening beyond the horizon. Phileas secretly hoped that it was another adventure waiting for him to take it on headfirst. 

In a blink of an eye, Phileas had suddenly found himself in the middle of a revolution between the Haitian Rebels fighting back for their country and the French Soldiers mercilessly pillaging the people they enslaved on the island. Before he could react properly, suddenly he was shot out of the sky by an oncoming cannon ball that had struck his balloon. Phileas came twirling down, crashing in the middle of the battlefield and passed out immediately. A few hours had passed before Phileas came to as he slowly opened his eyes and looked about the room he found himself in. It was a one-room shack with a single bed, a small wooden table with two chairs, an a small pile of clothing on the ground. The room was mostly dim, with only small beams of sunlight flooded through small cracks from the closed windows and door. He could hear the laughter of small children playing outside and the sound of someone frying something. 

Moments later a Haitian woman entered the home carrying a plate of food in one arm while leaving the door open to let in the sunlight. She walked over to Phileas, sitting down on the edge of the bed beside him. He tried to sit up on his own, but the woman helped him sit up carefully, not wanting to further the damage of his injuries he had. Phileas looked her in the eyes, giving her a sincere smile then moving his attention to the plate of food she had. 

“What is that?” he asked in French, making sure she would understand. 

“Fried beef and Bun-Nun (Fried Plantains). Here, eat.” she smiled, handing him the plate. Phileas graciously accepted it and began eating. Taking a bite of the Bun-Nun first, his eyes grew wide with surprise then delight. 

“This is delicious. Thank you my dear. I must know the recipe. Will you show me?” he asked.

“Finish your food, rest a bit more, and I would be more than happy to show you.” she said, giving him a warm grin.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Week 9 EOC: "Three Great Mission Statements"

The three Business Mission Statements that I have chosen from other classmates that I believe were well done were by Demaja Chantelle Washington, Tiffany Alejandra Quezada, and Derrick D. Lott. 

http://demajamarketing.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2015-12-04T16:57:00-08:00&max-results=7

 Starting off with Demaja, including the others, they all explain the meaning of what exactly is a Mission Statement that every company should have. Because of Demaja's example, I think that I might change some things around in my post to make it more understandable and appealing. I enjoyed their description of their product that they are working on. They haven't exactly mentioned what their snack is going to be, but I love what they wrote about how you can experience a home-cooked taste with one snack, and the taste of travel with another. Also mentioning the purpose of the snack is to bring people closer together, and I really appreciate that. 

http://heytiffff.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2015-12-04T18:00:00-08:00&max-results=7

 Next up is Tiffany with her Mission Statement. What I enjoyed about her mission statement was the explanation of what the snack is and where it will be coming from. Knowing the different cultures of where everyone’s snack will be from shows the diversity of the class’s mindset. Also her use of descriptive vocabulary gives the reader/customer a vivid idea as to what her company’s goal is to achieve. The 100% tag line is definitely my favorite part of her entire mission statement because she values the customer’s wants and needs by using,“… the process of developing and maintaining a strategic fit between the organization’s goals and capabilities, and its changing marketing opportunities.” (Marketing: An Introduction 10t Edition page. 42

http://boxxboi.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2015-11-20T20:51:00-08:00&max-results=7 

Lastly is Derrick’s Mission Statement. I like how he comes up with the questions of who would buy his beef jerky and why, while also trying to make it into something unique. He also states that when his customers try his product, his company will definitely take into consideration of what his customers think about the product and what can be approved.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Implementation Evaluation Control

"The process that turns marketing strategies and plans into marketing actions in order to accomplish strategic marketing objectives." (Marketing: A Introduction 10th Edition page. 57) And the one and only way to work with Implementation Evaluation is by making sure you do the research and use it properly. 

"Planning good strategies is only a start toward successful marketing. A brilliant marketing strategy counts for little if the company fails to implement it properly." (Marketing: A Introduction 10th Edition page. 57) It is part of the company's Business Mission Statement to do all that it can in its power to do great in the marketplace by gaining customer value. Customer Value is what will make or break any company. 

"...marketing planning addresses the what and why of marketing activities, implementation addresses the who, where, when, and how." (Marketing: A Introduction 10th Edition page. 57) The revamped Phileas Fogg brand always takes in the factors of who, where, when, and how for its products.

Price

Money is never the goal. Do everything right (making happy and loyal customers), then money will follow. As an example," Marketing is the process by which companies create value for customers and build strong customer relationships in order to capture value from customers in return." (Marketing: An Introduction 10th Edition page. 4) That is my main goal for this product. I never want to have money as the top priority. If that was ever the case, this business would crumble onto itself before it could build itself up. 

"The amount of money charged for a product or service, or the sum of the values that customers exchange for the benefits of having or using the product or service." (Marketing: An Introduction 10th Edition page. 275) I would like to start selling my product in stores and outdoor markets because I know that is where most sales are made in my target market areas. Then once they gain enough traction, i could bring them into bars. In store prices would be around $5.99 for a regular bag. $4.99 for a smaller bag. And for larger bags (family-sized) would be around $7.99. In bar prices would be a minimum of $8.99. Even though the prices are just a little higher than I would like, the quality of the product makes up for it.

Promotion

It is important that I promote the Fried Plantains so that I may be able to use the most of the money from the sales to go on with the charity that goes along with the company."Sales promotion is the most short-term of the promotion mix tools. Whereas advertising or personal selling says “buy,” sales promotions say “buy now.” "(Marketing: An Introduction 10th Edition page. 430) If I promote instead of advertising like personal selling and sales, I will be able to get the message of family and charity across more effectively.

"Finally, consumers have become more deal oriented. In the current economy, consumers are demanding lower prices and better deals. Sales promotions can help attract today’s more frugal consumers." (Marketing: An Introduction 10th Edition page. 430) I will definitely be making the product available for anyone to enjoy. Especially since in my target market countries, not everyone in those countries can afford and expensive snack with great ingredients.

Distribution

"For the most part, companies are legally free to develop whatever channel arrangements suit them. In fact, the laws affecting channels seek to prevent the exclusionary tactics of some companies that might keep another company from using a desired channel." (Marketing: An Introduction 10th Edition page. 327) Caribbean, South America, and Southern Asia will start off as my only places to distribute my product. Then once the product has gained momentum in popularity, I will branch it out to other regions and produce an even larger profit and charity fund. This will also prevent other companies of a similar product to make as much of a profit as mine.

"Many producers and wholesalers like to develop exclusive channels for their products. When the seller allows only certain outlets to carry its products, this strategy is called exclusive distribution." (Marketing: An Introduction 10th Edition page. 327) This will be the initial plan in the beginning. Because I believe that it would be best, marketing-wise, to sell in only a few places first, than to try and sell world wide with a large budget and not making a dime.

Product

"Anything that can be offered to a market for attention, acquisition, use, or consumption that might satisfy a want or need." (Marketing: An Introduction 10th Edition page. 208) With the Fried Plantains, I want them to satisfy both wants and needs. Reason being for the want is the savory flavor of the snack that will leave you wanting a refreshing beverage. And the need of wanting a taste of a home-cooked meal with ease, while also knowing your money is being used to help feed another person. 

"Product is a key element in the overall market offering. Marketing-mix planning begins with building an offering that brings value to target customers. This offering becomes the basis upon which the company builds profitable customer relationships." (Marketing: An Introduction 10th Edition page. 208) Because family value is one of the main objectives with the brand, I would very much like to push for the message of quality time spent with your family and friends. Because for some, if not most, family can be the only thing that matters and/or is all that you may have. Everyone deserves the love and warmth of family. 

Example of sizing and how many to put in: 

http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Links-Jerky-Teriyaki-3-25-Ounce/dp/B002OFUAJA 

http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Links-Jerky-Original-1-5-Ounce/dp/B001SIRU42



Target Market Stategy

Because my main target market is in the Caribbean, South America, and Southern Asia, this product will be perfect for the consumers because the product is exactly what they would be looking for from the actually side dish. Again, I am basing my product on Fried Plantains which is an extremely popular side dish/snack in these regions."Targeting also benefits consumers—companies serve specific groups of consumers with offers carefully tailored to their needs." (Marketing: An Introduction 10th Edition page. 192), which is exactly what this product strives to be. A quick snack that will remind you of a home-cooked meal.

"Smart targeting helps companies to be more efficient and effective by focusing on the segments that they can satisfy best and most profitably." (Marketing: An Introduction 10th Edition page. 192) When using the logic from the quote, I will be able to make the product more appealing to my target audience by adding bits and pieces of said target market’s culture in the look of the brand, and also the taste of the culture as well. That way the customer never gets tired of the taste. Not only that, but by adding those unique flavors from the different countries, branding those tastes to different places will broaden the company and make a huge profit. Giving customers from a variety of backgrounds a taste of another’s culture.

Situation or SWOT Analysis

In order for me to have a booming business, I need to acknowledge my SWOT Analysis carefully in order to help grow the business hopefully in a rapid pace. By knowing the SWOT, I have to apply,"An overall evaluation of the company’s strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O), and threats (T)." (Marketing: An Introduction 10th Edition page. 54) When I have those attributes mastered, it will be easy for me to take in and take out any issue I would have. 

"The goal is to match the company’s strengths to attractive opportunities in the environment, while eliminating or overcoming the weaknesses and minimizing the threats." (Marketing: An Introduction 10th Edition page. 54) Listening to feedback would also help with the analysis.

Objectives

1. To promote the product nationally, then move on to internationally. 

 2. To give a free meal to everyone in Haiti (including other Third-World countries) with every purchase of the product. 

 3. For anyone who buys the product to learn more about the amazing culture that Haiti has. More representation. 

 4. For the consumer to enjoy the snack while knowing that they are doing good in the world. 

 An objective is,"A brand’s value proposition is the set of benefits or values it promises to deliver to consumers to satisfy their needs." (Marketing: An Introduction 10th Edition pg. 9) which is what my company will strive to do. Customer value is absolute key for success. And if I want the world to know more about Haiti and to aid them, it is important for me to always keep this in mind. 

"Objectives for trade promotions include getting retailers to carry new items and more inventory, buy ahead, or promote the company’s products and give them more shelf space." (Marketing: An Introduction 10th Edition pg. 433) By doing this strategy, it will allow me to gain strong relationships with the retailers by being on good terms and gaining free advertisement by word and social media.

Business Mission Statement

"Every bag of Phileas Fogg's Fried Plantain Chips sold, a meal will be provided for every child and adult in Haiti, including any other Third World country."

 Our business is about selling exotic snacks from around the world to around the world. The customers are mainly those in Haiti, but we also target our marketing towards all of the Caribbean, South America, and Southern Asia. And if the company is able to sell worldwide, than that is a bonus. One of the main goals to achieve for the business is to promote the memories of spending time with your family, enjoying a great home-cooked meal. Including,” the process of developing and maintaining a strategic fit between the organization’s goals and capabilities, and its changing marketing opportunities.” (Marketing: An Introduction 10th Edition page. 42) Because Fried Plantains are a very popular side dish, and can even be a dessert, many people will enjoy the savory (or sweet) flavors of the banana that will promote the feeling of happiness and the enjoyment of company by your friends and loved ones. Not only that, but our brand also promotes helping out those in need, regardless of who they may be. As a Haitian American, when I was younger I have always wanted to help out anyone that I could, even if they didn’t need the help at the time. But because I am in a position of power to lend a hand to anyone who is hungry or thirsty, I can do it with ease with the brand. Diversification is key with this product since it is based on real life food from a wide variety of cultures in the world. Because Diversification is,“ a strategy for company growth through starting up or acquiring business outside the company’s current products and markets.” (Marketing: An Introduction 10th Edition Chapter 2)

Pitch

For the final assignment for Marketing, we are supposed to remake an older snack brand from 1982 called Phileas Fogg. It was quite popular in its time with exotic snacks from around the world, including a letter from Phileas Fogg himself about his adventure in whichever country the snack is based off of. But, due to being bought out from a larger corporation, the brand has been turned into an ordinary potato chip brand. Losing the spark that was Phileas Fogg snacks, it is up to the class to make it great again. Since we had the option of choosing which snack and country for the assignment, I have personally chosen Haiti as my country using Fried Plantains as my snack of choice. Reason being is because I knew for a fact that no one else in the class would choose this country cause of the lack of representation it has. Plus, being a Haitian American myself I wanted to brand out one of my favorite childhood snacks. Knowing that I am not the only one that has this feeling towards this type of islander food. And what better ways to share this delight than to market it around the world? 

Not only will people enjoy the savory snack that is Fried Plantains, an already popular food in the Caribbean, South America, and Southern Asia, it will bring representation to Haiti and its wonderful people and culture. "Each culture contains smaller subcultures, or groups of people with shared value systems based on common life experiences and situations. Subcultures include nationalities, religions, racial groups, and geographic regions." (Marketing: An Introduction 10th Edition page. 137) That is one of my main goals with this project. Others include fun history facts about the country, the sensation of a great home cooked meal in one package, and to also have some proceeds go to said country(s) to help the people with any issues that they may need help with financially. Even if there is the possibility that this product may not make the sales I would like for it to have, more than anything I would like to have my message be spread across the world that is the beauty of Haiti and its people.