Ferguson and Marketing

The issue in Ferguson, Missouri is difficult to follow, and to figure out who is to blame. The public is obviously stating their opinion to the nation in who they think is in the wrong. In most situations the police are using riot gear to “protect” the community. “Police officers in riot gear over reacted by trying to shut the media down. They tear-gassed a TV crew working on a stand-up two blocks from the action. That is standard operating procedure in Syria, not the United States”(http://www.wdrb.com/story/26319335/pov-ferguson-missouri-how-not-to-handle-a-crisis-81914). An affective picture I saw today was about a dozen police wearing riot gear aiming their weapons to a unarmed person; isn’t that what took place in the incident that caused this?  Another issue is how the local police are treating the video evidence; the use of the video is considered “irrelevant”. But the video is relevant; it basically shows the teen is a troublemaker.  Also the federal government gave the local police all the military type weapons they are using. "He shot again and once my friend felt that shot he turned around and put his hands in the air and started to get down, and the officer still approached with his weapon drawn and fired several more shots."( http://www.cbsnews.com/news/thousands-march-at-vigil-for-teen-killed-in-police-shooting). Another reporter stated that the military isn’t allowed to point their weapons at unarmed suspects. “The White House-led review will consider whether the government should continue providing such equipment and, if so, whether local authorities have sufficient training to use it appropriately, said senior administration and law enforcement officials. The government will also consider whether it is keeping a close enough watch on equipment inventories, and how the weapons and other gear are used”( http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2014/08/23/obama-orders-review-arming-police-with-military-grade-tools/2fdn3Vf4LpQg8NVHi7zZjM/story.html). But the police are using the military weapons, so they are not properly trained to be using those weapons. Which also says that the police are not there to protect the people of the community, but basically defending themselves from them.

Networking In America

In this episode they were finally getting their sample for the denim line. Ben tried contacting his friend, but the calls were never successful. They managed to meet Ben’s high school friend that has established himself as a successful man in the denim industry. All of them sat for a cup of coffee and they pitched their denim line to them, his friend seemed interested and hooked them up to pitch their line again to a Japanese designer. “Share your passion. Win people over with your enthusiasm for your product or service. Leave a lasting impression by telling a story about why you were inspired to create your company. Talking about what you enjoy is often contagious, too. When you get other people to share their passion, it creates a memorable two-way conversation” (http://www.entrepreneur.com).  Both Ben and Cam went to pick up their denim from the manufacture, and what they received isn’t what they had in mind. Ben refused to go meet the Japanese designer but Cam didn’t get discouraged and went. Ben met up with him at the designer’s office, but a couple of things they did wrong was have business cards ready, and having more jeans to show. They finally met with the designer and he didn’t like their jeans. But while they were leaving he noticed Ben’s shirt, and he asked to make 300 more. Cam accepted immediately, and they had their first deal. “Remember, networking is all about relationship building. Keep your exchange fun, light and informal – you don't need to do the hard sell within minutes of meeting a person. The idea is to get the conversation started. People are more apt to do business with – or partner with – people whose company they enjoy.”(http://www.entrepreneur.com).  Cam is great at that; he is enthusiastic about getting their line out there to as many people as he can.” Remember to follow up. It's often said that networking is where the conversation begins, not ends. If you've had a great exchange, ask your conversation partner the best way to stay in touch.”(http://www.entrepreneur.com).  

Hot Coffee Case

The infamous “Hot Coffee” case where a 79-year-old woman, Stella Liebeck, spilled McDonald’s on her lap. The actual facts state that after purchasing the coffee she got into the car, which her grandson was driving, and she put the coffee in her lap attempting to take the lid off of it. While removing the lip the 180-190 degree coffee spilled all over her lap causing third-degree burns on her thighs and groin areas. After being hospitalized she settle a claim for $20,000 but McDonald’s refused. McDonald’s had many previous cases about their hot coffee, but none of them were taken seriously except this one.  Later she sent a letter asking to pay for her medical expenses, McDonald’s gave her $800 after they received her letter. She then went to court few more times; she said that she was not in it for the money. Liebeck just wanted the coffee to be lowered to a comfortable temperature.  McDonald’s sell to mostly sell the coffee to customers that are on their way to work, so they think that they will drink it when they get there not in the car.  They also said the customers want the coffee hot, so that’s how they always made it. The company also said that there is not a warning side but a “reminder” that the coffee is hot. The jury said that Liebeck was 20 percent at fault for what happened, so the compensation damages were cut to $160,000, but rewarded her $2.7 million in punitive damages. The money she received oddly equaled two days of coffee sales at McDonald’s. After the trial a local McDonald’s said that they lowered the coffee temperature to a comfortable 158 degrees. In my opinion both McDonald’s and Liebeck were at fault. Yes the coffee was hot, but it was her choice to open the coffee in the car.

More in America Week 3

Ben and Cam compliment each other really well. Ben usually thinks before he acts on things; and Cam on the other hand is more ambitious and doesn’t think of what could be the end result. Ben superpower in this episode would have to be the knowledge he has for denim. He studied in an art college, and he says he’s been wearing denim for fifth teen years of his life.  Cam on the other hand; works for anything that has to do with money. He is constantly on his grind for the denim line they are trying to peruse.  That is also Cam’s best value, and this episode demonstrates that he does what ever he has to do to make money for the pattern cutter. Their denim is styled by 1970s punk rock and hip-hop; their “Crisp” will help them differentiate from their competitors. They surround themselves around a small group of friends, which attend a lot of parties where Ben and Cam network with other people in the industry.  Even though they rarely have any financial plans they have the passion to be successful. Ben has the better business and marketing background, and Cam has the street-smart marketing techniques. This episode he took advantage of uptown private school kids to sell all the skateboard decks. Cam sold all the decks and got money for the pattern cutter. If it wasn’t for Cam’s ambition they would’ve had to settle for the pattern cutter and Ben would’ve of paid his rent. They paid $1500 for one sample for their jeans, when they dropped the denim off they were complimented how nice their denim was. I think their sample will pay off because they started some type of business play that will help their money management. If they stay of their grind the “Crisp” Denim will be successful.