Thursday, May 31, 2012

What I learned so far in ECIS 462

Looking back at what I learned so far, I would say that there's a lot to cover. I would just sum it up into a few parts, to make it short. Firstly, I learned about the future of interactive marketing, how in today's world it has taken a huge step forward in better serving customer's needs and wants. The most important thing to look out for in a business, is building healthy relationships with customers; allowing them to easily navigate for themselves and letting them self-select. An example would be to implement a customizable user-interface that gives customers a whole different kind of experience. So far, we know that having a successful business requires giving the customers a memorable experience, we are selling that to them, therefore, we should make a good first impression to maximize the whole process. Specifically all that relates to the strategy of CORE, Customizing customer experience, Optimizing decisions and processes, Responding to changing marketing conditions, and Empowering staff and customers to advocate for you.

Secondly, I learned that in Internet Marketing, you have to build interesting and compelling content, while attentively listening to your customers. Nowadays, customers are pickier than ever due to the excessive amount of advertisements that clutter their minds and make it hard to choose, they want the best content and what's attractive to them. We as marketers have to take on that challenge and get the customers' attention. Being able to give them a clear and simple message when we advertise and clearly show the 80/20 rule,that we care for them and are not solely pursuing for-profit commercially. We need to hear their feedback, regardless of whether it is positive or negative, be able to turn it around and improve. I also learned and analyzed my client's Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. I now understand just how important and influential these sites have become to the marketing and business world.

Lastly, I learned how to effectively reconcile an Internet Marketing Plan for my client, Big Fish Games, Inc. I learned about their strategies in implementing their marketing efforts. How they are in the lead and ahead of their competitors, and recommend what to improve upon. I see that they have a consistent and strong customer base. I also learned about how mobile marketing is the wave of the future, as the mobile market is emerging rapidly. It is seemingly important to consider implementing mobile apps for companies in order to conveniently appeal to new consumers.

Internet marketing is fun

Learning Internet marketing can be fun. I learned a lot from this class. It turned me from a participant to an owner of the Internet market. Here are some of the major ideas that i learned from this class.

Customer is the center - Business should always focus on the customers and focus on building relationships with customers. Internet marketing makes marketing personal again. Business can listen to what customers have to say, and provide personal service to different customers. If businesses really care about their customers, customers will know that and appreciate it as well.

The importance of social media - Social media is a strategy that business owners cannot miss. Social media turn the relationship with customer to a 'friend' relationship. Most marketing effort is not coming from business, but other customers. People talks about businesses through 'like', commenting and sharing. The sharing power is the new power that will have greater impact than anything else.

The future is mobile (and tablet) - When Apple brought out iPhone, smart phones became a new trend to everyone. For Apple, and its factories in China, they know that iPhone is their future. I personally do not think tablet will be the future, but through out this class, i started to realize tablets are important as well.  Internet data flow from mobile is starting to surpass the date flow from a computer. People find mobile is way more convenient than computer these days. Gaming on smartphone rising fast. game developers also move to developing apps. Companies like Apple and google did not only creates smartphone s and operating system, they also create many related industries that support themselves.


Thursday, May 24, 2012

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Sur La Table on Your Mobile!


Researches have shown that although Internet is one of the fastest, and innovative medium for business marketing, mobile phone is still the number one medium to use when it comes to promoting your business. Mobile phone has 5 billion mobile phone users, and even these phones are now developing into smart phones, which are basically mobiles you can use not only to send and check emails, but also surf the Internet, and have convenient applications in your mobile phone. Sur La Table should make use of this growing trend as part of its marketing strategy to reach their customers, making it an easier access for customers to purchase items or know about the latest news and updates regarding the business.
One of the things Sur La Table can do is that rather than texting customers the promotion or latest events, Sur La Table should call the customer one by one. This way customer will feel like they are treated specially, and that Sur La Table care about each and every one of them. It is easier to persuade and influence a person by phone either rather than just by waiting a customer to answer the text. For instance, when there’s an upcoming event, Sur La table marketers can call and get a quicker answer on whether or not customers will come to their events. This is easier than having to wait from an email, text or even RSVP online. Another thing that can be done is to create an application for Sur La Table. With the advanced technology of the current smart phones, many users use these apps for an easier and instant access to their favorite brands. They can see the latest news, updates, sales and even purchase products using these apps. 

BECU enters the App Store

Okay... so BECU developed a mobile banking app for iOS and Android devices back in 2010, yet somehow I am suppose to come up with recommendations on how they could improve upon their existing offerings.  First, it's essential to analyze BECU's current mobile app - BECU Mobile Banking.

Acquiring BECU's app quite painless, yet a secure process.  Members simply log into BECU's website for online banking, then follow three easy steps to setup the mobile application.  First, agree to the terms and services.  Second, verify your telephone number and the system will send you a confirmation text message with a verification code to enter on the web page.  Once that's all set, download the mobile app via Apple's App Store or Google's Android Marketplace and login using the same credentials for BECU's online banking site.

The app allows members to access their accounts, transfer funds, pay bills, and find locations of the nearest neighborhood financial center or ATM.  Pretty much the same basic functionality of BECU's online banking site, but with the user interface catered toward touchscreen devices.  As a member, I found their iPhone app to be a much more convient method of accessing my account compared to logging to their website and fiddling around with icons the size of a pea.  The mobile app icons are big, easier to read and tap on, while navigation is more intuitive.  Sound all fine and dandy, so what else could they improve upon?

Hmm...for a credit union that prides itself on being "more than just the money" their mobile app enables you to do nothing else, but manage your money.  It'd be cool to receive updates or notifications on BECU sponsored community events.  Even better to be able to proactively engage the community and offer donations to credible organizations that BECU is involved with, such as Children's Hospital or United Way.  If that's too much to ask for, then how about we gear it back towards finances with a budget calculator that enables members to learn more effective ways to save and invest for the future.

The Power of Mobile for Jones Soda


The influence and potential for the future mobile is undeniable. And Jones Soda has a demographic that is the most obsessed with their phones. Here are just three platforms in which Jones Soda can utilize their mobile potential.

Instagram
Instagram is one of my personal favorites. Jones Soda needs to have an Instagram account where users can follow and vote on their favorite labels and upload their own photos to enter contests. Instagram is where a lot of today’s youth are being creative and sharing interesting content.

Foursquare
Foursquare also has potential for doing location based marketing. Generating a list of the top 10 places to drink Jones Soda in Seattle can be a way for customers to earn a unique foursquare badge. This could be achieved through partnering with restaurants, bars and hangout spots around Seattle. They could also use this as a researching tool to find out which places are popular for their demographic and look to partner with them.

Jones Soda App
Having a Jones Soda app could allow users to upload pictures from their phone to the customizable Jones Soda label creator. This way people can order their customizable Jones Soda with their own label straight from their phone.

Pioneer Human Services Mobile App


Pioneer Human Services is an organization that provides programs that help people who are re-entring the society from prison or jail and those who are overcoming chemical addiction and mental illness. The programs includes counseling and treatments, housing, employment training, etc. The official website is a really good source for people to dig into for information, although i think it will be even more efficient if Pioneer Human Services has a mobile App. People rely on smartphone more and more as the technology developed, which less and less people are really gonna look on the website and search for help.

There are three big parts that i think Pioneer Human Services can work on for its app:



Programs introductions: PHS can first of all present what programs they have on the app so that the customers can choose the program that they need easily. In each program, i suggest that they should have basic description about what program does and present successful examples.

News & Events: On the official website, there is a section that PHR presents what's going in each month and present events that will be happening. I think in the app, there should be a section that tells its customers about the events and news as well so it is easier and more reachable for the customers. Also, it is more convenient which customers don't need to sit in fron of the computer to read it, instead, they can reach the events and news everywhere at anytime they want.


Online chat/counseling: On the website, there is always a Contact us section, in addition to that, i suggest that on the app, PHS can do an online chat or counseling. People can ask question anytime after they used the app.

In my personal opinion, since Pioneer Human Services is an organization that provide treatments/counsels/training/housing opportunities for the communities that went through hard time, it is more serious than some other entertainment business, the way it promotes and markets itself is more old school. However, with the development of technology, it will be a big change for the organization if they start the mobile app. "A chance for change" is Pioneer Human Services' slogan, i think it can also be used for its own.

Ideas on the go - Dick's goes mobile

Dick's burgers has a good facebook and twitter presence, however, they have absolutely nothing to do with mobile devices - no apps, no mobile website, no nothing - except for yelp.

My idea to get Dick's customers more engaged through the use of mobile technology is to create a custom suite of apps involving Dick's burgers. It would contain the following elements:
     1. An instagram like app - custom filters or pictures people can use to customize and show off to their friends on their social media network
     2. A simple game involving Dick's burgers - who wouldn't like to play a game of space invaders, instead of shooting down aliens, you shoot down burgers - the reward for completing the whole game?Maybe a coupon for a free shake (only one per customer). It's all about the gamification of the Dick's and attracting the new crowd of Digital natives.
     3. A custom event tracker - whenever Dick's drive-in has an event going on (like last year's Social Media Scavenger Hunt), the app will help the customer keep track of the event, help submit photos, ask questions or link to other participants with the same app.

Mobile marketing is getting big, it's all a question of when and how a business is going to jump on the "mobile train". Those were some simple ideas that could be created at a small cost, however, the thing to keep in mind is - in the end, it's all about creating a community and nourishing it with events, entertainment/rewards and user generated content - this should increase Dick's online presence in WA and beyond; ultimately driving sales.




Dick's Drive-in; into the mobile world

Dick's drive-in lacks the capacity to pursue the need of common mobile trends. A high need for creativity will be required to integrate the possibilities available in today's mobile industry.

For such possibilities, we must consider:
  • Discount incentives will be relatively meager due to the already low prices.
  • Preordering will be rather moot because it takes less than a few minutes to bring up a customer's order.

Thus, Dick's can consider alternative and indirect methods such as "checking in" where mobile app users can gain points and benefit through rewards.

This can be used for contests such as finding new popular locations to put a new storefront in a new city. They could also use a poll that extends their menu with the most popular options.

The mobile gaming industry will also be an option for Dick's, as the rise of gamification can produce lots of revenue for something everyone could enjoy, not just the casual gamer.

Also, notifications could be sent via SMS or through an app itself to allow consumers know special or secret deals for certain occaisions going on during the day.

Childhaven and Mobile Applications

As a non-profit organization focused on helping children vulnerable to abuse, there may not be a lot of applicable mobile applications available to maintain their mission.  A game may not be serious enough for donors and families in need.  It could actually deter people away from the brand.  My suggestions for Childhaven's mobile use will come mostly from teaming up with another company to provide parenting advice and using an already popular application such as Instagram.

Childhaven will most likely not have the funds and resources to build their own mobile application that provides tips and advice for parents in certain challenging situations.  There are most likely other companies that have either already created such a useful application or would like to.  Teaming up such a company will allow funds and resources from both organizations to be used while displaying Childhaven as the program to turn to when help is needed in person.

Something that currently lacks from most of Childhaven's online activity is pictures of the children.  Creating an account on Instagram and posting an adorable picture of a child at least once a week should allow them to develop followers.  Their Instagram account should be connect to all other social media outlets.  This would be a great and fun way to share pictures of the children receiving help.

Goodwill Seattle Mobile Marketing

In developing a mobile strategy for Goodwill Seattle I came up with a few ideas. The business model of Goodwill is to take donations of items and then sell them in their thrift stores. I thought that since the nature of what is actually donated and put on the shelf in stores is very dynamic, this presents some good opportunities for Goodwill to market in the mobile space.

The first idea I came up with is to start a campaign where customers would upload pictures of what they found in stores. This could potentially be built around a contest, for example, let's say that this week is crazy shoe week. Whoever purchases and uploads a picture of the craziest shoes can win a rebate or a gift card for the next time they shop at Goodwill. Winners could be determined by how many likes a picture has or something similar. For a picture to qualify it has to be taken with the front of the store in the background and the tag still attached. I think running these kinds of contests appeals to the sense of competition and treasure hunting in a way that doesn't require too much extra effort for shoppers at Goodwill, but adds tremendously to the experience.

Another idea that integrates the mobile Twitter/Facebook apps is for Goodwill to post something like "Today only! 50% discount if you show this post to cashier". I think running these kinds of promotions not only encourages people to go shop, but to also follow Goodwill online. When people are following online that opens up a lot more possibilities for building relationships, which are a key part of marketing strategy.

Virginia Mason and Mobile Technologies

Since Virginia Mason is a medical center, it is tough to envision how they can exceed with mobile technologies. The article on mobile technology brings up companies such as Kodak and compares them to modern day mobile applications such as Instagram. These comparisons make perfect sense; however for a medical center, thinking of mobile technologies can be challenging. Nonetheless creativity is definitely a must in the field of medical mobile technology, and the possibilities are endless.
When discussing mobile technologies, we can discuss the application side, as well as the web side. As far as applications, Virginia Mason can develop applications similar to the ones we see in app stores under “medical” categories. For example Apple’s iPhone App Store has applications such as “Pill Identifier by Drugs.com”, “Anatomy 3D – Organs”, “Skeleton System Pro III”, etc. Swedish Medical Center is an example of a local hospital that has an app on Apple’s iPhone App Store called “Swedish Kids Symptom Checker”. The app is designed to help parents with the most common behavior and wellness questions that they ask their physicians regarding their children. It is a creative idea; the app is currently free on Apple’s iPhone App Store with a 4 star user rating with a total of 13 reviews. Mobile applications such as these expose Virginia Mason to consumers worldwide. They can help build and keep relationships with their current or future patients.
Additionally, Virginia Mason does not have a mobile version of their website. When I log on to their site using my mobile phone, I am not redirected to a mobile version of the website; I view the same page that I see when I use my computer’s browser. Swedish Medical Center does not have a mobile version of their website either; however the Overlake Hospital Medical Center, another local competitor, does. Overlake Hospital Medical Center has a mobile version of their site which is very simple, user friendly, and efficient. You are redirected to the mobile site once you visit their website on your mobile device. Having a simple, user friendly, efficient mobile version of their website can make Virginia Masons’ website look more professional on mobile devices, making their mobile technologies more effective.
Virginia Mason could creatively use mobile to enhance awareness and engagement by creating apps such as the “Swedish Kids Symptoms Checker” created by Swedish Medical Center, and by having a mobile version of their website such as the one Overlake Hospital Medical Center has. For companies, mobile technologies are becoming more important as time progresses. The following fact from the Mobile Technology article is very interesting “Apple sold more iOS (iPads and iPhones) in 2011 (156 million), than all the Macs ever sold (122 million)”.
Source:
Fidelman, Mark. Forbes. Web. 22 May 2012. www.forbes.com/sites/markfidelman/2012/05/16/how‑mobile‑is‑rapidly‑evolving‑the‑world/print/.

A Mobile Science Center


I think that Pacific Science Center could greatly benefit from a mobile app available for free download.  Using local resources, Pac Sci could have an app developed that would:
-          Provide information about current events, exhibits, IMAX films, etc.
-          Provide an interaction while visiting the center (using QR codes to pull up information on the mobile device as you explore the exhibit)
-          Provide games for children to interact with educational material in a manner they are used to and enjoy

Since children don’t usually have mobile devices, this would be reliant on those in charge of children downloading and actually using the app.  As an incentive, discounted or free admission could be offered to everyone who downloads the app.  Additionally, occasional offers of discounted or free admission could be offered as messages through the app.

Integrating the device into the experience at the exhibit will further enforce the utility of the app.  If a child can scan a QR code in front of a display and get more information or a game specific to the exhibit, more guardians will be willing to download and use it.

The games section would be somewhat more involved as it would be specific to each exhibit, event, or IMAX movie.

Looking at the IMAX ticketing could be beneficial as well.  If consumers were able to purchase and display tickets from their mobile device, attending an IMAX movie would be much easier and user friendly.
I find it interesting that a center devoted to science and technology is so behind in the integration of emerging technologies and social media platforms.

Jones Mobile App

Jones Soda Company can mobilze their marketing techniques by:
  • having customers uploading real-time photos to through their application.
  • other customers can "like" the photos (like the InstaGram) feature
  • share/explore photos of Jones Soda throughout the world
Jones Company can either make an app or process through a mobile. If it is going to be uploading photos from mobile devices, it would be easier if it was a mobile app.

Moreover, if Jones Soda Company can create a mobile application that can allow customers to design their own bottles.
  • encorporating local deals at retailers who are having specials for Jones Soda products can also drive sales and marketing.
This technique allows not only sales for Jones Soda but for the retailer itself since Jones Soda does not have a physical store.

Tully's on the Go


Tully's is a chain of coffee houses that compete directly with Starbucks. They seem to be a curious prospect when it comes to developing a mobile application, however in this day and age, it seems that most every company must integrate this opportunity into their service offerings.
Tully's can foster creative ideas and run with them at ever decreasing costs. Here are just a few possibilities:

Have a mobile app that tells you the different ratios of half and half, sugar, sweetener, spices to add to a coffee, given it's size, roast and blend in order to yield the most delicious cup possible. Different levels of sugar and cream would serve different desires in terms of how many calories that mobile user wanted to drink that day. They could use this app for Tully's coffee, and all other coffee.

Tully's pushes their K-cups pretty hard. Promotions are all over their website as well as their facebook page. Assuming that these K-cups save customers time and money, they could develop an app that calculates and keeps track of how much money and time you save by using Tully's K-cups. Seeing these results might encourage them to purchase more K-cups, which are likely a high-profit item.

These are just a few ideas that they could pursue. The possibilities seem endless, I suppose that makes the search for effective marketing all the more exciting and challenging. The world of digital marketing can be characterized by an expansively broad horizon punctuated by the potential to target any member that is plugged in.

If I could pay my bill by using my Smartphone at Purple...

As a restaurant, Purple Café and Wine Bar has a huge advantage in the mobile industry, because so many compatible mobile apps already exist, that Purple could join the mobile revolution with very little initial cost on its end. Mobile apps, like Tabbed Out (powered by PayPal), UrbanSpoon, Yelp, and even GroupOn and many others, all put the power of mobile into the hands of both restaurants and their guests. With that in mind, I've determined that Purple should adopt more of the following:

Searching for Yelp on Purple - it looks good! Yumm

  1. Create a serious presence using Yelp! Yelp is one of those great apps that is all user-generated. The guests' great experiences drive the Yelp reviews, and when a company wants to get people coming back again and again, it's vital to have a strong presence on Yelp, as so many individuals use it. Moreover, Yelp gives the restaurant a way to gauge its performance while serving customers. If the customers have complaints, although it pulls down the restaurant's average ranking, the restaurant can listen and react to those complaints so that when people come in to try the restaurant that they can think, "Wow, I don't know what that critic's problem was. This place was awesome!" 
  2. Use Tabbed Out or some similar self-payment service! Tabbed Out is a relatively new mobile application, powered by PayPal, which allows patrons of a bar or restaurant to pay their tab from their phones. This may seem risky - "Oh, if I don't bring the guests a check, they'll never leave." On the contrary, this method gives guests the power to pay for the check at their own speed. As the computer will notice when the customer has paid, and because they've agreed to pay for the tab from their phones, the company's account will keep track of the individuals paying from their mobile devices. On a busy Saturday night, when individuals are rushing up to the bar while waiting for their table, or when they want to get going at their own pace, Tabbed Out helps customers stay satisfied, because they don't have to wait for the waiter or bartender to bring the check. They can pay for it themselves without waiting just to receive the check. 
  3. Utilize mobile couponing - FourSquare, LevelUp, GroupOn, LivingSocial and more… All of the aforementioned apps make it easy to find great deals in your area. If Purple was to start using these apps, guests would have an incentive to pick that restaurant over another while they're walking downtown. With GPS location devices hooked to every SmartPhone, if they were within walking distance of Purple, their phone would show that  a daily deal of some kind of was occurring, and on-the-fence guests could go and enjoy a free glass of wine with an entrée priced more than $20, or a half-priced dessert when you've ordered two entrées that together cost over $60. These kinds of promotions would give guests the opportunity to try what Purple's menu has to offer, and they would thereby be given more chances to fall in love with the restaurant, the food, and the ambience. Furthermore, apps like FourSquare and LevelUp make dining out a game, in which guests can compete with other guests or friends to become the most loyal customer or to be receiving the best deals. What better way to win over customers than make it fun while they're visiting?
  4. Teach the guests about wine with a mobile app! Purple's name alludes to color. Although the color is probably most directed at the purplish tones of a dark red glass of wine, or the color of the grapes, color could also be thought of as the color that describes one's mood. Purple could make a mobile wine app that matches wine with the mood or taste preferences of the individual after they complete a quick (3-5 questions) survey: "Seems that you're feeling yellow mellow today, so try one of our deep Merlots to sink back, or try one of our crisp Chardonnays to lift your spirits." The individual might also be able to browse through all of the wines available from their phones (instead of a paper menu that can become worn over time), and by tapping on the name of a wine, they can learn more about it. By offering customers a mobile application that puts the information about the restaurant's specialty in their hands, they have the best motivation to truly enjoy their choice, and to find incredible value in the experience. 
One of the images on TabbedOut's website homepage.
These are just some ways that Purple would do well by using mobile technology. More ways are certainly possible, but from first glance, it's already obvious that if Purple isn't using mobile technology enough already, it had really better start, so that it can get ahead of its competition and really stand out from the crowd. 

What will mobile applications do for SIP?



SIP has been in business for 6 years and also has been doing pretty well.
With the positions to serve well prepared meals in combination with delightful wines by premium services to whoever loves food, SIP has its vision of its own competitive advantage to compete against others. However, that competitive advantage might not be clear to the customers, and this might be a really important point where SIP needs to understand to move forward into the digital future without any suffer.


The business world is changing rapidly due to the innovation of technologies. Think of it this way: about 5-6 years ago, when Facebook wasn't huge, businesses still heavily rely on fliers, TV ads, posters, paper coupons, etc. to get new customers engaged in the businesses. Nowadays, Facebook, Groupon, Living Social, Twitter, Blog, YouTube, etc. are what businesses need to utilize to reach out to the customers because those are where customers hang out. Moreover, since customers today use on average 7 sources to RESEARCH about the businesses that they are going to visit; therefore, customers know and are aware of many information about the businesses that the businesses have no power over (rather than customers only know what the businesses told them). 


So, why do all of these related to SIP? 
This means adapting to the changes or ... dying.
Let the customer realizes or feels or experiences SIP's competitive advantage and tell others rather than self-define it and keep it for the business'self and might tell when asked ('Cause who ever been asked might not even know about it).


How can we do it?
Well, the easiest crow to go to should be the most crowded one. Therefore, going mobile isn't a bad idea at all. Many businesses out there will choose to go mobile with their suppliers and their employees; however, SIP doesn't have that many suppliers, and that many employees that can help make a huge impact on delivering the competitive advantage at first launch. SIP should target its customers and prospects for mobile application.


Why a mobile will help the business?
People nowadays are on their phone more than their PCs. Things that can be done on the phone for seconds will be more attractive than having to pick up the phone and talk to somebody to have something done. If you save the customers' time, they will pay you more for that and will listen to what you have to say to them later.


Example of some features should be included in the SIP mobile app:

  • Making reservation.
  • Checking daily special deals, meals.
  • Checking menus.
  • Opening hours.
  • Contact Info.
  • Linked with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, website.
  • Introduction Videos.
  • Checking events.
  • Group ordering.
  • Instant reordering.
  • To-go ordering.
  • Wine list and Wine info with videos and visual.
  • Dish list and Dish info with videos and visual.
Remember, save the customers' time, entertain them, delight them with fabulous experience, they will pay more for your services and they will LISTEN to you.






Monday, May 21, 2012

What if Tully's had an app?

The 21st century is all about convenience. As far as coffee goes, there is a segment of people who are willing to go out of their way to get a good cup of coffee, who would never dream of going to Tully's or Starbucks, and then there is the much larger segment: people who want coffee on the go. These people will get coffee in drive-throughs or in shops they see on their way to their ultimate destination. They value efficiency over taste. These people are fickle: if they see a line in one coffee shop, they have no problem going to another. If Tully's was line-free, they would be a much more desirable destination.

The other thing about this coffee-convenience segment? They're affluent, and most likely have smartphones. Tully's could make a app for these consumers that could eliminate the wait time turnoff. This app could allow users to place their order, pay online, and input a desired finish time for their coffee. They walk into the store, pick up their order, and leave.

This app is great for three reasons: first of all, it changes the point of purchase, forcing these fickle customers to commit to Tully's. Secondly, it makes Tully's seem more convenient than McDonalds or Starbucks, even if the actual location of the store is less convenient. Finally, it could integrate with Facebook for its deals and social features, which could quickly spread the word.

Opportunities through Mobile Application


Nowadays, every person, including kid, is connected through Internet. With Internet, life is become much easier. For instance, if you do not know something or try to figure it out something, you can search and solve the problem with any kind of search engine through Internet. As time goes by, people are more using more smartphones and tablets instead of desktops or laptops because it is easier and very effective for carry-on.

Related to this era with the Forbes’ article, “How Mobile is Rapidly Evolving the World”, there are three main takeaways of strategies that can be used for preparing mobile future, which are:
1.     Deliver a full-featured mobile-first engagement
2.     Evaluate opportunities to integrate your existing information and collaboration tools
3.     Measure, measure, and keep on measuring what is working and not working.
As far as we know, we have had some of those three crucial strategies. It is very crucial thing to implement outstanding system in this era.

For my business project, my client is Quadrant Homes. After doing researches, I have found that one of the biggest competitors is Bennett Homes. Both Quadrant Homes and Bennett Homes have the similar target market. On top of that, Bennett Homes is more develop, famous and successful rather than Quadrant Homes. However, it is unusual for both of them do not have the mobile application. Thus, in order to become more success in the future, Quadrant Homes and Bennett Homes should have mobile application in order for people to look the demonstration or updated news easily. Quadrant Homes can co-operate and work together as a business partner, such as Apple, because Apple has one of the greatest technologies, especially in smartphones and tablets, among its competitors. This is proven by the statistics in 2011 that said Apple has overcome all the Macs that has been ever sold. Thus, it is important and good opportunity to create mobile application through iOS device; Apple. However, Quadrant Homes should not focus on only Apple, but also Quadrant Homes should consider other technologies as well, such as Android, Blackberry, and Windows. Using this mobile application, Quadrant Homes can reach and target more consumers directly.