THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024

 THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024 - MARKETING CONTINUED

Marketing is basically telling somebody how much they need an item. Marketing leads to sales, sales leads to jobs, manufacturing, trucking, delivery, employment for sales reps, costumer service reps, and online phone reps. 

The basic principles of marketing are the four Ps:

Product

The product or service being sold should meet the needs of your target customer.

Price

The product should be priced at a level that meets consumer expectations.

Place

The product should be available in the suitable locations for customers to buy it.

Promotion

Customers should be informed about the product's availability, price, and location.

*****

Marketing is changing. Artificial Intelligence is going to shift marketing into top gear.

When I’m online, I’ve noticed that the ads are more tailored to me. Yes. I’ve been trying to manipulate my ads. When I got my first bra ad (probably after a Google search for bras). I clicked on the ad, and I got more. When I searched for IPL devices (intense pulse light), I got a lot of ads. Some transgender women get laser hair removal. I couldn’t afford that, so I shave daily- although my beard growth isn’t much. The IPL devices supposedly remove hair follicles. And, in general, it has worked.  

(Sorry for the next). There have been just a few times with incontinence - so as I search for that term, I get ads for all kinds of solutions.  

I’m making a trip to the Grand Canyon, Zion. Bryce, and Arches Nationa Parks in June. I have been getting ads for sightseeing and businesses in those areas.  

-*****

I bought Sparky (my Chevrolet Spark) in 2021, so I’m guessing that car ads will start to appear more frequently.

I get ads for Barry Manilow’s and Herb Alpert's concerts (I don’t get ads for music that appeals to a younger crowd). I guess my age, gender, and activities determine my ads.

I rarely get ads for pet foods (I don’t have pets). 

*****

What if the marketing people knew pretty much all about you? 

Let’s say they have copies of my credit card purchases, grocery lists, shoe size, TV programs I watch, sports I follow, alcohol consumption (and if so, what), exercise, job, investments, family, children, spouse, and health record.  

Maybe I would get a text message like this:

Hey Karen, your Spark just hit 50,000 miles. We know you want a newer car with more legroom and headroom. You need something more significant to take your tuba and friends Mary and Bonnie to your concert. I know you talked about acTesla in the past. With your credit rating, we can get you a new Tesla for 2.9% interest. 

****

Humor - but maybe not so funny:

ORDERING PIZZA IN THE FUTURE

CALLER: Is this Gordon's Pizza?

GOOGLE: No, sir, it's Google Pizza.

CALLER: I must have dialed the wrong number. Sorry.

GOOGLE: No, sir, Google bought Gordon’s Pizza last month.

CALLER: OK I would like to order a pizza.

GOOGLE: Do you want your usual, sir?

CALLER: My usual? You know me?

GOOGLE: According to our caller ID data sheet, the last 12 times you called, you ordered an extra-large pizza with three kinds of cheese, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and meatballs on a thick crust.

CALLER: OK, That’s what I want ...

GOOGLE: OK, could you order a pizza with ricotta, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives on a whole wheat gluten-free thin crust this time?

CALLER: What? I detest vegetables!

GOOGLE: Your cholesterol is not good, sir.

CALLER: How the hell do you know!

Google: Well, we cross-referenced your home phone number with your medical records. We have your blood results for the last seven years.

CALLER: OK, I do not want our rotten, vokable pizza! I already take medication for my cholesterol.

Google: Excuse me, sir, but you have not taken your medication regularly. According to our database, you purchased only a box of 30 cholesterol tablets once at Drug RX Network four months ago.

CALLER: I bought more from another drugstore.

GOOGLE: That doesn’t show on your credit card statement.

CALLER: I paid in cash.

GOOGLE: But you must withdraw more cash according to your bank statement.

CALLER: I have other sources of cash.

GOOGLE: That doesn’t show on your last tax return unless you bought them using an undeclared income source, which is against the law.

CALLER: WHAT THE HELL!

Google: I'm sorry, sir. We use such information only to help you.

CALLER: Enough already! I'm sick to death of Google, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and all the others. I'm going to an island without an Internet connection or cable TV, where there is no cell phone service and no one to watch or spy on me.

Google: I understand, sir, but Alexa says you need to renew your passport first. It expired six weeks ago.

*****

Scary and not too far away in the future!!!

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, May 16, 2024