Consumerclusion

To wrap up everything I have talked about throughout this blogging process, for my Consumer Behavior Class, Empathy can be thought of as the overall theme. I had to think deeply into consumer behavior and empathize on what I found interesting. Exploring the ski industry, technology and personal experiences in and outside of class, I found identifying with consumer problems and creating a product to solve them. Empathy is understanding and with countless customer reviews companies have the ability to adapt.

My blogs definitely have the opportunity to expand on each individual post, but getting my writing out in a style I enjoy, is hopefully something blogger comments can help develop. I learned a lot about my writing style, often times finding it hard to dive deeper into my true thoughts, but providing  proven facts. This empirical blog is something, that has kept my mind open to consumer behavior and gave me a new perspective when interacting with people. Just by truly trying to understand that person.

I would have never seen myself keeping a blog, but after creating content and expressing my personal thoughts, it can be exhilarating. Although not completely invested in consumer behavior it is a major part of a marketing degree, beginning to understand what drives consumer purchases.

I hope to shift my up and coming blog posts to more adventure stores and my artistic steps, or inventions while maintaining an open mind, and observing the consumerism around me.   Thanks for Following my blog, hopefully my ski adventures attract more followers! CHEERS! Never stop Exploring

Consuming Technology

https://www.bhavinionline.com/tag/best-computer-and-technology-jokes-latest-whatsapp/

My last post I went on a little rant, but the frustration was real! Anyways, it might continue just slightly in a different direction. 

For this consumer Behavior blog, I will express my personal empirical observation of my day to day interactions due to technology. I think technology is a wonderful thing and can be very helpful and innovative to our future, but there is also a negative distraction that can be overwhelming with new technology. It is important to utilize technology for its ability to better your daily life. Instead of letting it control your daily activity. There is so much to explore and apps to help! Get out there!

"The average person has five social media accounts and spends around 1 hour and 40 minutes browsing there networks everyday." (telegraph 2016) Adding this up, makes you wonder if this social distraction is actual worth it. Consuming humorous videos, blog content, and awesome pictures is always a good reliefs to the daily stress, but limiting our time and not focusing are lives on social "likes" minimizes this technology as a distraction. It won't consume your life, just fill an uneventful moment. Expressing that whenever in public, there is always an eventful moment waiting to happen, like meeting the person or taking in the scene around you. Avoid dropping your focus to your tiny screen, and create some social interaction. The person next to you could have a much greater impact on your life than the viral video you've seen 40 times. I must say this is from my personal experience, I myself, get caught-up cruising the internet it is just something we all need to realize. It can become a complete distract of what is around you. 

Living in the moment is also something people struggle with when browsing social media, but when taking a new perspective it can create and capture the moment. Our devices do have so many useful applications to better ones life. It is just how we utilize these technologies as consumers, to prevent the problem the application was purposed for. Not allowing the technology to become the main focus, but the sidekick to your technology advancing daily lives. 


Reference on average person quote
telegraph 2016

Frustration of Consuming College

As  someone who is very fortunate to be given this opportunity to attend college I feel very lucky. My parents did not attend college and raised a family of 4 all making it through college. This is pretty remarkable. As I start my last semester of college I look back on my five years period and  plus wonder where the time has gone. Endless group projects plus working 40 hours a week, was a little insane but, in some points of college I almost felt I was learning how to bullshit just like high school. When I thought of College, I thought of individual focus to better our own skills to then apply to team situations.

Throughout my life I have been involved in sports teams, jobs, and group projects. In the end it was always a positive outcome learning from others and developing something as a group but, when does it become time to all stop focusing on the same final project or group assignment. In the end, the group usually divides up the work based on strengths and weaknesses, but what if everyone focused on their place of interest working on individual assignment to then collaborate with a larger group. This to me seems way more effective and goes along the lines of trying to teach a fish how to climb trees.

We all learn very different, and to be shoved into a curriculum when honestly come finals time, is a strategy to get by. Not retaining information, because focus is so broadly spread. I have to forget everything to pack in information for the next test. I understand Core classes are important for broadening opportunities and horizons, but wasn't that what High school was for. I knew I wanted to be a marketer, so why make me waste my time with 7 unnecessary credits next semester to meet university requirements. I literally have to take bowling and Yoga, next semester just to reach 19 credits (12 are non-business classes) and although that sounds nice, I am paying my hard earned money to waste time and effort. Not focusing on very in depth marketing strategies.

Potentially I am not making enough out of the situation, but don't get me wrong I have learned a ton from social experiences and interaction which i was so fortunate to obtain through a University. I just feel a revision in cirriculum could benefit the college generation and society as a whole.


Sorry it got a little wordy! please Leave comments

Inward vs Outward Marketing

This semester, we were fortunate to have a guest speaker come to class from BS media, and everything she explained summarized new marketing techniques and how to truly capture this new age consumer. The co-conspirator of BS media, Sarah had a very effective presentation regarding inward marketing and its effect empathizing with consumers. She expressed with how many products are on the market, it isn't enough to claim your product is the best. Word of mouth is the most effective marketing strategy, so making sure your product solves a consumer problem will create the buzz.

So how does a company gain credibility through inward marketing of listening to consumer reviews and catering to the needs of the consumer? Today the television advertisement with "non- actor" product recommendations from the general public, seem to come across as staged and ineffective. Consumer respect authenticity in a brand or company, and expect their product to stand alone representing the core competencies of the company. If the product does not overcome the problem it needs to solve, it will never gain credibility.

Consumers have the ability to read reviews, compare prices and find the best deals. As the consumer in this day in age, we have the upper hand. Companies have been meeting the demand with price forever, but now competition and R&D analysis is a major factor when meeting the demand of consumers.

Sarah stated, as I have stated throughout all my blogs, that empathy is how to drive customer leads and company success. Knowing their issues, evolving with expectations and focus on the inward touch points with all consumers. This is just some of the points I took away from this presentation, but I feel understanding inward marketing is the key to the future!

Please Comment

Consuming clean windows

Finding myself on some very interesting ventures, last summer I decided to run my own window cleaning service through College Pro. Needless to say I was slightly overwhelmed but also found myself connecting with consumers and learning what drives service needed purchases. Using College Pro Window my company was insured and had a beginning client base. So I had a staring point but gaining new clients was the most difficult part.

In Bozeman the money is there, and the demand for a clean nice view of the Bridger range is something that is important to the outside of town consumers. Me and my buddy decided to capture this market and through this we took away many things. Trust is something that isn't easily received in the service industry being all around peoples homes, getting rejected is something that happened often and the demand of a luxury is something that is hard to sell to the average consumer.

http://www.craighergert.com/montanapanoramic.com/components/com_redshop/helpers/thumb.php?filename=product/1334259046_jacksoncreekPoster.jpg&newxsize=1200&newysize=1200&swap=1

Our company which lasted a Summer, was very successful. Gaining more work than we could handle we began turning down jobs. Learning many things about consumers, being in around home all around Bozeman. If given the time of day, we were very good at converting to quotes and closing the deal. Me and my buddy, quickly found out our company was much more than just clean windows. Consumers wanted trust, and began to sympathize with two young college students running our own business. I began to think about any product and service, that is high in demand. This is because the product or service has a bigger value than its physical being. It is the  and the surrounding people that drives purchases. As well as, the background and the quality of service. Once people look past the front cover and look deeper into the company is where true value is found and loyalty is built. Consumers of window services mainly look for trust and our ability to gain a relationship from our introduction is what landed clients. Understand the consumer and their needs.

Through the semester we have learned, understanding empathy of a consumer or a company is most important. Consumers care who they support look further into what companies stand for. And for companies, understanding their target audience will help better connect to these consumers. After being in peoples homes we began to understand what they expect, and our word of mouth marketing was outstanding due to our empathy of customers.

Holiday Consumers

In this busy time, as the snow begins to fall and the holiday shopping begins to ramp up it is crucial to remember what is important during this time of year.  It is easy to get lost in giving the gift of the next best invention, or upgrade of an  outdated product. But how does one create value of the gifts they purchase which they assume their loved ones will appreciate?

Remember it is the thought that matters. Any gift will be appreciated so it is important to get that person something because it does mean the world to receive a gift. It is easy to get caught in the high price items showing how much you truly care, but their is so many other things to consider when finding the perfect gift. Things like usability, needs, wants, and the thought of being creative, thinking outside of the box to get the ultimate surprise. It isn't always easy, but this year think of something  that they can truly benefit from. It isn't about the jewelry necessarily, although the ladies love it, find a way to create value and flash into something that is useful and desirable. I am not talking to vacuum machines gentlemen. But more something within this persons deep passions will you find the gift that means the world.

I myself struggle hard as ever with this. So i tend to dislike this time of year. But trying to be optimistic. I think there is the perfect gift for everyone, and it is the untold creative ideas that will mean the most. Hopefully this post will help inspire consumers to look deeper into their gift giving this year. Now get out and find that gift!!! It means a ton!

Add caption

http://blogs.democratandchronicle.com/her-community/?p=3349

Empathizing with the Action Sports Industry

http://img2.10bestmedia.com/Images/Photos/325588/Breckenridge_54_990x660.jpg

Looking at the niche market, of action sports, it is a very close knit community with very similar needs. Yet all carrying an individual style of what they want. As consumers we all want the cutting edge technology, incorporating  our own the individual style into the gear we purchase. It is just like the mountain, everyone takes the same run, but no two ski it the same. Any ski resort, skate park, Bike track or mountain is the same. Every person  incorporates their own vision, all influenced by one another yet very different. Action sports are unique in a sense there is no team, everything is based on your performance and how your style was interpreted.

/ttps://i.ytimg.com
/vi/8MQhQ952Ej8/maxresdefault.jpg

So when doing consumer research how does one comprehend and incorporate all these individual styles. How do these companies drive the market and the flowing trends that flood the ski resorts, progressing styles through the youth? A major influence which drives the trends of gear and fashion are the professional sponsored athletes representing these companies.  Releasing pro models and video segments, of cutting edge technology and absolutely next level tricks and adventures.  These trends carry on to the next season driving sales and the endless wish lists around Christmas time.

The variety of products and brands helps drive the unique styles of skiing combining different brands, as the industry quickly becomes a fashion statement. The Consumer behavior of the ski market is fairly predictable with brand loyalty and release of new products. The advancement of technology and the progression of the content produced wearing or using this equipment grabs consumer attention. The individual style of skiing fuels the sport and the industry and is what makes consumer research of the niche market so in depth.

Consumer Behavior of a Ski Bum

(saucer Boy-Shane McConkey) "best skier ever"


So on my last post I got a little lost on a trip to Jamaica. But lets be honest the snow is falling and most importantly ski season is here. Dawn patrol is the real deal, up at 8 leaving Bridger Bowl at 4 the days of good times on the mountain are back. But how does one of these daily rippers able to sustain such a radical lifestyle? For being one of the more expensive action sports to get involved into there is a large population making it working and living the dream. Taking turns daily, Living off the good times the mountain provides.

Sharing some of my my personal experiences, I am sure there are many other consumers that could share the way to ski everyday. Feel free to leave a comment, adding in some consumer tips to "let er rip."

Quick  Consumer tips

• If your going to be crushing beers everyday, drink PBR.

• Cheap whiskey 

• Pack lunch

• Don't get lost in the resort food court, get out and slam a sandwich on the chair
• Ramen 
•  Grocery shop instead of gas station stops 
• 
  

• Buy a Van ( see previous posts)
• Know the gear, find the best deals 
• Go to shops to try on gear and then buy online
• Get friends with pro deals
• Rig up your D.I.Y tuning bench 
• Many ways to assemble workbench using two vice and a clamp to rest ski. 
• Work a night Job
• The service industry will make sure you can ski everyday before flipping burgers all night. 
• Carpool 
• ski with buddies, its more fun anyways

These are just a few ways myself as a ski bum get by. November through April is ski season and the die hard of the sport  have finely tuned to the lifestyle of a ski bum. Simple yet off the charts. Keeping an open mind and living life to the fullest on a daily basis. 

Spring Consumercation

           For my final semester of college I have decided to do it right and send it on the ultimate spring break trip. Over the past 4 years of college I have crushed Bridger Bowl or headed down to Steamboat, for some all time spring skiing. But this year we headed "down by the beach boi" (Half baked movie quote) headed to Jamaica!! I am incredibly stoked to head down and get tropical. But from a consumer stand point their is many things to learn  and get excited about when deciding to take these kinds of trips.

The Planning begins

First comes the idea, and assembling the crew! The people you go with is most important because you all have to function and collaborate to make the trip come together. Once the crew is dialed, the planning begins. Coordination, plane tickets, and living accommodations are most important and can be easy to get lost. Once you begin to buy the plane tickets, it all becomes real. The trip is happening and everyone is committed. This is a step many people as consumers need to overcome. Having a structured saving plans to make these large purchases in advance and plan the big day you are headed to the beach. Everyone one deserves a vacation because we only live once.


Once the tickets are purchased, the excitement begins. Anticipation builds and the imagination flourishes. These are the moments worth saving up for.  As consumers it is easy to make the little purchases here and there, but it is crucial to realize it all builds up. The regular bar tab is not conducive to a regular vacation. Justifying purchases with the true value and the opportunity cost involved thinking long term is how I made this trip to Jamaica happen.  Also having an awesome crew to light the fire under my ass.

We as Consumers get caught in the daily life of making a paycheck and paying rent. But for me I want to look further into life and find the true joys. Of course this daily grind is necessary, but so is taking time to explore and learn from outside experiences. I haven't met one person who hasn't said they changed for the better after traveling the world. As a consumer make the purchase and send it. Go Explore!!!!!!

Black Friday

The day some score righteous deals, while others look at our society and cringe. The day after giving thanks and being grateful is followed by the most greedy day of the year. It is consumer chaos purchasing anything in reach to get the good deal. You can't blame someone for trying to snag an awesome deal given the situation, but the fact that it follows a day when people and grateful to be with family and for what they are so fotunate to have. While some people cut this time short, skip dessert to wait in ridiculous lines.  Can't we all just have a day of turkey hangovers, reminiscing on how wonderful it is to be grateful instead of heading straight back to our greedy habits.  

The Holiday season is a time were for many money is a crunch, saving in anyway possible is completely necessary. I myself, get caught looking at the cyber Monday deals impulse buying things that most of the time are a luxury. The only thing I have bought on black Friday that was a must have, was a plane ticket. Besides this, a bunch of junk that is not exactly necessary. Is that present really going to mean as much to your loved one, worth leaving precocious family time to purchase this product. Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for the ones around you. Not to treat others with disrespect only to buy the massive television that will ruin your New Years resolution

This Video is graphic but is that consumer behavior that follows our most thankful day and it is outrageous. Enjoy! consume away, Stay safe out there. Please comment 

Consumer Fault Line Drawn

*Imagine from Faultine North's Facebook Page

Today I had the opportunity to meet with the founder and owner of Fautline North, a 

concert/recording studio in Bozeman, MT. As someone who is passionate and regular in the Bozeman music scene, there was more to take away from this visit than I  ever would of imagined. 

In this town we seem to get are far share, of a variety of music. From Bluegrass to Punk rock, the party is usually happening on a  downtown Friday or Saturday night. And when there is music in this town, there is usually beer. Having most venues in Bozeman be bars, people consume beer and there experience is complimented by music. This was the one thing David Hearst quickly found out after moving here from San Francisco, that the music scene is the drinking scene. Growing up David went to all ages punk rock shows where people came from all over to for the MUSIC!!!

Faultine North still hasn't been able to gain a beer and wine license, which means for an event to have drinks they have to cater with a bar service (usually Bar 9). Raising the cost and the risk of hosting an event. On top of the catering fees, the bigger bands everyone wants to see, expects a down payment to even come play the venue. So now the risk shifts to the venue and the promoter.  David expressed that he has experienced that people aren't as focused on the music, so they don't buy tickets in advance, or think the venue is far in the little town of Bozeman. From my experience it seemed, people today don't like to commit to the commute and the distance of not being able to head to the next bar, if the current one is lame. The venues location creates this distance where a driver  and a plan for the event is usually necessary. In the easy going town of Bozeman, everyone seems to go with the flow and  there is a lack of planning to go see a band they have never heard of. 

Picture From Cure From The Common, Music Villa
http://www.musicvilla.com/bozemans-newest-venue-is-faultline-north/

As a Venue Faultline is in a very tough spot. It is such a beautiful, well sounding venue with plenty of room for development with little in its favor at the moment. As consumers it is important to realize what goes into the music that comes through this town and, support the efforts that went into these events. Getting back to the meaning of music and enjoying it for what it is and how it makes you feel. Complimenting the tunes with some good friends and a few drinks, instead of booze being the main focus. Faultline experienced first hand, a tragic incident, were partying got taken to far. Completely out of their control, Faultine North still grieving over the lose of one attendee at an EDM performance. 

As Conusmers I think it is important to support live music, and make music the main focus to a good time. Everything in moderate except for music. Bring back the good times of music and SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC!!!!!!!

Plans after College as a Consumer

It all began when I was 3 years old, two hippy parents moved to Colorado from Michigan and found a love for the ski slopes. I was raised on the mountain, in a family of rippers. Waking up for first chair, hopping into the old 94 Chevy van, the entire family was headed for the ski slopes. As the van door slammed open we were all off in different directions. Tearing up the slopes until the sun went down. As I grow older and venturing off on my own ski driven adventure, I look back and all I can think is I NEED A VAN!

  Now when I took this idea to my father he was a little distraught. Giving me several reasons why I didn't need the van. I had one very important thing against him, he did the same thing! Although he thinks he has me convinced, he did make one very good point. From a consumer's perspective, always purchase something as an investment. I was very close to buying the junker van down the street. But my father made it clear, that it would just be a sunken cost, and eventually turn into a money hole. It is important to make the investment up front, and potentially raise its value. This goes for purchasing anything. "If you go cheap, don't expect a smooth ride,"is what my father always told me.
 My overall goal is to create living space within a utility van and chase the winter storm. As a low budget college student where do you find that medium balance?

Searching high and low for the best deal, on and off craigslist, it isn't easy to spot the best deals within the used market. It is important to understand your product, as well as its value to you as the consumer. Understanding the market, as well as other consumer reviews on the faults, and common fail trends of the product. Even more so important in today's society, with much more one on one sales with craigslist, people could tell you anything! People are good at telling the perks of the product and tend to hide the reason for selling. Don't get me wrong I love Craigslist, but it is just important to realize you have to be your own sales person and understand the product entirely before purchasing.

As I continue my search, hopes going up and down I can't seem to find the van that suites my needs. I have decided to take my time as a consumer, and fully analyze all options before jumping into a clunker money hole.






https://www.pinterest.com/explore/van-interior/

Pencil Lead Revolution

This is something I wrote to introduce myself as a writer, just  a poem about who I am as a writer and the places I hope it takes me:

PENCIL LEAD REVOLUTION

By Greg Roberts

I want my writing to have meaning,

While keeping my voice from within me.

Personality always changing

Because my mind is rearranging.

Always writing for a purpose,

But for judgment, it ain’t worth it.

I want my writing to spread a message.

Not spreading fear from the neglected.

Looking at life a better way,

By standing up to society

And the ones who commit crimes, just to get on national TV.

As our world lives in fear,

I want my writing to spread a cheer.

A pencil lead revolution

As we live in a nation, full of pollution.

Put down your weapons

As our history shows, taking lives doesn’t teach lessons.

Taking passion in what we believe

While taking my writing experiences to many different countries.

Expanding my horizons,

while  keeping an open  mind.

Bringing peace to the human kind.

There is no way that my writing could do this all

But as I looked into the future, peace is what I saw.

About myself and Consumer Behavior Introduction

     Hello my name is Greg Roberts, a student studying at the fabulous mountains and minds college of Montana State University. Usually consuming more of the outdoors than classroom time, I am a very visual person, consuming most of my  learning experiences in the outdoors. As a marketing major, I find myself trying to understand consumer's behavior within the social groups of my surroundings. Curious about brand techniques and what drives a consumer to place a massive sticker on the back of their car to be affiliated with a brand? I mentioned I loved the outdoors, but skiing is my main hobby and in action sports especially brand affiliation drives the sport. There seems to be so many questions as to what drives a consumer to make purchases and become loyal with a brand. As an introduction to my blog I hope to analyze some of the questions which  I brew, whether over a pint of beer, or to and from business class.

A little more about myself, I grew up in Denver, Colorado and moved to Montana 5 years ago. As a senior in college I have consumed the last 5 years as a broke college kid living on frozen pizza and beer.  Trying to better myself in this world, I have looked to better my habits with Freestyle skiing and endless hours of skateboarding. As a city kid out here in the Big sky country, shooting guns when I can and ripping dirt bike whenever possible I would say I am starting to fit right in. Lets be honest you can probably already tell I am not much of a writer but if you check back every  once in a while I might have something to strike a chord. Here is a video, which is a little outdated but gives an overview of my shenanigans.