Out and About with McDonalds

Yesterday I driving and I saw a billboard similar to what is above. I think it is great that McD's is touting their new coffee's. In fact, when I was back in Chicago over break I had them a couple times. Now as they roll them out nationwide we're getting in South Bend. The new commercials are catch as they mock the pretentious attitude of Starbucks. As two men sit there and take off fake goatee's, eye glasses, and nice clothes. I too at times don't like the feeling of Starbucks, but other times think its great. Say for a first date... Anyhow the point here is that McDonald's new coffee is good.

This week I also saw McDonalds touting their new $3 meals, which is great to keep people coming in the door during these economic times. For $3 you can get two hamburgers, medium soda and fries. Not bad at all for anyone!

My confusion here is that McDonalds is marketing to two distinct groups of people simultaneously. They are asking their bread and butter blue collar crowd to patronize the $3 meals and they want the group with the disposable income to come and buy $2-$3 latte's. I get it they want everyone at McD's. But there is a point where you have your niche. The point here is that McDonalds is putting a ton of resources into both groups at the same time. Not a good idea in my perspective.

I think this would be awkward and since I don't fit into either group would be confused in the middle.

My Five Sites

In no particular order here are the 5 sites that I feel insightful for marketing:

http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog

Yes, this site is devoted to personal finance and some 20 year old's idea of saving money. But, he has some interesting stories and pictures from time to time as it relates to money.

http://www.ted.com/

Although this is a major site, I still find it to be very inspirational. But the theory and speculation that comes out of this site is amazing. I am able to think much more abstractly once I see a few TED videos.

http://www.japanesestreets.com/

To me the Japanese are very creative and imaginative people. By following their youth I feel inspired and my mind opens up.

http://www.sustainableindustries.com/greenmarketing

In our current day and age of trying to be environmentally friendly at times I found looking to a green expert to be inspiring. We are just at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this stuff.

http://www.innovationmagazine.com/

This website allows me to see how other countries are merging science, technology, and medicine. Yes, the core is innovation but once these products make it to market seeing them marketed is what I am looking for.

Hydroxycut...Did they use a fake physician promotion?

Diet pills are something that have intrigued me for years. I am not greatly over weight, at times I carry 5-10 extra pounds. However with curiosity I tried them a few years ago. After a couple days I noticed my heart was beating much faster than normal, so I stopped them immediately. No harm done.

However, these pills are advertised left and right. One in particular really bothers me. It started with their commercial. Hydroxycut uses a young and good looking RESIDENT physician to promote their pills. Everyone knows these pills are bad for you, but somehow they just sell. What irks me about this is how manipulative this commercial really is. Resident physicians are in training. The word resident could also be mis-interpreted by some as a in house physician. I asked a few friends on that angle and some replied that's what they thought too. It turns out this physician who is endorsing the product is a Radiology resident. What does someone who reads MRIs & XRAYS know about weight loss? The use of the Dr. misleads everyone.

Hydroxycut Commercial

What's the deal with these online brokerages?

In the wake of our financial crisis our nations financial brokerages have increased their presence as some our nations banks collapsed. One company which I am a fan and customer of really I think did a great job. Charles Schwab or Chuck. They have setup these situations where everyday Americans can relate to. The average American has some money in a 401k and some in a IRA or savings account. They really do not know what do do with it, but want to feel special. Schwab does a great ok making you feel like a million bucks even if you don't. Trust me, I don't have a million but they make me feel that way. I never find their commercials to be false or mis-leading.

The flip side is many people who aren't Schwab customers might say this is too idealistic of a situation. I know I would think that. My question is there a point where a commercials can be too real?

See some of their examples here:

Commercial 1

Commercial 2

Commercial 3


Rather the other guys I haven't seen much. Scottrade, Etrade, or Fidelity all tout their low online trades. Yes, they're a couple bucks lower than Schwab. But, who cares about saving a couple bucks if they're investment house/bank is going to fail? I think these few companies need to take a wiff of what Charles Schwab is doing. In today's world as a consumer I want safety and dependability. If it means paying a bit more, then fine.

So is it better to be silent or to paint an ideal image? I don't know and only time will tell.

Living smarter by saving money

Personal finance is something that won't get me a job, but I know a ton about it. In fact I know enough that I could write one of those books to save more, invest better, and spend smarter. Everyday you see one of these stories or books whether it be online or on a cover of a magazine at Martins. The point is that they all same the same stuff and I still can't believe people read these stories! All it takes is 20 minutes of reading once to know how all this stuff works. One person just needs to write a basic personal finance story, see my irritations below with today's advertising.

Let me break down what I don't like about these stories:

Save More: Everyone pitches the latte factor. It is so old, aren't there any new ideas out there? I mean what about buying a Entertainment Book? That is mentioned in less than 10% of the stories, but believe me $25 on one of these coupon stuffed books can save tons. As a single person I save over $100 a year and I don't eat fast food often. A normal family with a kid or two, just buy one of these. It pays for itself.

Invest Better: Yes, we all know a ROTH IRA is great. But, where does the average person put the money into it? I know the answer, but I am sure many Americans don't since they're buying these stories. Maybe, just talk about two or three starter mutual funds for everyone: i.e. one that mimics the S & P 500 or a target fund toward a certain retirement date. The point here is give people actionable goals, not lofty theories.

Spend Smarter: This is my favorite. Most talk about clipping coupons. All promote some website that talks about printing coupons before you visit the store. I tried this once a couple years ago. It takes two hours to get organized and yes you save a good amount of money. But, people don't have time. Either they have kids, want to relax, or have to work. Want a simple solution that I still have not seen promoted too often? Buy store brand. Just doing that saves at least 10% week without effort!


Part 2 is next: "What's the deal with these online brokerages?"

A Dog in a Lions Skin or the other way around?

Hyundai has introduced the Genesis. While the commercials are catchy and sexy. I just can't seem to buy that a $30,000 car has the same experience of a $60,000 one. That is the claim with this car. By touting its large engine Hyundai is hoping people will come in and check out the car.

I get it. Nice cars are made in Germany or Japan where the labor rate is higher vs. South Korea. Since these established car makers have developed the technology in today's luxury cars all Hyundai has to do is copy. So yes, some savings are there. But, will you really get the same car for half?

I don't think so. I drive a Honda Civic, so believe me I am not a snob but a critic. I think Hyundai leaves out so many features that makes a BMW and Benz what they really are. It's the safety and longevity of the car. There have been so many stories of people walking away from a nasty car accident perfectly fine since the frame of the car saved them (and the airbags). That is a big reason why many who can afford such cars buy them. Yes they're nice, but if you have worked hard you are going to be in a safe car in case you get hit. I know these cars resonate status and have cool features. But, a successful 50 year old lawyer buying a car is not going to save $30,000 if it means he might get severely injured or die in a accident.

So I get it Hyundai is trying to enter the luxury market. But if you put a dog in a lions cloth, eventually he's going to get eaten up or destroyed. I think Hyundai made a great effort, but this will not last.

Genesis Website

Water from Around the World...

Water is a commodity that I think has turned into a luxury during the past few years. Life here in South Bend does not allow too much for this observation. But, when I return to Chicago and shop at Whole Foods this hits me in the head every time. Growing up in Chicago I drank water from the tap. Still living in South Bend I drink tap water, however it is filtered through a Brita since SB water is horrible.

But, when I am in the water section in Whole Foods its like a UN meeting. I have my choice of water from America, Poland, Switzerland, Japan, and Russia to name a few. Why do we need so much water from different places. After all its all clean and taste's the same. The nutritional value is the same. So why? Who really pays $4 for a single serving of Fiji water. I mean I know who does, but who really knows why?

Water companies have done a great job in making us believe we need better water. Yes, I look trendy and rich if I have a bottle of water. But I really don't need it. I actually have a few plastic reusable containers that I take with me. Not only am I saving money, but I am helping the environment. I get the difference with other commodities since a nutritional value is at stake like salt and sugar.

To make the cache of water increase markets are savvy in placing them in hands of celebrities and making the bottles themselves attractive. A brand by the name of VOSS is a great example. One night I was a bit inebriated and needed water at a club. Naturally I asked for a cup, but that was not available. But, for $6 I could get a bottle of VOSS. Yes, for that minute of consumption it felt good and I felt trendy. So my thought was if that is what people want to feel like then bottled water is being purchased as an accessory and not a need to live.

Hats off to water companies for making this a luxury good.

Talking Car & the Hoff

Anyone with some knowledge from the 80's should know I am referring to Knight Rider. With this posting I am trying to tell two stories.



First, lately a resurgence of older shows with a face lift for today's audience. 90210 and Knight Rider being the two most prominent. Both carefully keep some of the elements from the earlier version with a spice of today. I am sure it is being done to capture both sets of audiences. I will delve into that in a bit. I think the reason all this is happening is due to our current economic state and shows from good times give the viewer some comfort.

Now onto what I would say is the best show on TV (no I am not biased)! Yes, I watch the show to see if KITT will turbo boost over something or drive on two wheels (known as ski mode). But, the flashyness of this show is just one thing. I think Ford's product placement is great. Yes, KITT is a Mustang but to make it sexier he can transform into a F-150 or a '67 Mustang. What a smart way to appeal to all age groups. Yes, the new Mustang is sexy and powerful. But, KITT transforms into a '67 Mustang to appeal to older viewers.

The possibilities here are endless as KITT can turn into any Ford Car. Maybe the mission is offroading and he becomes at Explorer or needs to be discrete and turns into Focus. I think Ford has hit the jackpot when it comes to product placement showing the flexibility in their lineup.

Intro to new Knight Rider

Post Christmas Bargains

Yes, this past year has been rough. Many have lost their jobs, thus their ability to enjoy the Christmas we as Americans enjoy with excess consumption. It all starts with the Black Friday sale through last minute shoppers on Christmas Eve until the final merchandise is picked up from some bargain shopping thrill seeker such as myself.

However, this year considering how bad sales were I found the sales to not be anything special. I think there was more hype and the stores made us feel the sales were great so we would purchase more goods. But, in the end it was the same old song and dance. My belief is that the stores didn't want the customers to get extreme bargains, since they would continue to expect them and drive down prices in the future. Rather, I noticed popular store brands such as Banana Republic and CK in outlet stores and discounters (TJ MAX) a lot quicker this year. Not a bad strategy in my opinion, just deceiving if the sales were nothing special. We all know our society has a compulsion to consume, so just getting someone in the store equates to some sales. Having worked in retail for a couple years I might be biased or just more insightful. I don't know which one. I do know I am a bargain shopper, so I will be a critic. Either way, I have to say hats off to the mall stores since I was in them a couple days ago and most their winter clothes are gone, except for a few sale racks in the back.

At times you need more sizzle than steak and this could be one of those days.

Spring Break...What's the deal?

Just fresh off winter break college ( & graduate students) all across America start to think of the illustrious one week off known as spring break. This intermission from academia is what most students needs, especially those who hale from the 4 season climates. From keg stands in Florida to Tequila shots in Mexico Americans all over consume more in alcohol that any bachelor party.

How and why did the spring break phenomenon begin? It is not a recent concept promoted by Bacardi and the big three brewing companies. Rather, some date it back to the Greek and Roman periods in a B.C. period for men and women to meet as it was fertility season. Well then I take it back, after all Spring Break is a big hook up session with wine. I guess as time evolved our society modified this concept to turn Spring Break into a destination. So does that mean the airlines and hotel companies are to blame? I don't think so. I think this just boils down to the concept that we as Americans like to be a mobile society that enjoys consuming alcohol in great amounts. I mean last year I was stuck in Dallas for a night with a friend. With no one to call and no clue what to do we decided to get drunk. Yes the night is a blur and I spent at least $100. But for this blur I have some good memories.

With that I think our marketers have done a great job in creating an artificial need to our nation. We tell spring breakers they need to be in a warm place, they need alcohol and lots of it, they need to have the right clothes, they need to have the right tan before arriving (huh? aren't you going to a warm place to get tanned), they need to have the right accessories (IPODS and beach games). The point here is that all these needs have been built on a simple premise that goes back to the B.C. period. Our marketers have done a fine job telling me what do to.

For spring break I am going to Peru. Do I need to NO. But, some marketer made me believe that this one week off is a great time to do something in a warm place. I love it!

General Mills cuts some corners

A recent Multi Grain Cheerios commercial played in the US. However, the commercial was one from the UK market that had the actors voices dubbed over in American English. Most people are criticizing them for doing this. But I feel this was smart. The message is clear that the cereal is good for you and knowing it came from abroad tells that more of the world likes this product. What is wrong with that? In fact after watching the commercial a couple times I noticed a couple slips where the British accent came out. Also, it is no coincidence that the male looks like Paul McCartney. Who I know if British, but has a lot of American fans too.

Where I am going with this is that cross cultural ads are a good thing. I think sometimes when Americans see a white European endorsing a product it is viewed as not being international enough. But if a Chinese, Indian, or black Frenchman was advertising it that would be fine. That was a paradox I used to fall into, where only if someone looked different from the norm would that be fine. But, as I have aged I have learned there are many traits to internationalism.

36 Seconds of Side Effects

We all have used prescription drugs in our life. In fact its one of the best things our advanced society can attribute to a better quality of living and longer life. Unless one is superhuman or belongs to a niche group prescription meds have helped billions of people.

I understand that all meds carry a side effect or two. I got heartburn while taking a steroid a couple years ago. And some meds carry more than others due to their ability to solve bigger problems. However, recently I have been seeing commercials for Abilify and the side effects are crazy. The commercial that is listed below is 63 seconds long with 36 seconds devoted to side effects! I know this is a FDA approved drug, but one must be desperate to take this med for bipolar disorder. In fact just listening to the commercial made me think who made this? I know pharma companies have huge budgets and hire the best, but there must have been a better way to have make this commercial. Could the side effects been broken up with talking about the medication or perhaps make the commercial longer so the consumer does not think the pill is deadly?

Science has gotten so advanced these days that almost anything is possible. I don't know what is next, but I am sure the bigger it gets the harder it will fall.


Abilify Commercial

Are Millennials the new Hippies?

While reading the book Millennials and the Pop Culture the author seems to draw a lot of indirect parallels in my opinion. Although Millenials are much more wired and are able to multi-task a lot better. It seems in their deep underpinned sets of values are in line. Both groups to me appear to value the benefit of society/peers more versus personal benefit. Both groups seem to be open to alternative methods of thinking or living. This is all in contrast to Generation X. That group seemed to value their own benefit and glory.

Recently I saw a few of my high school cousins and they were talking about how when they lose stuff at school like a thumb drive or IPOD they have a great chance of getting it back. I remember when I was in high school during the 90's if you lost say a graphing calculator you had no chance of getting it back. In fact, there was always a group of students looking to steal those calculators in order to sell them. I asked my cousins about this and they said they have not experienced such a act.

I think what has happened is that media has promoted good behaviour so much that younger kids today feel like doing the right thing. Rather 10-15 years ago when I was growing up doing the right thing was more of catch phrase. As I think about it I feel like sitcoms had a lot to do with this. In the 90's the last few minutes would be reserved for an apology or learning lesson with some cheesy music being played to signify this event. Today's shows have the lesson learned embedded throughout the episode and poke humor. I believe the witty and spontaneous format has aided this new generation.

Excess Consumption is finally realized? Or not.

With the current economic meltdown, layoffs, and lack or credit most American's are experiencing something most have never before. This situation is no different is how trendy America really is. Remember back to the summer of 2008 when regular gas was around $4/gallon. Back then a 1995 Ford Festiva went from being worth $1500 to $4000 simply due to its fuel efficiency. Now the trend is to live with less. But is this mentality really here to stay? Many people say once this dark cloud begins to pass (which it will) the decadent consumption we used to will continue. How many people are going to remember the current economic times in 2, 4, or 6 years when our economy will be recovered? Large homes, SUVs, and granite countertops will make a comeback. Afterall how can you change the mentality of millions of Americans in just a few years with only one or two hard years of economic hardship. While I am not advocating a longer recession I am adocating a little more thought from my fellow Americans. Even in this current glut high end auto manufactorers such as BMW, Mercedes, and Porche are planning to introduce more higher end cars. Yes, they might be fuel friendly but BMW see's growth in the their flagship 7 series sedan during the next 3-6 years. These are $60,000+ cars I am talking about. Porche, they feel so confident that they are now introducing a $70,000 sedan in the US market in the next couple years.

Why are auto makers so confident in America? Is it they know we will always be prosperous? I am sure that is true. But, they know a nation of excessive consumption will always find a means to purchase what they produce. Even if it means financing a $70,000 for 60 months. My mentality is if you need to finance a $60,000 car for more than one year, then you should not be buying it.

Time will only tell.