This past week is one of my favorites in the entire year. Usually, I have to wait two weeks after the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in order to watch the next sporting event on my list, The Masters. However, what most people do not know who only watch the four major golf tournaments in the year is that The Masters is a tournament that is typically laxed when it comes to who they allow to advertise during the tournament. The big players this year were AT&T, Exxon Mobile, IBM, and a few others. Other than that, it was all about the players sporting their sponsors in order to get some recognition. I'm also glad to say that 50 minutes out of an hour of coverage was full Masters coverage.
So, what do you think? Is The Masters way of marketing successful? Most notice that during the tournament they are rarely disturbed with commercials unlike the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Is simply choosing to 'underbrand' a way to stand out? Let me know your thoughts. I have always thought that this tournament was an interesting one to watch. By the way Congrats Mr. Mickelson, and Tiger welcome back.
Till next time,
-Brad
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
How to Find a job in a Sketch Economy!
Hello friends, I hope that spring finds all of you well and ready for some warmer weather. As a soon to be college graduate, I have encountered many of my fellow classmates who are very nervous about finding employment. I have had some recent success and I'd love to share what is working for me currently.
1.) Remember that at times like these credentials will not be everything preached in a Career Internship Class
(I have found that clinging on to the achievements in college are great as a supplement to interviewing. However, the main thing I have found employers wanting to look for is the idea that you can "sell" your college learned skills to them. Right now, good credentials are only "going to get you in line for the interview" and not necessarily get you a job. That's just the sad fact.
2.) Get an internship even if you are not paid well or at all.
(Currently, since college is winding down and my GPA is at a good place I have decided to get an internship with an office in Indiana state government. I'm currently not getting paid for working here, however, interestingly enough I have had more time to network myself and get the word out now more so than ever before. Getting good experience counts, most of our interviewers are going to ask us the question about "experience" if you can find some knowledge and look at an internship from that perspective it says loads about your character and work ethic.)
3.) Ask for reccomendations.
(This has been one of the hardest things for me to do recently. As a very independent person I absolutely hate asking people for leads. However, turn that idea on a flipside. To beat this one, ask yourself "Do you like being asked for your expertise?" "Do you like the feeling of helping someone out?" Eventually, it becomes evident. Just letting someone know of the job struggle for post-undergraduate students "turned professionals" in our economy may just open the door. Sometimes, its about who you know and your relationship with people than the simulation you did for a project last semester.)
4.) Ask how you can help out other people, and sometimes push your way in.
(If you find yourself in a situation where you can help someone out, be the first to lend a hand. Sometimes its not all about what you are going to get out of a situation monetarily, but you may just get involved with someone who might be able to help you down the road. If you are asked to speak at a conference like I was a few weeks ago, or you see an event on campus that may be valuable to an office you work at, by all means bring it up and stick your nose in that business. Doing these things shows that you can make a connection with what you are doing on the inside of the office walls with the college experience)
5.) Don't trust people who say the way to a job is "career builder."
(Its not that I'm skeptical of online job sites, its that I haven't had a successful person tell me that is how the found a job. Use online searching sparily, and make sure that you call a company who posts a job. If you can even meet with someone before hand that is a big attribute to showcasing your comfort with meeting new people and finding opportunity. (isn't this what marketing is?). Regardless, use internet sites sparingly, and always try and talk to a live person. Trust me it works!
I hope some of these things have helped all of you out. I've had now 3 interviews and have been offered one position. As professionals in the making it is important to try and always be new and fresh, but being honest is something that goes a long way. Make sure you are always professional in your contact with organizations looking to hire. Also, be yourself and don't settle for a position that is not a good fit. Remember, take some time to enjoy your last weeks of college as well. Its important to not stress about this phase in your life.
Till next update this is Brad peacing out!
1.) Remember that at times like these credentials will not be everything preached in a Career Internship Class
(I have found that clinging on to the achievements in college are great as a supplement to interviewing. However, the main thing I have found employers wanting to look for is the idea that you can "sell" your college learned skills to them. Right now, good credentials are only "going to get you in line for the interview" and not necessarily get you a job. That's just the sad fact.
2.) Get an internship even if you are not paid well or at all.
(Currently, since college is winding down and my GPA is at a good place I have decided to get an internship with an office in Indiana state government. I'm currently not getting paid for working here, however, interestingly enough I have had more time to network myself and get the word out now more so than ever before. Getting good experience counts, most of our interviewers are going to ask us the question about "experience" if you can find some knowledge and look at an internship from that perspective it says loads about your character and work ethic.)
3.) Ask for reccomendations.
(This has been one of the hardest things for me to do recently. As a very independent person I absolutely hate asking people for leads. However, turn that idea on a flipside. To beat this one, ask yourself "Do you like being asked for your expertise?" "Do you like the feeling of helping someone out?" Eventually, it becomes evident. Just letting someone know of the job struggle for post-undergraduate students "turned professionals" in our economy may just open the door. Sometimes, its about who you know and your relationship with people than the simulation you did for a project last semester.)
4.) Ask how you can help out other people, and sometimes push your way in.
(If you find yourself in a situation where you can help someone out, be the first to lend a hand. Sometimes its not all about what you are going to get out of a situation monetarily, but you may just get involved with someone who might be able to help you down the road. If you are asked to speak at a conference like I was a few weeks ago, or you see an event on campus that may be valuable to an office you work at, by all means bring it up and stick your nose in that business. Doing these things shows that you can make a connection with what you are doing on the inside of the office walls with the college experience)
5.) Don't trust people who say the way to a job is "career builder."
(Its not that I'm skeptical of online job sites, its that I haven't had a successful person tell me that is how the found a job. Use online searching sparily, and make sure that you call a company who posts a job. If you can even meet with someone before hand that is a big attribute to showcasing your comfort with meeting new people and finding opportunity. (isn't this what marketing is?). Regardless, use internet sites sparingly, and always try and talk to a live person. Trust me it works!
I hope some of these things have helped all of you out. I've had now 3 interviews and have been offered one position. As professionals in the making it is important to try and always be new and fresh, but being honest is something that goes a long way. Make sure you are always professional in your contact with organizations looking to hire. Also, be yourself and don't settle for a position that is not a good fit. Remember, take some time to enjoy your last weeks of college as well. Its important to not stress about this phase in your life.
Till next update this is Brad peacing out!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Tidings for the Jewelry Industry
I am the fourth generation of a long line of Jewelers. Springer Jewelers in Fort Wayne, Indiana has been in business since 1931. Back in the day, this small business located in the heart of downtown was bustling with holiday shoppers from all over the city. However, Springer Jewelers has seen better days. After moving to its new location in Southwest Fort Wayne, the small family business is struggling to keep its hold on an ever-changing jewelery industry.
I am currently interning at my dad's shop, trying to learn the trade and find out more about how small-businesses run. Currently, the store is ran by my uncle and father in an S-Corp business structure. My key responsibilities have been to wait on customers, come up with creative ways to get more patrons into the shop, and create a web presence. Springerjewelers.com is not the most modern of websites, and I have found that the competition for small jewelery retailers in the city is vast, and changing rapidly as well. My first week in the shop, I was responsible for placing an emphasis on social media networking site, Facebook.com. I started a facebook "fan page" and sent out an invitation to all of my friends. Also, we created and took snapshots of other company's websites and decided to inherently take "a look" at the competition.
Springer Jewelers does not do a whole lot of marketing. If the 1980's carbon-copy receipts for charging credit isn't a clue, the business has brought people in solely because of word of mouth. I've noticed a whole lot of jewelry retailers trying to get into the e-market, and have a web presence. Most of us are really crossing our fingers though, this store was never set up for the vast "designer lines" and differentiation of products that you are seeing in the Fort Wayne market. Marketing to a constant connector demographic that is currently just graduating will be a huge problem for Springer Jewelers, and as the "rookie" it is my family-given right to try and fix this business.
I think that e-marketing and social network ideas are huge when it comes to this industry. Everyone is now checking for inventory before coming into the stores to buy their special people a gift. Springer Jewelers is posting its worst year ever, but I think that the market currently will be able to respect a jeweler who has been doing the right type of business for 77 years. However, time will only tell how much innovation an old-school small business might handle. I'll show you all some great ideas next week when it comes to launching a website.
Until then,
Have a great Christmas Eve, and remember the reason for the season.... "buying stuff" jk, its being with family and counting those blessings.
-Brad
I am currently interning at my dad's shop, trying to learn the trade and find out more about how small-businesses run. Currently, the store is ran by my uncle and father in an S-Corp business structure. My key responsibilities have been to wait on customers, come up with creative ways to get more patrons into the shop, and create a web presence. Springerjewelers.com is not the most modern of websites, and I have found that the competition for small jewelery retailers in the city is vast, and changing rapidly as well. My first week in the shop, I was responsible for placing an emphasis on social media networking site, Facebook.com. I started a facebook "fan page" and sent out an invitation to all of my friends. Also, we created and took snapshots of other company's websites and decided to inherently take "a look" at the competition.
Springer Jewelers does not do a whole lot of marketing. If the 1980's carbon-copy receipts for charging credit isn't a clue, the business has brought people in solely because of word of mouth. I've noticed a whole lot of jewelry retailers trying to get into the e-market, and have a web presence. Most of us are really crossing our fingers though, this store was never set up for the vast "designer lines" and differentiation of products that you are seeing in the Fort Wayne market. Marketing to a constant connector demographic that is currently just graduating will be a huge problem for Springer Jewelers, and as the "rookie" it is my family-given right to try and fix this business.
I think that e-marketing and social network ideas are huge when it comes to this industry. Everyone is now checking for inventory before coming into the stores to buy their special people a gift. Springer Jewelers is posting its worst year ever, but I think that the market currently will be able to respect a jeweler who has been doing the right type of business for 77 years. However, time will only tell how much innovation an old-school small business might handle. I'll show you all some great ideas next week when it comes to launching a website.
Until then,
Have a great Christmas Eve, and remember the reason for the season.... "buying stuff" jk, its being with family and counting those blessings.
-Brad
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Welcome
Hello all. My name is Brad Springer. In order to enhance what this online site has to offer you, I would enjoy letting you know a bit about my areas of study at Marian University and some of the projects I have been fortunate to work with through my past years in academia. The major that I plan to graduate with in a few months is a Bachelor of Science in Marketing/Business Administration. My two minors are both Finance and Pastoral Leadership. I am also a part of Marian University's Liberal Arts "Honors Program."
As for my scholastic progression, I find that being at a school focused on Liberal Arts as a study has enhanced my business degree in a variety of ways. First, I am able with this degree to learn a great deal about Sociology, Psychology, Theology, History, and Political Theory. These courses would not be as available to me at an Institution that focuses solely on the study and science of Business. This has helped me deal with a great multitude of issues that business people hold dear: labor disputes, financial compensation, health care issues, decision making etc. It has also allowed me be able to broaden my experiences and learn how to think critically about other disciplines.
My two minors are also interesting when it comes how I will approach the topics covered in my courses and where I see them fitting into my ideas for running marketing/public relations/distribution/communications programs effectively. Finance as a minor has allowed for me to look critically at Financial Statements and the management of resources in a quantitative way. This I believe is essential in today's economy and business world. My other minor Pastoral Leadership, has allowed me to work with various non-for-profit organizations and given me a place to express ethical problems in the system we currently do business in. I also believe strongly in giving back to charitable organizations and churches, and plan on doing so upon my graduation. My Pastoral Leadership minor has made this possible.
When it comes to real world experience. I have been fortunate enough to work with Marian University's Scion Marketing Team by creating both my own advertising campaign, and working on raising funds for the Marian Motorsport Program for two years. I am also the president of Marian College's Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEOs). I have been fortunate with this group to travel to the CEO National Convention in Chicago and work with some extremely talented students in developing business ideas and meeting with Indianapolis entrepreneurs. I have interned as an Account Executive in a start-up advertising business based in Bluffton, Indiana, and am planning on working as a Marketing Consultant with a Fort Wayne business this upcoming winter and spring.
Through my education and experience it is important to note that as I approach various topics such as, effectively running an Integrated Marketing Communications project, leadership development as a constant factor in successful companies, strategic business simulations, and issues in current non-for-profits you will be challenged and entertained. Regardless, I want this blog to be a resource to my readers, especially business students to compare and contrast their programs and ideas with mine. It is through challenging ourselves to learn about other ideas that we form our own and bigger ideas. For companies, maybe this site will serve as a resource for what is being taught to those who would like to work for you one day. Finally, for those who are not necessarily interested in business, this may be a resource to start learning about marketing both yourself and the ideas you may have in your field of expertise. In closing, I hope we can all have fun bouncing ideas off of each other and learning respectfully with a degree of intelligence.
As for my scholastic progression, I find that being at a school focused on Liberal Arts as a study has enhanced my business degree in a variety of ways. First, I am able with this degree to learn a great deal about Sociology, Psychology, Theology, History, and Political Theory. These courses would not be as available to me at an Institution that focuses solely on the study and science of Business. This has helped me deal with a great multitude of issues that business people hold dear: labor disputes, financial compensation, health care issues, decision making etc. It has also allowed me be able to broaden my experiences and learn how to think critically about other disciplines.
My two minors are also interesting when it comes how I will approach the topics covered in my courses and where I see them fitting into my ideas for running marketing/public relations/distribution/communications programs effectively. Finance as a minor has allowed for me to look critically at Financial Statements and the management of resources in a quantitative way. This I believe is essential in today's economy and business world. My other minor Pastoral Leadership, has allowed me to work with various non-for-profit organizations and given me a place to express ethical problems in the system we currently do business in. I also believe strongly in giving back to charitable organizations and churches, and plan on doing so upon my graduation. My Pastoral Leadership minor has made this possible.
When it comes to real world experience. I have been fortunate enough to work with Marian University's Scion Marketing Team by creating both my own advertising campaign, and working on raising funds for the Marian Motorsport Program for two years. I am also the president of Marian College's Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEOs). I have been fortunate with this group to travel to the CEO National Convention in Chicago and work with some extremely talented students in developing business ideas and meeting with Indianapolis entrepreneurs. I have interned as an Account Executive in a start-up advertising business based in Bluffton, Indiana, and am planning on working as a Marketing Consultant with a Fort Wayne business this upcoming winter and spring.
Through my education and experience it is important to note that as I approach various topics such as, effectively running an Integrated Marketing Communications project, leadership development as a constant factor in successful companies, strategic business simulations, and issues in current non-for-profits you will be challenged and entertained. Regardless, I want this blog to be a resource to my readers, especially business students to compare and contrast their programs and ideas with mine. It is through challenging ourselves to learn about other ideas that we form our own and bigger ideas. For companies, maybe this site will serve as a resource for what is being taught to those who would like to work for you one day. Finally, for those who are not necessarily interested in business, this may be a resource to start learning about marketing both yourself and the ideas you may have in your field of expertise. In closing, I hope we can all have fun bouncing ideas off of each other and learning respectfully with a degree of intelligence.
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