Defining Marketing

Defining Marketing

Krystal Gruenewald

MKT/421

John Brady

January 25, 2014

        The Bing dictionary defines marketing as “selling of products or services: the business activity of preventing products or services in such a way as to make them desirable.” According to the Forbes magazine website, “marketing is what you say and how you say it when you want to explain how awesome your product is and why people should buy it.” In my opinion marketing is not just selling and advertising, it is satisfying customers’ needs, which leads into the benefits of incorporating marketing into the sales function of an organization. 
        The importance of marketing to successful businesses is a key element in the strategy planning of a market plan put into effect. In addition, customer service is the key factor for current and new customers. Let us look at some car insurance companies like Nationwide, Allstate, and Progressive. All three companies offer similar package deals the only difference is the cost for an individual or family. In addition, customer satisfaction may play as a key role as well. An example, I will use myself I started with Nationwide when I bought my investment property at the age of 25. I did my house, car, and life insurance with them at that time. In October 2011 I got married and added my husband to the car insurance plan. My husband and I both have clean records and lately I noticed an increase in the car insurance. As a loyal customer I tried talking to my agent, and he was never around nor did he return any of my calls. My husband and I decided to shop around and Allstate had a very affordable and interesting package for car insurance. My husband and I were pleased with the Allstate agent and we are looking to switch our car insurance with Allstate; for two reasons my current insurance company made us feel unimportant, and Allstate offered an affordable deal. In addition, this company may win over my house insurance and the new baby on the way life insurance plan. 
        Marketing is important to every consumer whether they realize it or not. Marketing is also important in the job force as well. Another example of defining marketing is a good product will sell itself. For instance, the video game systems like the Wii, Playstation, Xbox, and Kinect are a teenager or child’s dream toy in this generation. During the holidays I am always hearing a parent say I have to get my child the latest newest electronic device. I think to myself I am blessed that my daughters only asked for roller skates and a kitchen set. However, most of those electronics like the video game systems, Ipads, and latest laptops sell themselves by the presentation of the commercials or by word of mouth. However, these video games systems or any electronic devices can cause some dissatisfaction. For example, if there is something wrong with the machine or devices. Or worst it is not working at all. One of the most successful electronic devices is the cell phone companies. It is like a life line for everyone because home phones are becoming something of the past. The cell phone companies can get you into buying the latest newest phone and then locking you into a two-year plan. As soon as your contract is up, and you even consider leaving the cell phone company. The cell phone company will allure you back in with a newer phone and lock you in for another two years. That is how Verizon won me over in the past. Companies like the cell phones or any other electronic device want to make sure they have a good market plan in place and always should test their products. 
        In the examples above the car insurance companies may offer building a relationship, peace of mind, and satisfaction whereas the cell phone company offers convenience, peace of mind, and satisfaction. The video game systems provide satisfaction and entertainment. 
In Conclusion, defining marketing: “Marketing is the performance of activities that seek to accomplish an organization objective by anticipating customers or client needs and directing a flow of need-satisfying goods and services from producers to customers or client.” (McGraw, Ch 1, Paragraph 3) Marketing plays an important role in our everyday life style and even in our jobs. Marketing helps increase productivity, create great ideas, and possible advancement within the company.