response: Roland Rumrill: Sheep or Wolf?

When you buy stuff, do you follow the crowd like a sheep, and buy what everyone else does? Yoga pants and Uggs comes to mind. Or do you defy convention and follow your own path?

As much as i like to think that i defy convention and follow my own path, i don't think i do so. Like most people i as well buy products based what i want and see other people have rather then buying something on my own that no one has. Roland made a great point on how many Americans spend all this money on gym clothes and apparel yet they never even go to the gym or rarely do. I have purchased about 20 different baseball hats in the past 4 years and do you think i wear them all? of course not! i have no need for all the hats but yet i still like having them based on the fact i like them but don't necessarily need them.

Celebrity Endorsements

Have you ever bought something based on the fact it is branded by a famous celebrity? Of course you have, im sure we all have once or twice. the biggest example i can possibly think of is the Jordan brand. Micheal Jordan has created a global phenomenon just on a pair of shoes. just because of his stature and who he is, he was able to build the largest most popular brand of shoe. this goes for perfume and cologne, clothing, cars and many other lifestyle products. People view celebrities as people they want to look like so its only true that they buy specific products endorsed by specific celebs. This doesn't necessarily make it a better product either, its just a way where a company can charge more and generate more sales by using a famous person.

Do any of you agree with this? or do you feel you are benefiting from a product endorsed by a celeb?

Response to Ariana Barone

Would you agree that public affairs is the most important form of public relations?

I definitely think that public affairs is the most important part of public relations. Companies and businesses want to make a positive impact and have a positive image in their community around them. Public affairs is an important part of a companies overall plan and should be integrated within their goals. it is likely to gain a much higher degree of interaction within their target audience and past customers. Having someone specifically working on publicity marketing is great idea to carry out and you want people to remember you and your products for a good reason. it also helps with company insight, knowing what the general public thinks of your company you can make improvements based on what your consumers thinks. a strong public affairs program is going to pay out in the long run.

Gender specific products

a lot of new ad campaigns are promoting their products as either for males or females when really it doesn't matter which gender you are to purchase and use the product. Dr. Pepper and Miller Lite have been the main culprits and i think it is wrong to advertise a beverage for only one specific gender. i know their are certain tactics behind it like trying to sell diet soda to men but do they have to bring it so far where their ads basically shut down the product to the wrong gender. i have posted a couple videos for you guys to watch and see what you think

Do you think that it is right for companies to advertise certain products towards one gender only?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCx1MDBBWkk

Response to Gina P: Social Influences on Consumer Buying Decisions

Do you think reference groups reduce the search and evaluation of decisions?

when purchasing major products in your life such as automobiles, phones and other technology you really want to see what others have thought of the product or experience. these reference groups definitely reduce the search and evaluation of your decision. what others around us think has an effect on us and our own personal decisions. whether its a "cool" thing to have or just something small we still want others to be satisfied with the purchases we make. 

Customer Service

customer service can either be extremely helpful or just out right frustrating. I have T-mobile for my cell phone service and i had a really bad experience the other day. all i wanted to do was pay my bill over the phone because they allow you to do so but i had to go through voice automated services way too many times. usually this is an easy process but it shows how inconsistent customer service can be within companies. Things like this are frustrating and it definitely has an effect on whether customers will return to your service. i know that customer service is also a helpful thing with building relationships with customers but a lot of people have bad experiences.

What was the worst customer service experience that you have gone through?  

Response: Matt Tolen, Brand recognition

Do you think that Brand recognition comes only from advertising, or do the products also meet the standards the customer wishes better then available substitutes?

for me, action speaks louder than words and advertisements so i think its all about how satisfied the customer is with specific brands. The available substitutes may be just as functional and useful but certain products just work the best. Some people may get drawn in with the ads but it all depends on how satisfied i am as a customer. if i am happy with a specific brand i am going to stick with it. and when i recognize a brand and have a positive image its because i felt they created a successful product not just a cool advertisement.