T-Mobile Buyout, Good or Bad?

As you may have heard by now, on last week T-Mobile and AT&T agreed that AT&T could buy out T-Mobile.  From a network stand point it’s a great idea for AT&T.  From a consumer standpoint this takes away the option of having choices.  While this agreement has not been approved and could take up to a year to complete, opinions are already flying to question if this really is a good idea.  What is a monopoly? Per the definition on dictionary.com, a monopoly is exclusive control of a commodity or service in a particular market that allows manipulation of prices.  This is what AT&T stands to create in the mobile telecommunications industry.

There are two types of networks that are used for mobile technology. They are GSM and CDMA.  GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communication, GSM phones use sim cards, which allow their consumers to use their phone almost anywhere by getting a new sim card in that new location.  CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access, it does not use a sim card and services are only dominant in the US and parts of Asia.   Without taking an in depth analysis, one might infer that the GSM is the better network to use.  T-Mobile and AT& T are the only two US carriers that provide GSM services.  AT&T buying T-Mobile gives them a monopoly in the GSM arena.  AT&T becomes the only option for having a phone carrier that is on the GSM network.  Being the only carrier gives AT&T a huge price advantage over the customer because they are the sole provider of such resources.  This seems like it is a great idea!  From a business standpoint it’s a great move, but is it so great from a consumer standpoint?

Looking at the deal from the perspective of a businessperson, especially one employed by AT&T and currently a consumer of AT&T this is a great deal.  With the addition of the iPhone AT&T has increased its users, but also decreased its available data handling capabilities.  This is a major purpose for the buyout.  AT&T needs to increase its towers and be able to provide better data connectivity to allow the users to get the best use of their phones.  By taking over all of the towers from T-Mobile, it also gains a huge chunk of the market share as well, which guarantees increased profitability.  So the businesswoman in me says sure, this is a great idea, but the consumer in me says, not so fast!

There is one thing that will make many current T-Mobile customers happy, the fact that they can now get the highly acclaimed iPhone, BUT, with a price.  T-Mobile offers unlimited data plans, but AT&T does not.  So what does that mean for you?  That means pay $45 for 4GB and don’t go over, but that doesn’t even include the cost to use the phone to make calls, and other taxes and fees associated with it.  Before you get so happy, you might want to add up the cost and make sure it’s really something to celebrate! 

For individuals who are completely satisfied with T-Mobile and their current phone selection options, this buyout isn’t sitting so well.  While an expanded network of towers sounds great, if nothing is wrong why bother it?  T-Mobile has great customer service and is very efficient in handling customer concerns.  Is AT&T prepared to handle this new line up of customers and their needs?  What happens if someone calls about a phone that AT&T doesn’t sell, who’s going to help?  Will T-Mobile’s employees lose their jobs?  So many questions, so many concerns.  As mentioned above, AT&T does not have an unlimited plan; will current T-Mobile customers be grandfathered in to their current plans?  Will they have to change their plans?  T-Mobile and AT&T never carried the same exact phone; will this new plan create more phones to choose from or less? 

B.M.M.O. Consulting concludes that this is a great business decision for AT&T to buy T-Mobile, but still believes there are too many unanswered questions to conclude if this is a good deal for the consumers.  The deal has yet to be finalized, and is already under review by New York’s Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman.  He considers T-Mobile a low cost option and doesn’t want the people of New York to be put in an unfair predicament.  Soon, other states may also begin to raise questions.  Hold on, this just might be a bumpy ride.  Only time will tell what the outcome will be and who will best benefit from it all.  Making the consumer happy should always be the first priority!

Top 5 Things To Anger The Consumer

As consumers you spend your money, so you want to get your money's worth!  You work hard and you want to make the best use of it.  Unfortunately, there are many problems that occur that leave you unsatisfied.  Below are the top 5 problems the make consumers angry and tips on how to avoid them.

1. Identity Theft - People work so hard to build their credit and the worst thing that can happen does, someone gets your information and makes purchases you did not authorize.  The best way to avoid this is to shred everything!!  All pieces of information that have personal information should be shredded.

2. Debt Collection - While everyone should pay their bills, it is against the law for collectors to harass you.  There are set times that they are allowed to call, 8AM - 9PM.  If you tell them to stop calling you at work they have to oblige, and if you write them, they have to stop all together.

3. Internet Services - Consumers sign up for trial memberships and anti-virus protection and spyware services, only to find out how difficult it is to get rid of and that they don't work.  Be careful with trials, read the fine print and be ready to wait if you decide to cancel your services.

4. Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lottories - There are over 64,000 complaints a year with individuals thinking they won something they really didn't.  What happens is you get information saying you won and you have to pay taxes on it.  Supposedly if you pay these taxes you will end up with more money, but you just get more and more scam listings.  If it seems to good to be true, odds are, it is.  Be careful and don't buy into get rich easy schemes.

5. Shop-at-home sales and Catalog Sales - Over 60,000 complaints are made regarding orders not received, late arrivals, incorrect merchandise and purchase agreements not honored.  The only true way to avoid these problems is to shop in store only.  But since that takes away convenience, a tip is to only buy from trusted sites, or ones that have been recommended to you.

As safe as consumers try to be, unfortunately there is always someone out there hoping to catch you making a mistake and opening yourself to one of the above consumer problems.  One of the best tips is to shred everything once you no longer need it.  Keep important documents in a safe location, such as a safe deposit box.  Be upfront and assertive with your creditors to reach agreements.  Read the fine print in anything you sign up for, that way you won't be surprised in the end.  Lastly shop with known business, it saves hassles and gives a little more assurance that you will get what is promised to you, service or product.  Happy Safe Shopping.

Turn off the Lights for Earth Hour

Let’s celebrate Earth Hour today.  Earth Hour is a global event that is organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature that asks households and businesses to turn of their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness for climate change.  Earth Hour began in 2007 in Australia.  This is held the last Saturday of March from 8:30 PM to 9:30PM. 

We can all take part in conserving energy everyday, not just today.  But we must start somewhere.  So today from 8:30 – 9:30 tonight in support of helping the environment let’s turn off the lights.

Great Education Opportunity - Free MBA

The cost of tuition at universities seems to rise more and more each year.  With this economy, so does the desire to get an advanced degree and start your own business.  Lake Forest Graduate School has seen the need and has come up with an idea to help meet it.  This program is open to unemployed individuals in the Chicagoland area.  The program is called "Write Your Own Future."  Under this program 50 students will receive a free MBA.  If they should start working during the program they will have to pay the remaining tuition fees.  This program costs over $46,000, this is a great opportunity!  Please take advantage of this great opportunity, they don't happen often.

Gadget Must Haves

As technology changes, so does all the new fun gadgets.  B.M.M.O. Consulting wants to keep you updated on the latests and greatest gadgets out there.  Summer is coming and these are hot products to make your summer even better.

1. The iPad 2 was released in March and has had some major technology upgrades.  It's thinner, it has a dual camera, an upgraded operating system and better battery life.

2. Fuji's FinePix F300EXR is a small but important gadget to add to your technology stash.  It's small, has 12 mega pixels and 15x optical zoom.  This is a  must have for those special moments that need to be captured.

3. Very timely, the Samsung HDTV LED is a hot item to have.  With all the NCAA action going on and NBA Playoffs approaching, you don't want to miss a play.  If you want a television with sharp resolution to witness that slam dunk this is the TV to own!

Here are 3 items that you need to add to your collection.  The iPad 2 will allow you to have a computer at your side wherever you go.  The Fuji camera will allow you to travel light and never miss that important moment.  Samsung will give you that theater feeling as you watch all the important television programs.  Happy gadget shopping!

Who is B.M.M.O. Consulting?

B.M.M.O. Consulting is a Market Research Consultancy Business.  Market Research is determining what the consumer wants so that you can market them a product that they will want to buy. It's also correct marketing of a product to make the consumer think they want it so they have to buy it. That is what B.M.M.O. Consulting is all about. B.M.M.O. Consulting stands for Business Minded, Marketing Oriented. In every thing in doing business you have to keep the business piece in the forefront, but it is the proper marketing that will keep the product moving. Please take a look at my website www.bmmoconsulting.com and see what I have going on so far. The website gives information about me, the company and services I can provide. The website is functioning as a blog and informational site. I post a variety of articles, all some how relating back to a core marketing principle. Please take a look and let me know if there are services I can provide for you, also please pass it along to anyone else you know who may be of need of these services. Thank you so much for your time, I hope that I can serve you one day in the future. You can also follow me on twitter @BmmoConsulting and find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/BMMO-Consulting/.

Happy St. Patty's Day

B.M.M.O. Consulting would like to say Happy St. Patrick’s Day to All.  Wishing you all the luck of the Irish!  Quick fact, did you know, the original color to wear in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day was blue, it changed to green in 1798.  It was the Irish Soldiers way of raging a rebellion.  Have a Great Day!!!

March Madness In the Classroom

In honor March Madness officially getting under way, B.M.M.O. Consulting has decided to throw a little basketball in the mix, but as usual, it will still have a marketing spin.

For anyone who has attended a school that is pretty well known for their athletics, you might also know that they are also well known for checking up on their scholarship bearing athletes.   The University of Kansas has enlisted a new group of checkers to help aide them in this process.  Normally other students are hired to make sure athletes are showing up and staying for their classes.  Schools believe that by using students, it will be more inconspicuous and the athletes won’t notice.  But there are also drawbacks with using students; they are easily bribed into “helping” out the athletes for free tickets to the games.  If the student checker is unfamiliar with the player, the student it equipped with a picture and the athletes schedule to track them down.

In response to the bribery issue, the University of Kansas came up with a more sneaky way to hunt their players down.  They recruited retirees in the area to come help them.  They have enlisted a variety of individuals, former printers, truck drivers, retired police officers and marines.  Texas A& M, Georgia and Wisconsin have taken on similar athlete checking systems.

One might wonder why retired individuals might decide to spend their day checking on college students.  If it’s a student checking on a student doesn’t seem very odd.  It’s an easy job, they make some quick money and maybe meet an athlete if that’s their thing.  But retirees?  What are they really getting out of the deal?  I’m sure the supplemental income doesn’t hurt, but I’m sure that’s not the main reason.  As the athletes win more games, they increase notoriety for the school, bringing in better athletes, more media, and more money at bars and restaurants which in turn will help the economy in their city.  Do you think any of these reasons crossed the minds of those retirees?  As the university grows, it opens up more jobs and also brings revenue to the state.  While these people may really be loyal fans and want to see the students do better, I just believe there are other hidden motives behind it.  Alumni’s contributions help fund scholarships, so if any of these retiree’s are alumnae, then they are just protecting their investment!



Who Rules Fast Food...McDonald's Or Subway?

                   

     

Do you see more McDonald's Restaurants or more Subway Restaurants?  Per the story in Crain's Chicago, Subway has added more eat fresh places than the golden arches can keep up with.  There are currently 32,737 McDonald's Restaurants, but Subway has 33,749 worldwide, 402 more at the end of 2010.  

McDonald's was founded in 1940 in California and Subway in 1965 in Connecticut.  One would think with those extra 20 years of experience, McDonald's would have no problem staying above the competition.  But one could argue they are two different industries commanding two different demographics.  

With the "get fit" craze looming around, there is a greater need for a Subway than for McDonald's.  Subway also has Biggest Loser to thank for constant advertising on the show to get them more publicity.  Biggest Loser reigns supreme in fitness information, so that endorsement is huge!  

While McDonald's has realized their need to make some changes to the menu to adjust to eating habit changes, these changes have been more based upon increasing revenue versus finding out what the consumers really want.  B.M.M.O. Consulting did a posting earlier on McDonald's plans to revamp their look and we thought it was an epic fail, and clearly so did other franchise owners who refused to make the switch.  Then McDonald's decided to start a new line of expensive coffee drinks, the fad only lasted so long and didn't produce the surge in revenue they expected.  Their new product is the oatmeal, this seems more in line with the products the consumers really want, after all, Quaker has been around for years selling it.  

That was the end of 2010 and now we're in 2011, McDonald's has a chance to regain their stake in the market, but that can only come by providing products that the consumers actually want and at a price they are willing to pay.  Subway keep up the good work!

Janet Jackson Sweeps Through Chicago and its All for You!

Some people can sing and then others can perform.  Ms. Jackson can do both!  She came out and did her thing while performing in Chicago.  She performed her number one hit songs, showed clippings of her past television and movie performances and ended with some touching childhood pictures of her and the legendary Michael Jackson.   

A teen group called Mindless Behavior opened up for Janet Jackson.  It was a group of 4 young men; they tried to get the crowd hype before Janet Jackson took the stage.  They sang some of their own songs and then sang some of the current Hip Hop songs to arouse the crowd.

For every city that Janet Jackson is performing in she has dedicated one of her number one songs to that city.  Chicago’s song was “Its All For You” and she opened by showing that video.  Then she came out and electrified the crowd by performing “Pleasure Principle.” When “Feedback” came on she quickly showed her sexy side was alive and well. She performed “Alright” and blew kisses in the audience while doing a remixed version of some of the Jackson 5 steps. When she sang “Nasty,” she gave the guys a show to be nasty for!  Janet sang many more of her great hits that kept the crowd moving.

Janet Jackson did her first outfit change and came out in a stunning Lilac floor length dress with sparkly designs on the shoulder and matching sparkly Louboutin’s as she sat on a stool and sang to the crowd.  She worked the stage as she battled a dress malfunction.  No worries, she didn’t expose herself, the stage guy came up and got her fastened right up.  She did two more changes where she went back to Rhythm Nation days with the all black.  She ended the show in this beautiful all white jacket and pants suit with white shoes to match.

It was a great concert, great singing, great performances, great wardrobe and some audience entertainment that kept the night going.  The only gripe is that it was just too short, but she did well with the time she gave.

Happy International Women's Day

Today is International Women’s Day.  International Women’s Day began in 1911.  It was originally named International Working Women’s Day and is celebrated on the 8^th of March every year.  This day represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.  It celebrates respect, appreciation and love towards women for their economic, political and social achievements. 

While studies show women are still behind on the pay scale, women all around the world are making moves that empower the nations.  B.M.M.O. Consulting would like to highlight a few of the women in the past, present and future who are blazing trails and leaving marks that empower a multitude of women.

PAST

Alice Paul  - She rescued the woman suffrage movement and made sure women got the right to vote.

Juliette Gordon Low – Founder of the American Girl Scouts

Dorthy Fuldheim – Jewish-American news journalist and television broadcaster who developed the format for television news programming.

Bessie Coleman – First African-American woman to get pilot’s license.

Mary Anderson – The inventor of the windshield wiper.

PRESENT

Sheryl Sandberg – The COO of Facebook

Hilary Clinton – Former First Lady, US Secretary of State

Michelle Obama – Current First Lady of United States, childhood obesity activist.

Ursula M. Burns – CEO of Xerox first African-American woman CEO to head a S&P 100 Company.

Indra Nooyi – Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo

FUTURE

Angela Simmons –  Angela has a clothing line Pastry with her sister, but is now about to launch her own solo line called Angela Renee, should be hot!

Gabourey Sidibe -  She is an upcoming actress, who won several awards for the movie Precious and has had several roles following the film and is currently working on new productions.

Willow Smith – Child actress and singer, she came out blazing with “Whip My Hair” and just released her next single, watch out world!

These are just a few of the amazing women who have paved the way and are on the way making new paths for women to follow.  To all women, Happy International Women's Day!

Illinois Summer Job Opportunity For College Students

Do you know or have an Illinois College Student who is seeking employment for the summer? Look no further, please take a look at the link below and you will find an application to apply for a job working at the Secretary of State.  It lists the locations that are available so they can choose locations close to home.  Please take a look and pass it along to anyone who might be interested.  B.M.M.O. Consulting supports the youth and anything we can do to help them along the way.  They are the future!


http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/per_d136.pdf

The Beauty Shop, Where you can hear the news you want about the African American Woman Consumer

Per WomenOlogy,  an Ogilvy Blog, the way to reach the African American Woman is to meet her at the beauty shop.  This is a place that she frequents often.  Its a place where lots of talking takes place.  Multiple exposure of a single topic of discussion can provide individuals with desire to make a change.  This article pushes the idea that if marketers could find their way into the beauty salon and take part in the conversations that go on, they can in turn tap into this consumer market.  


B.M.M.O. Consulting would have to agree.  In the beauty shop you talk about EVERYTHING!!!!  It is the place to go to find out what's going on down the street, in Washington and even in other countries.  It is the place to find out the latest fashion trends, hair ideas, home remedies and fun work out plans.  Every time I leave, I have gained some insightful information.  Its a wonder it has taken all these years for marketing departments to figure out this is the place to be.  Not only can they market their product, but they can walk away with information they never expected.  


Some marketers did realize the importance of showing up in the hair salon to get noticed, but they were only hair products.  In every hair salon there is a hair magazine.  They are a necessity!!!  Women need to have examples of new hair styles and colors to get inspired, unless you have an awesome beautician like mine, Calanthea Thomas who always works wonders!  This is why the first place the marketing should begin is in hair magazines.  It's the prime location to attract the African American Woman Consumer, she's in her environment, with a magazine that meets her hair creative needs, easiest way to acquire that target market.  That's my two cents, but I will be watching to see just how marketers plan to infiltrate the salons and get their products and news wrapped into all the other shop talk.