Week 3 EOC: Rolling Stone

Rolling Stone is a magazine that publishes newsworthy articles related to pop culture.  Its’ strategic marketing patterns are directed to a younger generation interested in worldly subjects that affect their futures. In its early days in the 1960s and ’70s, Rolling Stone was a chronicle of the counterculture where a generation of young people came to find political coverage that spoke to their disaffection. Rolling Stone has a reputation of publishing shocking and controversial topics and media. It is because of their heavily researched articles that make the magazine unique. They communicate to their subscribers and readers that they are more than just a magazine for music. Wenner made it clear that Rolling Stone was not just about music “but also about the things and attitudes that the music embraces,” as he wrote in the first issue, which bore a cover date of November 9, 1967. Some of these other things include movies, books, politics and newsier items - anything that might interest a literate, engaged readership. The position Rolling Stone holds in the media business is fading. Technology reigns over newspapers and magazines, therefore trying to publish multiple page articles in a booklet is not favorable in today’s society.  Since their fist publication in 1967, Rolling Stone’s first editor, Jann Wenner, has made sure that each issue contains in-depth and informative media. Wenner observed: “When Rolling Stone started, music was the only medium available to young people to express themselves and share ideas. Now everything is open to young people and their concerns and values: television, newspapers, books, every medium imaginable. He also stressed the importance of innovation and evolution; therefore his magazine has reached to local and global audiences through journalism and Internet channeling.  Because Rolling Stone has been around for many years, they are considered a trustworthy brand. It is of significance that the magazine communicates to their target audience who they really are. Their brand markets to young, educated individuals who want to read about newsworthy topics that provide great detail and research. Because of technology, information is sent in seconds and can be read in just a few minutes. This type of competition can be difficult to beat.  Luckily, Rolling Stone has worthy journalist who continues the brand’s legacy. 

http://articles.latimes.com/1997/oct/20/news/ls-44656

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/28/business/media/28stone.html?ref=jannwenner

http://rockhall.com/inductees/jann-s-wenner/bio/

Week 2 EOC: John Varvatos SWOT Analysis

S: John Varvatos is menswear designer that is known for its’ intricate and classic tailoring.  His strengths include the improvement of his website. He accepted more of an editorial, fashion forward image. He hired professional web designers that have worked for other couture designers like Alexander McQueen. he is considered as an American designer but has achieved global recognition in the fashion industry. In his campaigns, he uses legendary music icons like Jimmy Page and Gary Clark Jr. He advertises in reputable fashion magazines like GQ, Vanity Fair, and Esquire.

W: John Varvatos is strictly a menswear designer. Although menswear is not focused upon as much as women’s wear is, it still disables the brand from expanding to the fullest potential. He spends millions on advertisements alone, which can damage his budget. The individuals he uses for his campaigns are from older generations; there is a risk that his market will unfortunately not recognize them.

O: John Varvatos has been able to host celebrity parties to raise funds for special causes. Therefore, he has the opportunity to network, create business, and personal relationships amongst his peers. John Varvatos is a worldly individual, which opens the opportunity to grasp inspiration outside of fashion.

T: John Varvatos has much collaboration with musicians and actors. He has teamed up with the CEO of diesel, Cristiano Quieti. These collaborations can be either profitable or disastrous. He must be cautious of whom he trusts, or the possibility of companies retaliating against him and the brand he has worked hard to create.

http://www.wwd.com.ai.libproxy.edmc.edu/eye/parties/ben-affleck-jennifer-garner-co-chair-john-varvatos-stuart-house-benefit-6840948?src=search_links
http://www.wwd.com.ai.libproxy.edmc.edu/footwear-news/markets/3-questions-for-john-varvatos-6747034?src=search_links

Week 1 EOC: How to Make it In America

When attempting to accomplish anything in the business world, knowledge is a crucial element. There are two types of smarts; street and book smarts. These two characters in this television show demonstrate more of a street-smart mentality and live everyday trying to make it in America. Neither of these two gentlemen show laziness that often most men would feel if they were not successful in their careers. The display of vigor and diligence is what makes these two individuals likable. They have the drive, but establishing a brand, who they are, is their biggest task. They had a business started but lacked the research of their potential market. Their ideas were not innovative enough and lacked reasoning. ”Brands today represent more than a product, service or brand identity (the name and logo, design and voice of the brand). A brand is synonymous with the business and the style behind the product or service; it encompasses the people working for the company and a philosophy and spirit that sustain it. Pg 27” These men needed more than just a product to sell to random people on the streets of New York, the development of a unique style and motto is what will grasp the market’s attention. The market will find them more valuable, an entrepreneurship to feed the economy. “Brands offer a set of values, a vision and an attitude. Organizations establish a brand position to project a consistent public and internal image. This brand position sets perimeters to help respond to opportunities and challenges and also gives context to those who work for the company. Pg 27” I believe this is what it takes to make it in America, make yourself marketable first, then invest in assets that will contribute to your personal brand.