All companies are talking about value. According to Brandweek, word value in marketing is most used and abused in this recession.
In India, all retailers are playing me-offering-lowest-price plank. Realtors have lost lot of wealth by investing in luxury housing projects and to regain some of that wealth; they are launching affordable housing projects in hordes.
In US, Microsoft is shouting aloud, through flurry of advertisements, that PCs are cheaper than Macs.
However, certain Japanese companies are bucking this trend. They are also adding value but after carefully studying the changes happening in consumer behavior. Japanese organizations are playing on price, selling what customers want, tweaking the distribution channels and are using consumer insights to gain businesses. Tough times ask for innovative solutions and Japanese are doing it.
There are some community newspapers which are doing well in US (sorry lost the link somewhere) while big newspapers are struggling to maintain their circulation numbers. Reason – they are offering local news and content which is relevant to their local user. Advertisers prefer these community newspapers as they were able to reach out to their target customers.
In India, all retailers are playing me-offering-lowest-price plank. Realtors have lost lot of wealth by investing in luxury housing projects and to regain some of that wealth; they are launching affordable housing projects in hordes.
In US, Microsoft is shouting aloud, through flurry of advertisements, that PCs are cheaper than Macs.
However, certain Japanese companies are bucking this trend. They are also adding value but after carefully studying the changes happening in consumer behavior. Japanese organizations are playing on price, selling what customers want, tweaking the distribution channels and are using consumer insights to gain businesses. Tough times ask for innovative solutions and Japanese are doing it.
There are some community newspapers which are doing well in US (sorry lost the link somewhere) while big newspapers are struggling to maintain their circulation numbers. Reason – they are offering local news and content which is relevant to their local user. Advertisers prefer these community newspapers as they were able to reach out to their target customers.
Community newspapers are hiring out of job local to deliver newspapers. Their growth is also attributed to some basic customer service skills which are imparted to newspaper delivery boys and thus delivering an enhanced customer experience which national newspapers are not able to do.
These are tough times for businesses and they demand innovative solutions. Yes, value is important and in the end, things you stand for will determine your value.
These are tough times for businesses and they demand innovative solutions. Yes, value is important and in the end, things you stand for will determine your value.
by Ramesh , on April 17, 2009 7:44 PM
You are absolutely right. Value is the key. And its not the same as low price - If a company offers genuine value to a consumer then he or she will pay. Its the gimmmickry and a shoddy product asking for a high price that will be kicked out of the park.
by sammythewizzy , on April 18, 2009 12:48 AM
Very true in the end products with quality and good value are the ones which give a customer most satisfaction and consequently are the most sucessful.. Good post :)