Let’s retrospect for a bit, shall we? How many of us have seen an ad, and instantly thought, “I gotta have one of those!” I can proudly announce I am a proud victim of marketing forces. You name it, I’ve tried it. From haircare products, skincare products, supplements to the quite recent iTouch.
Let’s face it. We rarely (not never, just rarely) buy items because they have excellent features. We buy the items because we have been INFLUENCED. It could be by an ad, by a neighbor, by social pressure or even the awesome specifications sheet because you liked the grain of the paper.
Mac product owners, lets high five! You and I are both proud victims of the marketing forces pulled by the famous Apple. Most of you have an iPad now, claiming that you purchased it due to “the need to stay in touch”, “its excellent features”, “convenience” and so on and so forth. I’m not denying it has awesome features but hey, Bill Gates talked about the invention of tablet PC’s in 2001. Did anyone give a damn? I don’t think so. And did you know there is an excellent tablet PC found by a friend of mine in China, which has features, quite close to iPads? Granted, when you hear “China” you mostly think “fake” but it all comes down to marketing, doesn’t it?
I admire the late Steve Jobs and his tactical marketing strategies and he has definitely brought Apple to its position today. Salute to u,Mr!
The power of marketing has such powerful forces that when you don’t think quite clearly, you get stuck in its prophecies and it almost feels degrading to leave. Be careful, we’re talking about non-vital stuffs. Of course owning it is not necessary. Of course it will not dramatically change your life. But when you eat an ice cream, do you think of the proteins that will enhance your body? You don't, it just feels nice eating it at that specific moment in your life!
So, a good suggestion from me, as a marketing graduate, to all of you is that, think smart and shop smart. Moreover, do your research! Good ads don’t necessarily come with good products. The other way around works too. Rely on advertising for information, not decision. Cheers
