Black Friday

Year after year, stores and shoppers alike become even more crazy about Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Even though my birthday tends to land on Black Friday I still have not jump in line the night before with all the crowds of people, just to get that new Malibu Barbie.  Personally I think Black Friday is taken a little overboard, physically trampling employees trying to get into the doors, opening stores on Thanksgiving, but some people seem to really enjoy the mayhem. One article from Time magazine states: " On the negative side, shoppers spent less than expected; yet on the plus side (in terms of safety and for the sake of humanity), there were fewer shopping-related casualties than there have been in the past." HOLD THE PHONE, Time magazine seems to actually be glad that there was only one death, but bringing this back to reality; why are there any deaths over shopping? I really don't get it.  For the Time article click here 

Not only do advertisements come out in the newspaper but technology has made it much easier to find the best deals and plan out a strategy. Sure I could spend Black Friday in line, battling cougars for the last popcorn maker/ DVR combo, but I would rather spend it on  slopes of Big Sky where I rarely find a line. However, for those crazy focus that think the Black Friday adventure sounds fun here are some tips that can help ensure your survival:

·      Pack supplies- “Black Friday is kinda like Vegas, you never know what’s going to happen”

·      Wear proper shoes- a shopping cart to the foot is a great strategy

·      Check out the adds and deals before- time and effort can be avoided, by shopping for your target item. Also check the store and plan out the more efficient shopping rout.

·      Night Deals­- skip the chaos by snagging deals that begin Thursday night

·      Proof- bring the adds, no store can argue with printed proof

·      Skip the Mall- firstly the mall will be PACKED, secondly retailors may have already put these sales online

 ·     Check the return policy
·      Make sure that it is actually a deal- not all deals are good deal

For the dedicated Black Friday shoppers who wake up far to early, and bundles up in matching team outfits, just to stand out in the dark before your store opens, I commend you. You have chosen to take on the crowds and snag the best deals of the year. But be care and take note of these tips, because “Black Friday is kinda like Vegas, you never know what’s going to happen”.

Heartbreak Bow

So I totally know this post does not go with the theme of my blog, but I found this commercial so cool I had to say something.

I went through a few phases when I was a kid. From kindergarten to second grade I refused to wear pant, I was a total girly girl and only wore dresses. In third grade that all changed, I started to wear black and army green, cargo pants too. I don’t even remember why I changed my style, but now I was a Tomboy. All those Barbie’s and Polly Pocket dolls soon fell out of favor. All I wanted to do was adventure and treasure hunt but there weren’t really toys that were meant for girls that weren’t girly.

Today when watching TV I saw a commercial from Nerf for the Heartbreak Bow . I found it really cool that a company has finally made a toy that is equal to the boy model.

Valentine's Day

As Valentine's Day comes around we are all thinking about the perfect gift as well as a gift for someone special. This year I have been putting more thought into what I would like than any other year and I still haven't come up with an idea. From an article in the Journal of Consumer Psychology; jewelry, especial very ostentatious pieces will usually be worn by individuals that think of themselves as a lower class or status than others.  The American population “thinks of ourselves as a classless society”, who is obsessed with social standing and demonstrates status by our possessions. Status is generally determined by racial or ethnic background, as well as what job we hold and where we have chosen to live. 

Even if we do not intend to, people generally sort themselves with other individuals belonging to the same or similar social hierarchy. Social and status hierarchy based on items can be a false indicator of the individual’s actual status, but these impostors can easily be discovered with a second look. We observe these differences in social hierarchies mainly by an individual’s mannerisms; how they sit, react to situations, tactfulness and especially their use of language and dominance within the conversation. Whereas lower status individuals will start to mimic, basing their body language and way of speaking on higher status individuals. 

So far we have established that social/ status hierarchy are important within society.  So, if status influences personal values, than an individual with lower status will typically desire high status items or products. Leading to the possible conclusion that, those’ within society who have the least ability to afford ostentations items desire them the most. In the past it was challenging for individuals to acquire status pieces due to their lack of credit and money but that has all changed, almost anyone is able to purchase on credit today. So before you commit to a shiny gift that is intend to show your love, take a minute and examine where the desire is coming from. Do really like the gift or are you getting it because it says something?

Maslow's Hierarchy

When talking about negative aspects of marketing and the market place, we not only have to talk about marketing strategies but also how the consumer plays a role. For this I like to look at Maslow's hierarchy, which is still found to be relevant in 2014's narcissistic, technologically driven society.  Maslow's theory states in this order of importance, physiological, safety, belonging, self esteem and self-actualization. These needs are believed to be the pattern of human motivation, and once each level is fulfilled the individual can move to the next level.

Maslow's Hierarchy 

I agree that Physiological needs such as health, food and sleep are the basic aspects of human survival. Humans than move into the level of safety and eventually belonging. The final two stages are esteem and self actualization. What if in today's narcissistic society the level of importance placed on each need has changed? I have found that belonging can come from people's need for self esteem; an individual feels like they belong because they have achievements and are respected by others. And what would happen if self-actualization stems from esteem and belonging. 

I see physiological needs and safety falling in the same category; if you do not have these elements you will not survive and if you do you are one of few. Belonging and esteem are somewhat interchangeable depending on what the individual values. I place a higher value on self-actualization than esteem and belonging. Self-actualization should be the most important priority instead of the final one. Self-actualization is when individuals can work on themselves which is a very important part of our growth and development; it essentially defines our inward person. 

But in the technological revelation we got wrapped up in the internet and ourselves. The best description of Maslow's new hierarchy based on the internet, essentially makes fun of society and the priorities that have developed. 

Theme: Negative Aspects of Marketing

For my theme I would like to focus on  the overall negative aspects of marketing and the market place. To often I see young children with their iPhone, Kindle or flat screen TV and wonder how we got here? I don't want to raise children in a world where the majority of eight year olds have a $600 iphone or are glued to Facebook and video games like addicts are to drugs. Or be so caught up with Black Friday that peoples lives are taken and I find it absolutely crazy. If you need a reference please watch the video of the boy who loses his cool over a video game.

Intro

Before I begin blogging I would like to let everyone know a little more about me. As most of you probably already know my name is Alyssa and I am from a small town in Connecticut, about 45 minutes outside of New York City. I am in my fourth and final year at Montana State University finishing up a double major of marketing and writing.

I came to Montana as a freshman because I loved the outdoors. Also when else are you able to move across the country and be in the same position as everyone; if I really hated it I could have always gone home. I believe that college is what you make it. It doesn’t matter so much about where you go, but about what you do once you get there. During my first year at MSU I wasn’t sure if I was going to stay, I even had application to other schools filled out. But once I stayed the summer and really began to embrace the Montana lifestyle, I knew I couldn’t leave. As of right now, I plan on staying in Bozeman when I graduate, as long as my job permits.  

When I am not at school or doing homework in the library I love to be outdoors. My favorite winter hobbies include, skiing, hiking, cross-country skiing and just about anything that lets me get outside. However, I recently tried winter camping and I’m a little skeptical if it’s for me. During the summer I love to bike, float, camp especially up in Glacier, and soak up the summer sun.