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Working Beyond Retirement, Even Beyond Death

There are many dead celebrities who are still making money.  These celebrities have clothing, memorabilia, stores, products - you name it - with their name still attached to it. For example, we have all seen Elvis's face on something. A lunchbox, t-shirt, poster, etc.  Not only is he profiting through clothing, but he has attractions that earn money.  Graceland is a very popular place to visit simply because Elvis lived there. There are many others who are still making money beyond the grave. We all know Sam Walton's name has continued on within the store names of Wal-Mart and Sam's Club.  Arnold Palmer has a drink named after him and is well represented in the world of golf. James Cash Penney opened JC Penney in 1902 and the name hasn't been changed in 100+ years. Marilyn Monroe’s face is on lots of purses and t-shirts.  Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch is still in operation, but has changed hands a few times. He also has songs, albums, and tons of memorabil...

Observation Versus Survey. Actual Versus Recorded Behavior

Sometimes people have a hard time answering questions regarding habitual things or things that they may be embarrassed for others to know about. David Kelley mentions problems pumping gas in a presentation he gave. People were asked if they have trouble pumping gas and they said no. However, when you watch people, a good amount of people have issues getting gas on their clothes. Some other areas where this may happen can involve habits. For example: how many times a week do you eat fast food? We may be inclined to say 1-2 times a week; but, in reality, it could be closer to 5 times.  This could help a company such as Hello Fresh appropriately gauge the need for their services.  If people were more truthful with their answer, we would see a larger need for a service that encouraged people to cook at home. Another questions could be: how many alcoholic beverages do you consume per week on average? People have a rough idea of what is socially acceptable and what nu...

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

There are five levels on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. According to Maslow, we all start at the bottom of the pyramid and work towards the top. We start by achieving our most basic needs first. There is no advancement up the pyramid until those basic needs are met. We do not move up to and stay at any certain level. It is a fluctuating system. Our place on the pyramid is determined by situations that happen in our lives. According to menwithpens.ca, we don't seem to really care when we fill a need. However, unfulfilled needs are a big deal.  They make us worry and stress about achieving said goal. For example, if you have trouble socially or among your peers, you feel insecure about yourself until you have achieved a hire social status among said peers.  Once you can break down the levels in the hierarchy, you will know where your target demographic lies.  This is helpful so that you are not talking over anone's head or trying to reach people that aren't on the same ...

The Experience Economy

Walt Disney is a classic example of someone who took an activity and turned it into an experience. He made the idea and the adventure of going to a theme park a complete magical experience.  I think a full tour guide experience would be great. I'm sure it has been done before, but you can really expand with a tour. Rather than just taking a boring drive about the city with a guy repeating the same old mundane rubric, what if you had "characters" and activities along the route. These characters would explain the city's history throughout different time periods as the city evolved, dressed and accented according to each period. Maybe some of the characters could be famous people that grew up there. Maybe you can stop at certain points and watch someone make candy, squish a penny, take a picture by the city's oldest tree, etc. Maybe you offer treats and what not that the city is known for. You could even do this with a train! I just recently looked in a fall f...

Focus Groups

Focus groups are a helpful way for researchers to assess the way people think or feel.  Focus groups are helpful in gathering opinions and ideas on a particular subject.   Surveys and questionnaires don't really have a way to capture these aspects.  Focus groups are especially helpful with complicated topics or for instances when there isn't a lot of information already available.  When people respond in a focus group, they are able to give a more elaborate explanation and answer.  These can also be helpful in critiquing a new product or when people have conflicting viewpoints.  Once you have these answers, opinions, and viewpoints you can make the correct adjustments for your product or service. 

Good Ideas

Our subconscious is always working on our problems and developing solutions. It's also coming up with new ideas. New ideas for possible opportunities, better business methods, etc. No matter how good an idea is, if we don't write it down, we tend to forget it. There are a number of ways to store these ideas once they come to us. For me, the easiest is the note feature on an iphone. You can also physically write the ideas down on paper, voice record the idea, etc. Whatever your preferred method, it is good to be in the habit of keeping an idea log.

Millenial Trends

By clicking the link below, you will be directed to an article in which a millennial expresses how he  believes older generations view millennials. https://www.inc.com/nicolas-cole/7-traits-older-generations-dont-understand-about-millennials-written-by-a-millen.html The first trend is self-confidence. Millennials seem to be arrogant in the eyes of older generations. I would have to agree with this one. Far too many millennials think they know it all and have all of the answers. Unfortunately, in my opinion, most haven't gone through enough lesson learning experiences. Hopefully, more millennials will humble themselves and realize they don't know it all - and that that is okay! Secondly, millennials have a stronger desire to travel.  I don't know if this is necessarily a generational thing. Many people from many generations love to travel. I think in today's world of travel there is so much more to do and so many more new, adventurous place to eat. I will agree tha...