Week 3 EOC: My Demographics

As Hispanic markets expand in the U.S., companies are increasing their consumer research into the demographic mix.  The Latino community makes up about 16% our country’s population.

"They love beer," says Jim Sabia, chief marketing officer for Crown Imports, which distributes Mexican beers including Corona and Modelo. "Hispanics are 19 percent more likely to purchase beer than the rest of U.S. consumers." On top of that, Hispanics will make up a large portion of the legal drinking-age population in the future (NPR.org).

In the Latino market, Bud Light is the #1 beer of choice and Corona comes in second, according to NPR.org.  Anheuser-Busch has begun catering towards the Latino market by pairing up with hip-hop star Pitbull.  “Hoping to add some bite to its multicultural advertising, Bud Light is unleashing hip hop star Pitbull in a new TV campaign aimed at tapping into the Cuban-American's rising stardom and crossover appeal” (Advertising Age).  The campaign, operated by Bud Light Hispanic agency, will run ads on major U.S. broadcast networks, as well as Hispanic TV.

Week 3 EOC: Making Money for Good

Burt’s Bees isn’t just another pretty face in the world of bath and beauty products.  The company started in 1984 with the production of beeswax candles, and evolved into the lip balm company that we know and love today.  “Burt’s Bees has stayed true to a very simple idea: what you put on your body should be made from the best nature has to offer” (Burt’s Bees).

Their philosophy states that they look after their own.  “So when we look after our own, we mean everybody: our employees, our customers, our families, ourselves. And yes, our environment, too. Our ingredients—right down to the packaging—are simple, natural, and responsible. We practice what we preach—and we hope to set the example for others to follow.  It's called The Greater Good.  And it's how we're going to help change the world” (Burt’s Bees).

Not only does the company make natural, environmentally safe products, they also give back.  In 2007, Burt’s Bees established The Greater Good Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to further their mission of responsible environmental stewardship.  The foundation has raised over $1.2 million, and even donates to other non-profit charitable organizations.  In 2012 alone, $233,000 in proceeds were donated to 23 organizations, including groups like Habitat for Humanity and The Pollinator Project.

Week 2 EOC: Boston Consulting Group - Video Games

“The video game industry has come under increasing fire for fostering sedentary and asocial lifestyles among youth.  In response, Nintendo, the video game company, created the Wii Fit, which addresses public skepticism about the social value of video games by promoting exercise and personal fitness” (Boston Consulting Group).

While Nintendo was the forerunner with the creation of Wii Fit, there are numerous games similar to this on the market today.  The top 10 fitness video games are listed on CBS News.  Wii Fit Plus takes the lead at number 1.  According to CBS News, “Wii Fit includes more than 40 types of training activities designed to appeal to anyone from casual gamers to hardcore fitness buffs.  The “Plus” version has several new features, including new strength-training exercises, yoga activities and more balance mini-games."

Other games geared towards getting users into shape on the top ten list include; Your Shape for Xbox 360 Kinect, Active 2 for Wii, Dance Central for Xbox 360 Kinect, The Biggest Loser for Wii and Xbox 360 Kinect, Kinect Sports for Xbox 360, NFL Training Camp for Wii, Sports Champion for PS3, and my personal favorite, Zumba Fitness for PS3.

According to an article published by The Wall Street Journal 5 years ago, video game makers were losing sales.  From January to June of 2009, sales were normal, then plummeted 30 to 40 percent.  “The reversal of fortune is likely to show up further in coming weeks. When Nintendo reports earnings Thursday, some analysts expect to see weaker revenue on a decline in Wii sales and slower-than expected software sales. Videogame retailer GameStop Corp., which reports earnings next month, is also projected to post less-robust results” (The wall Street Journal).

That issue was obviously fixed, for there are new games being developed and sold every day.  The creation of the new video-assisted exercise games may or may not have helped to increase revenue, but I’m thinking it must have due to the amount of games such as this on the market today.

Week 1 EOC: Great customer Service

This is a bit of a tough one!  More often than not, we only remember our negative customer service experiences.  Being a lover a fashion, I’m always on the lookout for good deals on hot brands.  I admit to having champagne taste on a beer budget.  And while I would very much enjoy shopping at Sak’s Fifth Avenue or similar department stores, my wallet just doesn’t allow this.

I decided to stop at Sak’s off 5^th at the south outlets one afternoon to search for a gown for a friend’s wedding.  The associates were all very kind and went out of their way to help me.  I definitely made them earn their paychecks that day with numerous trips to and from the dressing room with different styles, sizes, etc.  They did this for me with a smile on their faces, and were professional, respectful, and courteous the entire time.

As I was searching through the racks of dresses, a beautiful deep royal blue gown with a train caught my attention.  The first thing that I noticed was the designer’s name.  The gown was a Vera Wang!  It was the only one in the store…but luckily it was my size!  I became excited and heartbroken at the same time.  There was no way that I would be able to afford an original Vera Wang design.  But then I saw the price tag, and I was in Valhalla!  The original price of $750.00 was marked down to $75.00.  After confirming that this wasn’t a typo, that baby was mine, and I felt like a million bucks at my friend’s black tie wedding!

Week 1 EOC: My Voice

My name is Teresa Lynn Coyle, and I eat, breathe, and sleep all things photography.  This is my passion, this is my work, and this is the legacy that I hope to leave on this Earth.  Sharing what I see and capture through my viewfinder is fulfilling and enlightening.  Capturing the beauty that surrounds us is what really gets me going.

While I specialize in portraiture, I enjoy capturing all genres of photography.  Nothing makes me happier than going out and being one with nature with my camera.  Combining beautiful landscapes with on location portrait sessions always produces breathtaking results.   Fulfillment for me comes from sharing my work with those around me, and the smiles that this brings.

I put my all into creating one of a kind, unique memories for my clients.  I’m patient, and take all necessary steps prior to shooting to ensure beautiful results.  Being technically correct or getting it right in camera is a personal goal of mine, and I believe that all photographers should strive for this.  It may take a little longer to start your shoot, but it will save much more time during the post-production process.