Target Hits the Bullseye?

Target recently released a project which will use digital to add extra value for the consumer during the busy holiday shopping season. The idea allows the buyer to email their friends and family the item that they selected as the gift and the receiver can evaluate and return the gift in exchange for one of equal value all over the internet. This idea both adds value for the consumer by decreasing the time the consumer spends in store and decreases expenses for the company by reducing shipping costs among other operational fees. 

I'm interested to see how this venture develops. I don't know if it will be a resounding success as it doesn't take into account the value of the shopping experience or giving gifts in person, but I think this could be a perfect move when shopping for that third cousin twice removed.

KFC: The Colonel Takes On Tech

KFC is stepping into next-generation technology with their virtual reality “training” videos. The videos are published via the brand’s Youtube channel. Although the videos are portrayed as an employee training program or for employees only, the videos are cartoonish and clearly made to entertain a viewer. The content contains an escape room type game where the user learns to make KFC’s famous fried chicken and the graphics mirror closely those of video games like the Bioshock or Fallout video game series. KFC currently has three videos in the series with views ranging from 40K to 117K. This is a great example of brands manipulating new digital technologies to fit with the overall message and voice of the brand without allowing the technology to dictate the content. 

Assessing My Personality Type

In Social Media Marketing Strategy lecture, Professor Osbon outlined five different personalities found in a functional marketing team.

1) The User Advocate

2) The Cheerleader

3) The Cynic

4) The Risk-Taker

5) The Analyzer

The labels are fairly self-explanatory. The user advocate focuses on the needs of the user, the cheerleader supports and encourages the team through thick and thin, the cynic critiques the approach reigning in the wild ideas to stay on message, the risk taker comes up with the out of the box promotions, and the analyzer relies on hard data to find a path to move forward. 

I find that I most closely am defined as the Cheerleader. I like to promote progress and find a way to achieve goals despite the obstacles. There is always a way to success, and I enjoy helping others find that path. As with any group of generalized labels, I find that I show aspects of each. I am adaptable and could fit any of these labels should the need arise. If I were to rank these in order of how readily I would slip into each position I put them in the following order.  

1) The Cheerleader
2) The User Advocate
3) The Cynic
5) The Analyzer
4) The Risk-Taker

How would you rank your personality type? Do you fit into one box?