Sweatin'

I read an extremely interesting topic today concerning the positive effects of sweatshops in developing countries. While most of us are against sweatshops, and feel as if they are exploiting the world's poor, this may not be the case. The alternatives to sweatshop work must be considered before the concept is dismissed entirely. For instance, what other job markets are open in places such as Sub-Saharan Africa?
When presented with the choices of working in a mine or as a prostitute, the sweatshop is the highly preferred, less dangerous choice.

However, the concept of sweatshops as a valid way for third world countries to increase employment levels, build GDP and infrastructure, and enter the global market is not what I was intrigued by. (If you are, read more here)  The concept of sweatshops as a positive approach to conducting global business and the marketing implications of this approach could become outlandish.

Imagine if Nike introduced a campaign about how they are proud to help developing countries through sweatshop job opportunities. Would the public understand, or would there be another round of boycotts?  While no definitive answers will be found until a company has the guts to pull such an extreme move, it is an interesting concept to consider.

Live Strong

With the recent Lance Armstrong debacle seeming more and more like a true cover-up, and his titles actually being stripped, serious questions are being raised over the ethics in professional sports. The people who have testified against Armstrong include members of his own team and men he competed against. A former girlfriend is quoted as saying that steroid were necessary evil, but nonetheless necessary. Whether or not Armstrong was on the juice or other performance enhancers, he is a highly marketable figure, with his name , face, and even signature color, "Livestrong Yellow" saturating the market.

Recently in class we wrote about conformity and social power. If Lance Armstrong, a legend of cycling and overcoming adversity has come this far due to cheating, this sends a very powerful message to younger athletes. In the world of "everyone's doing it", it will become increasingly harder to avoid performance enhancing substances and practices. Hopefully in the future, companies will support athletes who not only perform, but show a moral obligation to a fair competition.

The article below explains more in depth the charges brought against him, and the steps Nike and Lance himself have taken to maintain distance from this scandal, while still supporting his causes such as Livestrong and the Lance Armstrong Foundation

Armstrong Marketing Legacy

DRINK WATER

A continuation of the last post

    A duo of professional snowboarders fed up with the overpowering "energy" culture in extreme sports have started a company called Drink Water. Their statement is simple; drink water. Both riders have turned down sponsorship deals from energy drink companies in an effort to avoid the branding that so many professionals have committed to. While this may seem like career suicide, the two riders in question are Bryan Fox and Austin Smith, who are both at the top of the game, and have proven that an energy drink is not what makes an athlete perform. There's a lot of great info on their site, check it out after the bump. Much respect Drink Water!

WE DRINK WATER

Also, their blog is a good mix of water vs. energy drink discussion and snowshredding; worth a look

WATER BLOG

Set It Off!

Alright, first blog post of the year! This blog will focus on all aspects of marketing, from advertising to consumer psychology. I think the best way to start it off is with some music, biking, and a little product placement brought to you by Red Bull. Here we go!

Energy drink companies such as Red Bull have been ferocious about creating a connection between extreme athleticism and drinking their product. Is there really a correlation between shredding a bike and drinking Red Bull? Is hard work, training, and intense focus the key to performance or can you simply down a few sugar pounders and transform into Travis Rice?