In Response To Lia Moreggi...

 Lately all I seem to notice is how poor customer service is. What happened to lollipops at the bank window, or a free piece of cheese at the deli counter? Am I being irrational or has customer service taken a nose dive?

    This is an interesting question to raise, and in particular it's funny that you bring up lollipops at the bank.  I am actually a credit union member and not only do they still give out lollipops but they also give dog treats if they see my dog with me.  Little things like that matter to customers more than some companies realize.  I know that I will not be leaving my credit union to join elsewhere because I have always received wonderful service.  So, knowing that there are still banks/credit unions that still do consider the small things like that, will you consider switching from your bank that doesn't? 

   The fact of the matter is that the hassle of switching from the current company wont be worth it to some consumers.  As far as your issues with Forever 21, do you think that you will continue shopping there after your bad experience?  I don't think that enough people care about Forever 21's unique return policy to cause them to change it.  Like you said - you love the product(s) - and a lot of teen-young adult girls do too.

   I have been a server for 5 years in a small family owned restaurant in Maine.  Our restaurant is constantly being complimented for wonderful service and cleanliness, but some customers are hard to please.  My managers feel that sometimes it is best to hold their ground.  For example, our breakfasts are some of the least expensive in the area (3.99 for eggs, toast, homefries, & meat) but we do charge extra for things like cream cheese, sauteed vegetables, peanut butter, etc.  As servers we are required to let our customers know that their will be additional charges for these things; and some customers don't react so kindly.  However, even though some customers complain about these minute charges - the prices stand - and it is up to the consumer whether or not it is worth it to them.

   As a server, customer service is a huge part of my decision making when it comes to staying with a company or not.  Unfortunately, consistently great customer service is hard to find.  Like I stated earlier, I plan to stay with my credit union because of the great service I receive.  I always give good service to my customers because the best means of marketing (in my opinion) is word of mouth.  People come in all the time because their friends tell them about the service, and 98% of the time the customers are pleased and continue to come back.

Marketing Career

   If you're thinking about beginning a career in any field, there are a lot of things to think about.  I am sure that a large majority of the students in this marketing course are "Management" majors.  There are a lot of different aspects of management and a variety of different directions to take with that degree.  According to the Keene State Website a Keene State graduate with a management degree could go on to be a Bank Manager, Human Resources Manager, Sales Manager, Marketing Manager, Insurance Agent, etc.  These are are similar in the sense that they are "Management" positions, but the expectations, qualifications, and duties differ quite drastically between each of the career paths. 

     I would now like to focus in on a career in Marketing.  As a Marketing Manager you could expect to make a salary between $62,000 and $115,000 per year depending on company and location.  If you're interested in seeing what the median salary is for your location, just enter your zip code in the search bar at this Salary website.  As shown above , the median salary for Keene, NH is $89,712.  I don't know about you, but I think that is a lot of money.  However, these estimates are for a Marketing Management position, which certainly is not an entry level position.  If you're interested in eventually becoming a Marketing Manager you need to work your way up.

   Most likely, your first marketing job will be a sales position.  In a sales position you will strengthen your abilities to communicate with the public and learn more about consumers.  This  Career Rookie link will bring you to a page of entry-level marketing job listings.  As you can see, most of them are Sales, and Marketing Trainee positions.  According to the Salary website I am using, the median salary for a Marketing Trainee position is just below $40,000 a year.  Once again, this will differ depending on location and company.  According to Sample Jobs the duties that you can expect in a Marketing Trainee position include:

• Marketing trainees must have the basic knowledge of the different advertising techniques and strategies to be used
• They must undertake market research in order to find out their target consumer, their needs and requirements and connect it to the company’s objectives
• They must analyze the demographic details of the consumers and accordingly form marketing strategies
• Trainees must make a complete list of targeted resellers and be in constant touch with them, either through phone calls, mails or personal visits
• They must keep proper records of sales and other numbers
• They have to meet potential clients and explain to them the different aspects of the product or services, in order to get more customers
• They need to have a good contact with ad agencies and public relations firms
• They also have help with the marketing campaign by copywriting, customer follow up and so on

    Marketing is certainly a career in which there is a lot of opportunity for advancement.  So, if you are interested in someday becoming a Marketing Manager it is important that you take the appropriate steps towards becoming one.  Chances are, you will not be hired as a Marketing Manager right out of college, but if you excel in a Marketing Trainee/Sales position there is definitely a possibility for promotion in most companies.  Internships are a great way to gain experience while you're still in school, and can increase your potential starting salary.
   Are you thinking of a career in marketing? why or why not?