Is This The End???

Sadly yes it is, the end of this blog series that is. My semester is ending in a short 12 days (Yes, I am counting down), not only does this mean that I have one semester of College left, but it also means that my Marketing class and thus this blog is coming to a close. Even my professors are happy that the end is near, in one of my other classes my professor let us out early simply because he did not feel like doing the next activity. Getting out thirty minutes early was like an early Christmas present for me that I was very happy to receive. I can’t wait to go home to see my family and enjoy the rest of the Holiday Season, this is my favorite time of the year and I love to spend it with my loved ones. The meme below perfectly depicts how I feel at the end of the semester.

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These past weeks have been so fun and I have learned a lot from running this marketing blog. I’m can say that although I have probably gave you guys some new information I have learned quite a lot from you. I know, I know it’s cliché of me to say that but it’s true. Being able to repeat information that you have learned is good and all but the ultimate test is being to teach someone else. It is through writing these blogs for you guys that I have been able to get a better understanding of the various marketing topics I have discussed.

To review some of the concepts that I found most important for me to remember as a consumer. As you can imagine the marketing mix is so important, it really describes why products/services are put into existence and how companies get consumers to purchase their products. As you may remember, the marketing mix or the 4 P’s consists of: Product, Price, Place and Promotion. One thing that I have learned from this class is that the “Place” goes far beyond where the final product is sold, it also includes where it is manufactured, how it is distributed and things of the like.

http://www.professionalacademy.com/media/images-news/marketing_mix.png

Another main concept is the many different needs that consumers have which drives us to buy. Again you guys may remember the Hierarchy of Needs, which basically states that there are different needs that we have to fulfill through our actions. If you look at the image below you see that psychological needs are the most important as they provide you with the basis to live a basic life. The sad thing is that some people may use this hierarchy of needs as an excuse to buy when that is not always the case. Of course for psychological needs you need to have money to purchase a home, clothes, food and the other necessities. However the ultimate need is to fulfill the self-actualization needs. This need goes beyond the retailer. These needs can only be fulfilled by having morals and seeing yourself as valuable. What can make it difficult for some is that they associate their purchases with status and that the more things they have will cause them to be accepted.

  http://www.hivehealthmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/maslows-hierarchy.jpg

In my eyes the best way to fulfill the self-actualization is to obviously fulfill the other needs first but once you reach that time do the things you are called to do. Do the things that make you feel like you’ve made a difference or reflect your morals. For me, if I can afford to I would love to do more service trips both locally and abroad. Here at Saint Michael’s College I have been blessed to serve twice in the Dominican Republic. This trip really changed my view on life and made me want to serve in other ways. I’m not too sure if service is my exact purpose but I know at feel very at ease when I am serving others. Have you guys had a moment like this?

Well this is it guys! I hope you guys have enjoyed going along this journey with me as we all learned the many avenues of Marketing. I know I sure have, this was my first blog ever and although it was a part of class I have enjoyed every second of it. I hope that I helped you guys in some way shape or form. Have a good one!