When the semester started I realized how this is my last semester at school, but as it goes on I start to realize just how many more lasts I will be experiencing. I took notice of my last first day of school, but these other last milestones continue to make themselves known
My occupation for the past 16 years has been that of a student. Yes, I have worked at various jobs since junior high, but my full-time occupation has been my schooling. Now that I am about to graduate, I realize how many times over the next few months will be my last time to do many things.
The halfway point of the semester is coming up in less than two weeks and it just hit me today that I will be having my last spring break. I also had my last, first test of the semester and will have my last midterm later next week. Not all of these things I will miss, but it does leave a bittersweet taste knowing that a whole chapter of my life is coming to a close, ironically, even for things I dislike such as my tests.
School has been my life and my identity has been based on this for so long that it seems strange that I will no longer be called a student. I have had so many great school experiences and now I am coming to the realization that it will all end and my life will no longer revolve around this.
As I am create my list of lasts and think about all my past school memories, I am excited to start another journey and create many new firsts.
Aaron Roecker
The Hunger Games and Word of Mouth
Just like I jumped on to the Pinterest bandwagon, last weekend I joined the crowd with The Hunger Games. I will gladly admit that it was a gripping story and I am ready to read the next two books and watch the movie, but this is not another blog post dedicated to proclaiming the awesomeness of The Hunger Games. Instead, I want to demonstrate how good, ol' fashioned WOM convinced me to read the book.
A few months ago was when I first about the book and one of my best friends said it was just like Twilight - that comment alone made me never want to read the books. Then, a month ago I stumbled upon the Taylor Swift song created for the movie. I liked the song, but I still have preconceived thoughts about the movie. I also watched the trailer and it looked intriguing, but could not change what I heard, and thus believed, from a trusted source. These thoughts were not based on extensive research, but from a simple statement made by a trusted friend.
Later, before one of my classes, some classmates were talking about the book and everyone was saying how great it was. Some guys in my class were praising it, which seemed weird to me because they did not seem like the people who would enjoy a Twilight copycat. I asked them all about it and they said how it was in no way like Twilight. These classmates are not as good of friends as my original source, but I trusted them and decided that I needed to read the book.
So the moral of this short story is that no form of advertising/promotion can compete with recommendations (and warnings) from personal sources. I believe WOM advertising is the best type of marketing available, but ultimately a company cannot create this. Brands can work to create ideas and messages that are easy to share via WOM, but they also need to make sure that consumers are excited and willing to engage in WOM.
As people continue to share more of their lives with others online, WOM will have greater importance. Social media by no means created WOM, but it has increased communication between more friends and at a faster pace. I am excited to learn about the next great book, movie, restaurant, etc. based on input from my friends.
Aaron Roecker
A few months ago was when I first about the book and one of my best friends said it was just like Twilight - that comment alone made me never want to read the books. Then, a month ago I stumbled upon the Taylor Swift song created for the movie. I liked the song, but I still have preconceived thoughts about the movie. I also watched the trailer and it looked intriguing, but could not change what I heard, and thus believed, from a trusted source. These thoughts were not based on extensive research, but from a simple statement made by a trusted friend.
Later, before one of my classes, some classmates were talking about the book and everyone was saying how great it was. Some guys in my class were praising it, which seemed weird to me because they did not seem like the people who would enjoy a Twilight copycat. I asked them all about it and they said how it was in no way like Twilight. These classmates are not as good of friends as my original source, but I trusted them and decided that I needed to read the book.
So the moral of this short story is that no form of advertising/promotion can compete with recommendations (and warnings) from personal sources. I believe WOM advertising is the best type of marketing available, but ultimately a company cannot create this. Brands can work to create ideas and messages that are easy to share via WOM, but they also need to make sure that consumers are excited and willing to engage in WOM.
As people continue to share more of their lives with others online, WOM will have greater importance. Social media by no means created WOM, but it has increased communication between more friends and at a faster pace. I am excited to learn about the next great book, movie, restaurant, etc. based on input from my friends.
Aaron Roecker
A Dude on Pinterest?
So I decided to request an invite to Pinterest. Now, you might be wondering what a dude is doing on this craft-oriented and female dominated social site, but I believe it does serve a purpose.
I might not spend as much time as more traditional users and I will not be creating huge lists or expecting a large following, but I do believe this is an important social site to understand. Social media and micro-blogging is completely changing how we as people gather and comprehend information. Whether for better or worse, everything is becoming shorter, concise, and more visual. I have even noticed on Facebook that about half of all the posts that show up on my news feed are pictures or videos.
It is a proven fact that humans are visual creatures and this idea is being supported by the rise of sites like Pinterest, and the existence of "old" social sites such as Flickr. I believe Pinterest is appealing because it allows the quick sharing of ideas presented in a way that is easy to comprehend. It also allows users to easily see what is most popular and add pictures that they hope can become the next big thing and thus increase their follower base. Likes, comments and repins help you see how successful your picture is among a mass market.
As a marketer, the main reason I want to check out a site like Pinterest is to learn how it can be used to reach customers. Companies can try to create sites that draw customers, but usually brands are the ones that need to go where the customers are. Pinterest is growing at huge rates and companies need to be aware of where their customers are. Not all companies can take advantage of every social site, but there are ones that can successfully use Pinterest. Any brand that has products based on nature, crafts, or creativity in general have the opportunity to add value to the users at Pinterest.
It will be interesting to see if the site continues to grow and what becomes of it. The exclusivity and grassroots origin of the site definitely caused it to grow fast, but I believe it does have staying power. People will join because it is seen as different from Facebook and as such it provides value to the user. Will Pinterest join the big three of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn? Only time will tell...
Aaron Roecker
I might not spend as much time as more traditional users and I will not be creating huge lists or expecting a large following, but I do believe this is an important social site to understand. Social media and micro-blogging is completely changing how we as people gather and comprehend information. Whether for better or worse, everything is becoming shorter, concise, and more visual. I have even noticed on Facebook that about half of all the posts that show up on my news feed are pictures or videos.
It is a proven fact that humans are visual creatures and this idea is being supported by the rise of sites like Pinterest, and the existence of "old" social sites such as Flickr. I believe Pinterest is appealing because it allows the quick sharing of ideas presented in a way that is easy to comprehend. It also allows users to easily see what is most popular and add pictures that they hope can become the next big thing and thus increase their follower base. Likes, comments and repins help you see how successful your picture is among a mass market.
As a marketer, the main reason I want to check out a site like Pinterest is to learn how it can be used to reach customers. Companies can try to create sites that draw customers, but usually brands are the ones that need to go where the customers are. Pinterest is growing at huge rates and companies need to be aware of where their customers are. Not all companies can take advantage of every social site, but there are ones that can successfully use Pinterest. Any brand that has products based on nature, crafts, or creativity in general have the opportunity to add value to the users at Pinterest.
It will be interesting to see if the site continues to grow and what becomes of it. The exclusivity and grassroots origin of the site definitely caused it to grow fast, but I believe it does have staying power. People will join because it is seen as different from Facebook and as such it provides value to the user. Will Pinterest join the big three of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn? Only time will tell...
Aaron Roecker
My Last Semester
It's is my last semester at Bradley University and school will not go down without a fight. Although my class load is lighter then normal because I am interning more hours, this semester is shaping up to be one of the busiest and chaotic.
I learned today that I have a 50-70 page marketing plan in my marketing capstone class next Thursday (I guess I should be thankful that I was told about it today instead of Thursday). I also have to work on a 30 page competitive analysis paper for our client in the business capstone class due at the end of the month. Thankfully, I this semester contains very few tests and the papers can be divided among group members.
In addition to all my papers, group projects, and internship I am working on finding a job. I believe I have found a great method for searching and applying, but the process is still anything but easy. The job market is still tough and I need to make sure I am spending my time applying for jobs I am both qualified for and will enjoy.
Even with all this work (and the stress that comes with it), I am looking forward to enjoying this last semester. I have had an amazing career at Bradley and been able to participate in great groups and learn from amazing teachers. I believe Bradley has given me the knowledge and experience to succeed in the workplace. Here's to my last few months on Bradley's hilltop.
I learned today that I have a 50-70 page marketing plan in my marketing capstone class next Thursday (I guess I should be thankful that I was told about it today instead of Thursday). I also have to work on a 30 page competitive analysis paper for our client in the business capstone class due at the end of the month. Thankfully, I this semester contains very few tests and the papers can be divided among group members.
In addition to all my papers, group projects, and internship I am working on finding a job. I believe I have found a great method for searching and applying, but the process is still anything but easy. The job market is still tough and I need to make sure I am spending my time applying for jobs I am both qualified for and will enjoy.
Even with all this work (and the stress that comes with it), I am looking forward to enjoying this last semester. I have had an amazing career at Bradley and been able to participate in great groups and learn from amazing teachers. I believe Bradley has given me the knowledge and experience to succeed in the workplace. Here's to my last few months on Bradley's hilltop.