By kphirst on March 3, 2009
The U.S. Postal Service, the nation’s third largest employer, is down in the down economy. In the fiscal year ending September 2008 there were 9.5 billion fewer letters and packages mailed than the year before – a loss of $2.8 billion. To save money the Postal Service adjusted routes, offered early retirement and reduced sorting [...]
Posted in Develop Your Skill
By kphirst on January 20, 2009
To increase profitability Reynolds America, the second largest U.S. tobacco company, introduced a new product – snus. Snus is a tiny, tea-bag-like pouch of tobacco that’s tucked between cheek and gum. It was invented in Sweden, but has been banned by all other European Union nations since 2004 because of carcinogen concerns. Although researchers say [...]
Posted in Develop Your Skill
By kphirst on November 26, 2008
While other companies curtail advertising spending because of the economic slowdown, Anheuser-Busch has initiated a $50 million campaign to promote its most popular brand – Bud Light. Ads featuring humorous situations tell consumers all beers aren’t the same – that Bud Light has taste but won’t fill them up. The new ads have the tag [...]
Posted in Develop Your Skill
By kphirst on October 15, 2008
The biggest investment most people make is a house. Then there’s the cost of maintenance, repairs and improvements. After a few years remodeling is a possibility, but insurance is a must. With a house it’s always something; but as long as the interest on mortgages is tax deductible, homeowners can sleep in a tax shelter. [...]
Posted in Develop Your Skill
By kphirst on September 4, 2008
Bratz, the 10-inch, clothes-conscious dolls, are big business. In 2007 they outsold Barbie, which more than upset Barbie’s manufacturing mama, Mattel. Not only did the Bratz feature film, games and music albums make Barbie look like just another dumb blond, but the designer who conceived Bratz dolls for MGA Entertainment didn’t play nice. He was [...]
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By kphirst on August 5, 2008
As a child my financial planning consisted of a piggy bank and a grandmother who told me a penny saved is a penny earned. Coinstar, the maker of coin-counting machines, estimates 65% of Americans save pennies. This translates into $7.7 billion of pennies. When the economy is good, more pennies are saved. When the economy [...]
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By kphirst on April 4, 2008
Think savings – think bank. I remember being given lollipops at the bank when I was a little girl. That’s when banks gave toasters for opening new accounts and gave calendars for Christmas. Banks have changed. Now some give free checking accounts, some give free use of ATM’s and some give free safety deposit boxes. [...]
Posted in Develop Your Skill
By kphirst on April 3, 2008
Advertisers buy time on television shows based on demographics – statistical data showing the age, sex, income, etc of viewers. More men watch sports. More women watch daytime talk shows. More children watch cartoons. By knowing who’s watching what when, advertisers can spend promotion dollars with an ad-vantage.
The Ab Rocket ads appeal to [...]
Posted in Develop Your Skill
