Marketing

Since the dawn of mankind, all business and commerce has involved marketing in some form or fashion.  All of us are involved in marketing on a daily basis, whether we are applying for a new job, asking for a raise, trying to sell our car, or placing a classified ad for a litter of puppies.   First, you are selling yourself.  You want to convey to your target audience that you can be trusted, that your promises of satisfaction are grounded.  The product must be packaged and presented appealingly as well.  All of these elements play a pivotal role in the consumer's decision-making process. The World Book Encyclopedia defines marketing as "the process by which sellers find buyers and by which goods and services move from producers to consumers."  Sound marketing, from concept to delivery, is the main ingredient in any successful business endeavor.  In fact, approximately half the cost of everything you purchase can be attributed to marketing expenses by the producer and/or seller of the goods or services.  Some believe the major costs incurred by marketing are a superfluous expense.  Experienced marketers, however, would tell you that this is naive, uninformed thinking.  Marketing is an essential investment on the part of  the manufacturer or seller.  The marketplace is saturated with so many goods and service that hundreds of businesses across the country file for chapter 11 every day.  Thus, businesses of every sort must do everything possible to spread a highly persuasive message to the public. They must strive to keep the consumer informed on what they offer and separate themselves from the competition - the key roles of any well-planned marketing campaign.  In addition, national studies show that the marketing process is just as beneficial to consumers as it is to manufacturers and sellers.  We as consumers have a wide variety of products and services from which to choose.  Marketing keeps us informed, helping us to make a qualified, sensible decision.  Those...