Product Concepts - Firmenich & 50 Cent

In 2010, Firmenich is a worldwide chemical manufacturer that happens to sell cologne. The company developed a reputation for excellence since its director of research and development, Lavoslav Ruzicka, won the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1939. They are using 50 Cent's name to distribute a new cologne called Power by 50 Cent. They are using this brand to market it not only to men in America but hope to distribute it worldwide. The cologne itself has a dark wood core, resembling the wood panels used in Bentley cars along with other scents like coriander, nutmeg and lemon leaves. What a coincidence, the price for the smallest bottle happens to be $50.50!

Product Concepts - Toyota

The new 2010 Toyota Prius brings optimism because not only do we get an eco-friendly vehicle, we also get a car that can go 48MPG City / 45 MPG Highway! Not only that, it was voted one of the most reliable on cars.com. This sounds great for Toyota, catering to those who look for quality, those who want eco-friendly vehicles, people looking to save money on gas and people looking for a nice looking SUV (As if one exists). This car is known as the most fuel efficient hybrid of its kind and it doesn't look like it's going anywhere anytime soon. (except all around the world)

Segmenting and Targeting Markets - General Mills

Turn your T.V. on Saturday Mornings and General Mills dominates the commercials. Same with Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and other channels that kids usually watch. General Mills knows exactly who they want to sell their products to and they won't stop at the big picture. For example, General Mills is using Search Engine Optimization (SEO) mainly used by small companies that want to target Niches to find out how they can sell their products to people who suffer from Celiac Disease (A disease that prevents people from eating certain foods). Only 2% of the population suffers from the disease but General Mills will stop at nothing to sell their products to whoever they can. Another reason why the Internet is very useful to businesses who want to know who will buy their products.

Business Marketing - AOL

AOL (America on-line) has been famous on the Internet since the Internet itself became famous. AOL is best known for AIM (America Instant-Messaging), AOL Video Chat (Similar to Skype), and it's original E-mail service. AOL sells advertising space on its sites and programs to companies like Ford, Proctor & Gamble, Purina, and recently IKEA. IKEA chose AOL because IKEA wants to target 18-24 year olds that are in or going to college. AOL is used by many young people that have e-mail accounts and use AIM on their cell phones and laptops. AOL shows video and square advertisements when their services are used and IKEA is using this to market to their target age groups. AOL is one business that sells to other businesses so that they can sell to consumers.

Persuaders: The science of selling - Chevrolet

If anyone has seen Transformers 2 this past summer, they know that if the movie was a big advertisement, it would be selling the 2010 Chevy Camaro-the one above in this picture. The movie's partnership with GM was a great success because it's nearly impossible to get this car now due to the thousands of sales made. This car has problems from quality issues to transmission defects but it just isn't stopping car lovers from buying the Camaro. I mean look at it and tell me you don't want this car in your garage... GM was clever to use their car in this movie - a movie targeted at men who most likely love cars as much as robots. This car won't transform into a robot but it did transform the way people looked at Camaros- Cars that haven't even been sold in years.

Consumer Decision Making - Rocawear

Rocawear is a clothing line started by Shawn Carter (Jay-Z) and Damon Dash. This international company sells in the UK, Japan, Canada, Europe, Korea, Middle East, and Russia. The company itself states that they sell to the "young and hip consumer". This company is well known since it's start ten years ago probably because of its owner Jay-Z. He is an opinion leader that has great influence of young people such as urban teenagers and people who listen to hip-hop. Since his name is known to these consumers, it would be easy for Rocawear to market to the urban areas. In 2007, new clothing was released that was targeted to yound men who didn't wear hip-hop attire, consisting of polo shirts, jackets and certain jean styles - along with shrinking the giant logo and the baggy clothes. Rocawear is expanding their market using name recognition and continues to be a successful company despite economic times.

Consumer Decision Making - Xinri Electric Bicycles

Xinri is an electric bicycle (E-Bike) manufacturer that is changing transportation in China. Electric bikes are pedal operated but offer an electric boost for speed. E-Bikes are in greater demand in the past few decades becasue E-Bikes can easily get around traffic and they are faster than regular bicycles. They also don't consume gas or pollute the environment. Zhang Chongshun, an auto parts factory executive created Xinri when he saw the opportunity to fill a need for commuters who were stuck in traffic in crowded Chinese cities like Shanghai and Hong Kong. Lots of people in China ae turning to Xinri's E-bikes because they are more affordable and safer compared to motorcycles, more environmentally friendly than gas-powered cars, faster and less tiring than regular bicycles, and more comfortable than the crowded mass transportation in China. Xinri saw needs in China and is prospering because they are helping fulfill those needs. Last year they produced 1.6 Million E-Bikes.