I wonder how many know about Amazon's army of robots? Or how many know that Amazon spent $775 million to buy the company that manufacturers these robots?
You can watch the video explaining how the robots are used here.
It is amazing to see the behind-the-scenes work at Amazon's warehouses. I guess I take it for granted that my random orders can be found so quickly and delivered with the same speed.
Even more amazing is how these robots work! It is astonishing to see how these robots move throughout the warehouse and do so with such accuracy. I can now see how Amazon is able to keep their costs down. It would require an army of employees to find each product and transport it to the right place. These robots, to me, are a huge technological breakthrough! It would seem like it would be so easy for them to break down or run into each other, thus damaging all the products and slowing the process.
This video goes to show everything that must take place behind-the-scenes. In order for companies like Amazon to be successful, everything must perfectly align. The internet allowed for global access to their online store and personalization of ads, improvements in transportation allow products to arrive within one or two days, and machines like the Kiva allow for quick access of inventory. If any of these advances in technology were not available, Amazon would not be successful.
I can only imagine what new company will take advantage of upcoming new advances in technology to create the next powerhouse.
Aaron Roecker
Goodbye Peoria, Hello Chicago
It's official - I now know what my future holds after Bradley!
On Tuesday I accepted a position with Robert Bosch Tool Corporation to work with digital media. This is a great first job and will allow me to develop my online marketing skills. I am joining a large and successful global organization and hope to continue there for many years to come.
My current internship at the company's offices in Peoria has helped me develop relationships in the organization and skills that will help me be successful in this position. I have managed the social presence of three brands at my current job, but I have not been able to focus on that due to numerous other projects that I need to complete. My new job will allow me to spend my time specializing in developing online advertising campaigns to drive traffic and ultimately sales. I met with three members of the marketing team on Thursday and am excited to be working with a great group.
It will definitely be a life change because I have lived in the Peoria area my entire life. I am not familiar with Chicago or the suburbs so it will take some getting used to, but I am ready for this adventure. I am going to have a large check list to complete, and I am guessing that I will overlook many small details.
The college chapter is coming to a close, and with it my life as a student. Now the next section of my book begins and I already like how it is starting.
Aaron Roecker
On Tuesday I accepted a position with Robert Bosch Tool Corporation to work with digital media. This is a great first job and will allow me to develop my online marketing skills. I am joining a large and successful global organization and hope to continue there for many years to come.
My current internship at the company's offices in Peoria has helped me develop relationships in the organization and skills that will help me be successful in this position. I have managed the social presence of three brands at my current job, but I have not been able to focus on that due to numerous other projects that I need to complete. My new job will allow me to spend my time specializing in developing online advertising campaigns to drive traffic and ultimately sales. I met with three members of the marketing team on Thursday and am excited to be working with a great group.
It will definitely be a life change because I have lived in the Peoria area my entire life. I am not familiar with Chicago or the suburbs so it will take some getting used to, but I am ready for this adventure. I am going to have a large check list to complete, and I am guessing that I will overlook many small details.
The college chapter is coming to a close, and with it my life as a student. Now the next section of my book begins and I already like how it is starting.
Aaron Roecker
Another crazy few weeks...
Even though I stayed in Peoria during Spring Break, I was able to spend some time relaxing, and it is a good thing I did. These next few weeks, and potentially months will be very hectic as my last semester comes to a close.
Our second marketing plan is due a week after we receive our results (and I doubt we will get the luxury of having the due date extended again). My other senior project is in full-swing and without proper management of the time frame we created, we will fall behind quickly. On top of both of these are my social media project and research paper on youth unemployment.
In addition to my school work, I have been given the opportunity to work on important projects at work which will require me to work more than my scheduled 20 hours a week. Combine that will helping establish the new American Marketing Association leaders and applying and interviewing for jobs, and you could say I have a busy rest of the semester.
Thankfully, I am not anxious as one would expect, but instead I know what lies ahead and am shooting for the goal of graduation. I thought that maybe the last semester could be slow, but school had other plans and will make sure that I am busy until the very last day. Then, hopefully, if all goes to plan, I can substitute a busy school life for a busy work life.
Aaron Roecker
Our second marketing plan is due a week after we receive our results (and I doubt we will get the luxury of having the due date extended again). My other senior project is in full-swing and without proper management of the time frame we created, we will fall behind quickly. On top of both of these are my social media project and research paper on youth unemployment.
In addition to my school work, I have been given the opportunity to work on important projects at work which will require me to work more than my scheduled 20 hours a week. Combine that will helping establish the new American Marketing Association leaders and applying and interviewing for jobs, and you could say I have a busy rest of the semester.
Thankfully, I am not anxious as one would expect, but instead I know what lies ahead and am shooting for the goal of graduation. I thought that maybe the last semester could be slow, but school had other plans and will make sure that I am busy until the very last day. Then, hopefully, if all goes to plan, I can substitute a busy school life for a busy work life.
Aaron Roecker
KONY 2012
I realize that this will simply be another blog post about this huge trending topic, but I believe, as the director says, that this is one big social experiment
For anyone who have not seen the video, it can be found at http://vimeo.com/37119711
The film maker knows exactly what he is doing and how to appeal to the masses. What I find amazing about the beginning is how the director basically inserts us into a worldwide story. When you think that this is a 30 minute video and the call to action doesn't happen until the end, the director has to create the perfect video. Most viewers make a judgment call within the first few seconds, but this video manages to capture the interest of viewers. The first few minutes lays the ground work and shows viewers that this video deserves their respect and time.
I find it so amazing that this video has appealed to such a wide audience. Hundreds, if not thousands, of videos have gone viral, but very few explain such a difficult topic and can capture the interest of viewers for such a long period of time. It will be interesting to see how much momentum this movement can sustain, or if it will suffer from the great disadvantage of social media - that people quickly lose interest and move on to the next new idea/event.
This is the challenge of brands and causes. With the proper techniques it might be possible to consistently develop viral videos, but sustainability is almost impossible to maintain due to the onslaught of new ideas and the decreasing attention span of consumers and supporters. If Kony 2012 can maintain its support, then causes and charities can learn from this campaign. Awareness will keep growing for the next week or so, but it remains to be seen whether this idea grown through social media will fall prey to the next trending topic.
Aaron Roecker
For anyone who have not seen the video, it can be found at http://vimeo.com/37119711
The film maker knows exactly what he is doing and how to appeal to the masses. What I find amazing about the beginning is how the director basically inserts us into a worldwide story. When you think that this is a 30 minute video and the call to action doesn't happen until the end, the director has to create the perfect video. Most viewers make a judgment call within the first few seconds, but this video manages to capture the interest of viewers. The first few minutes lays the ground work and shows viewers that this video deserves their respect and time.
I find it so amazing that this video has appealed to such a wide audience. Hundreds, if not thousands, of videos have gone viral, but very few explain such a difficult topic and can capture the interest of viewers for such a long period of time. It will be interesting to see how much momentum this movement can sustain, or if it will suffer from the great disadvantage of social media - that people quickly lose interest and move on to the next new idea/event.
This is the challenge of brands and causes. With the proper techniques it might be possible to consistently develop viral videos, but sustainability is almost impossible to maintain due to the onslaught of new ideas and the decreasing attention span of consumers and supporters. If Kony 2012 can maintain its support, then causes and charities can learn from this campaign. Awareness will keep growing for the next week or so, but it remains to be seen whether this idea grown through social media will fall prey to the next trending topic.
Aaron Roecker
A Semester of Lasts
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
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