Switching On the Sun

Colonial mentality seems to have been disjointedly ingrained from Western impact to Asian influence. Manifesting its significant sway is attributable to the ‘Korean invasion’ of which is interestingly personified through K-pop culture. From kimchi to Samsung for instance is how Korea’s collective impression has evolved into the likes of world-renowned lifestyles. Kimchi is one among a select few trade names Korea was just known for until their innovative technology got its current global reach for a market similarly consumed by more than just their aforementioned staple ‘appetizer’. Likewise whetting the general civilization’s appetite for revolution, Korea’s own brand Samsung among others has introduced not just its modern inventions but also themselves as an entity worthy of tremendous following. From smart phones capable of getting in-touch with the world to producing trends worthy of being emulated as much as downloaded through these technological breakthrough mobiles, it has estab...

If it’s any manifestation of amusement, the new Department of Tourism’s slogan is indeed living up to its meaning as it is eliciting so much excitement. If the initial intent is to draw awareness, then such advertising campaign is a clever inducement. However, would it similarly attract its target market – the tourists? And would it generate economic growth? Fact is that it is the key rationale. In view of that though, may we not be accused of false advertising; more so, such “branding” be attributed as merely for the sake of commerce. How could it not appear as if it’s just business when even among its own people, ridicule is apparent. It is as if there’s no serious truth to it considering the “unflattering reality” behind every mockery comes from among those who could attest to its “funny” exactness. Yet then again, the fun-loving disposition of Filipinos in whatever circumstance is one engaging fact. Even under depressing situation, we get to good-naturedly joke and optimi...

Every Wednesday morning, my usual remark addressed to my wife goes something like “Where’s my Wednesday socks?” “You have a certain pair of socks for Wednesdays? – What a loser!” would be a perceptible smirk-inducing thought that she responds with. I make sure I wear thicker socks during Wednesdays. Before you even agree with my wife’s “loser” comment, reason for its use provides more comfort. I walk more often on Wednesdays given the scheduled number-coding traffic scheme. Coincidentally, and as a matter of observation, it usually rain on Wednesdays. To avoid getting drenched, running is made easier with a more comfortable footwear. Thus, a thicker pair of socks serves me just right. As if Wednesday’s hassle isn’t enough, the other day, I’ve been work-analyzing some marketing matter on the lowest foot traffic-generating day on a given month for the past 5 months and true enough, Wednesday tops it all. Alarmed of a possible off-putting turnout, similarly I’ve figured that the l...

Marketing is a conscious effort to establish reciprocal advantage subsequent to a sustainable patronage. The awareness factor is a manifestation of one’s seriousness for such trade. The mutually beneficial aspect is rather aimed at expressing impartiality. Jointly put into effect, it initiates realization for growth. Academic as it may sound; one does not have to get into formal learning for marketing adeptness. Come to think of it, at an early age, we already make an effort to market ourselves if only to gain a want or a need; for instance, bargaining ensues between parent and child for (say) good school grades. Citing a more cognizant state, same thing transpires during courtship. A young man (marketer) would most probably “sell” himself (PR) to the girl (as his target market or for partnership) ; whereas girls, in a most likely circumstance, would actually put on a more mindful effort to look attractive (that’s visual merchandising) . Looking good for both parties is an eleme...

“Worth it” is what makes shopping considerably inviting. Shopping should be worth the trip; worth the expense; worth the merchandise; worth the experience; worthy of a smile and worthy to be told… One thing every selling personnel should understand is that the whole shopping experience for customers starts from the moment they thought of buying something from a shop. Their expectation of satisfaction begins even before making a purchase; even before hearing those shopping attendant’s uttered welcome greeting “Good morning Sir/Ma’am, enjoy your shopping!” Therefore at a store’s end, they should have a mindset that their goods and services live up to its general idea as feel-good items and moments. More so, their role is to ensure that such experience will be carried out satisfyingly. With that as a selling point, every customer’s day of shopping with them will start off with excitement and anticipation. Thus, selling personnel have to feel the same enthusiasm in making sure that cust...

A trip to the bank as the saying goes connotes satisfaction as it means cashing in. I recently went to a bank but to rather settle an obligation. Still glad though as I still have the finances to clear dues. Affiliation aside, I thought I’d try to go through the standard process if only to prove how their customer service corresponds with their catchphrase. Their slogan seems to be suggestive of getting things done with whatever means just when things are seemingly inaccessible, so they say. Implying that they find ways, I wonder if it holds true in rendering service in an appropriate manner. Does dealing with customers a part of finding ways on how every transaction would be as contentedly attainable? As if rooted on the ground having to stand for quite a while wasn’t wearing enough, the long queue likewise made it all the more uneasy. For a big company, there were no queue numbers for should’ve-been (or preferably) seated clients. The number of clientele might have outnumbere...

The element in “element of surprise” is, as it actually suggests, an elemental factor in hyping up what is to be open to the elements. Too much elements? Exactly the point. Or (quite apt) exactly the element… Stirring some suspense for an anticipated revelation further intensifies excitement. ‘Teasers’ for one is an element. It drives curiosity to keep track until it’s satisfied. Satisfaction however should have a sustainable touch that would allow for a possible carry-over. The now former Cavalier LeBron James’ recent “The Decision” created quite a stir that made headlines as much as headaches. The group responsible for such hoopla did well in having it hyped as they have probably expected. However, the manner by which it was decided on how it is to take effect was not of a sound decision. It was noise. After which, it has created louder noise… Sound and noise differ like that of marketing and business though complementary. The soundness of marketing basics is to be sounded off...

Firstly, Merry Christmas! Though ‘lastly’ would seem to be a more fitting inception since it’s been a while… When was the last? I’ve wanted to write about a lot of issues including what took a toll on why I haven’t blogged for quite a time. Busy! Somehow, Marketing’s 4 P's (Product, Price, Place, and Promotion) seemed to have made sure of that… However, what really demanded of my time are similarly insistent 4 P's – Peak season, Party, Priority and Paternity. During these Holidays for a peak season I make sure festivities (or any form of a clients’ manifestation of the Christmas Spirit) live up to the concerned parties’ expectations as much as deliver likely results for our company. And as if that’s not taxing enough, as soon as I get home, I still have to set priorities being a father. It’s all worth it! For now, I just want to wish everyone Happy Holidays!!! ‘Lastly’ would not be appropriate after all… Till next…

Upon entering some establishment, we were welcomed with greetings uttered with passion. As soon as such welcoming was delivered, they proceeded with what they were doing as if the greeting was obligatory. I didn’t feel the sincerity. Though, I didn’t bother. Some sensitive customers would have reacted… While the misconstrued saying “The customer is always right” gives customers prerogative to loftiness, it gives service personnel conscientiousness to servitude. What is discontenting about this though is not the sense behind it, may it be politically right or otherwise, but the unlikely nature on how the workforce applies impartiality regardless of the situation it represents. Modesty and patience are considerable factors. These attributes are relatively important when interrelating with people from different walks of life. Accordingly, working in an environment where consumers as customers are the main source of an establishment’s bread and butter, they also deal with ‘indirect cu...