Morning Coffee Sep 13 2011

Selling to the Haves and Have-Nots

By damian ghigliotty

As middle class consumers become fewer in number, sales marketing trends in the U.S. may begin to count them out all together. That means that your middle-of-the-road sales pitch may need some tweaking soon.

Proctor & Gamble is one of several major U.S. companies to recently change its consumer marketing approach to focus specifically on the rich and the poor, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Other companies taking similar approaches include Heinz, Kellogg's, Saks and Neiman Marcus -- some of which are developing more and more products for lower income groups, while others are beginning to target only wealthy consumers.

Luxury retailers who have seen a recent rise in spending among wealthy consumers have reacted almost instantaneously by raising their prices.

The significance for those who work, or are looking for work, in sales or marketing is that the latest trends may drive a growing need for pitches that specifically target one end of the country's income gap. Something to consider if your looking to stay ahead of the curve with your next big sales or marketing idea.

Sales Buzz

Ad Spending on Shaky Ground (paidContent)

Total ad spending in the U.S. slowed in the second quarter, a sign that the recent ad recovery could take a 180, market research from Kantar Media shows.

Who Will Lead the New McGraw-Hill? (FINS)

McGraw-Hill is dividing its markets and education businesses into two public companies in an effort to appease activist investors who want to see a more focused approach to running each division. The big question is how that will affect top-level management at the new companies.

Aeropostale's Financial Troubles (Forbes)

Aeropostale may need to cut costs. The retail chain has seen its sales slow and its stock price decline in recent months due to rising cotton prices and growing competition.

Marketing Buzz

Carr: Niche News Better for Consumers (NYT)

Smaller niche news sites, like Politico and Deadspin, carry more consumer appeal than bigger general news brands, like AOL and Yahoo, says New York Times media columnist David Carr.

Luxury Brands Losing Edge on the Web (Adweek)

The democratization of digital buying and selling is knocking the wind out of luxury retail brands.

The Latest Advergame (NYT)

Marketing through online games has become a growing trend for companies, as more consumers are buying into the idea. The latest example: Axa Equitable's Pass It On.

Buzz Around the Office

Things That Are Bad for You (Washington Post)

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea and may be rotting children's brains, according to a new study? Spongebob Squarepants!

List of the Day: Acing a Phoner

There is an art to the phone interview. Here are some tips:

1. Surround yourself with necessities, like talking points and answers to common interview questions

2. Speak slowly

3. Ask them about the next steps when the interview is winding down

(Source: Glassdoor)




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