This past week has been filled with selling and marketing the calendars. As of today, we have sold 32 calendars equalling $480 in revenue. At the beginning of the project, we had decided to buy 100 calendars for $533, so we only need to sell 4 more to make profit. We are really close, but at the same time, I know our group still has a lot of work to do. Winter vacation is in a few days, and when we come back to school, it will already be past the new year and christmas. People will no longer need gifts for the holidays, and most will already own a calendar for the 2015 year. Looking back, I wish our group had just bough the 25 package or the 50 package. I think we would have made more profit and not have a few dozen calendars lying around. Even still, I believe we will sell a couple dozen more, and have no doubt that we will make at least a couple hundred dollars for the Athletic Department.
This past week, my group and I took a risk that I believed paid off. The first two weeks, we marketed the calendars by using posters and social media. This week, we decided we could reach the entire market of teachers easily if we spread the word through the teacher email system. When Clay and I designed the new posters which featured model Kate Upton and Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, I knew there were going to be people (especially teachers) that would not find our marketing strategy amusing or even appropriate. At the same time, I really did not care because I knew that we were not breaking an rules and it was a strategy hundreds of professional companies have done before. Nothing spreads faster than a little controversial marketing. And it worked- a couple teachers contacted us to buy calendars! I think this entire project has been a great learning experience and I regret none of my actions.
I hear you, from a marketing stand point, but how about from a social and moral standpoint. Sure, you're making a few more bucks, but you're also participating in the objectification of women and men. You're endorsing a certain type of advertising. Is that OK? You are part of something that is known to be harmful to young women and young men. Sure, many companies do this. But is this really who you want to be?
ReplyDeleteYour post makes me think that either the apology you guys posted was insincere or that you did not agree with what Clay wrote. To be honest, either way would be a surprise to me. It's not who I thought you were. You should re-think this. I'm pretty sure you're not a person who puts money and success before the well being of others.