The, Artificial Intelligence Pioneer, By Edward Hoagland

A question that is asked by nearly all of us: what accumulates the human species. By my definition, a human is a mortal mammal that has the ability to think, feel, and react, as they desire; furthermore, nearly all feel the urge of acceptance and compassion. Marvin Minsky, artificial intelligence pioneer: We do something other species can’t: We remember. We have cultures, ways of transmitting information (Wired.com). Specifically, Minsky is indicating that being a human means we can transmit information, for example, expressing our emotions. We each react to our heartache and our bliss in different fashions. Moreover, we all have unique qualities that separate one another. A couple stories from The Writer s Presence, clearly†¦show more content†¦Hoagland s story, vastly connects to me due to growing up with a speech impediment. Kids in my class mocked me; this made me insecure, and I had a difficult time communicating with others. Even though my speech therapist at s chool helped me improve, I still slip up occasionally. These restrictions have cause sounding and spelling out my words to be tough, even to this today. Furthermore, people still pester me when I mess up and become nervous, talk to brisk, or read; similar to Hoagland, I have learned to manage it. When people tease me, I laugh with them and proceed forward. Another example from The Writer s Presence is a story written by Nancy Mairs, who has contributed poetry, short stories, articles, and essays to numerous journals. She wrote an essay called On Being a Cripple, which described her experience of coping with her disabilities: a weak left leg, little usage of her left hand, a decreasing ability to her right side, and a blurred spot in her right eye. She explains that she is blessed that God picked her, knowing she was a strong woman that could handle it. If a cure were found, would I take it? In a minute. In my brand of theology, God doesn t give bonus points for a limp. I d take a cure; I just don t need one. A friend who also has MS startled me once by asking, Do you ever say to yourself, Why me Lord? No Michael, I don t, I told him, because whenever I try, the only response I can think of is Why Not? If I could

Plagiarism Ethical And Ethical Responsibilities - 850 Words

Plagiarism refers to the purposeful or accidental use of text without properly giving credit to its author. Bucks County Community College, A Statement from the Facility states the following, â€Å"It must help them to make connections among disciplines, help them develop an integrated view of knowledge, and help them recognize that their use of knowledge always carries consequences, as well as moral and ethical responsibilities.† An elaborated look at this sentence defines the responsibility we as students carry in our educational meaning. While plagiarism can be unintentional, taking credit for someone else s work is wrong, students should consistently cite work while, professors should be aware of any plagiarism errors in order to correct them. Administrators should also voice plagiarism and enforce it, and most importantly the community at large should become aware of the wrongs in plagiarism to avoid further piracy. First and foremost, students should consistently cite work because they should become aware of the wrongs in plagiarism. The fundamental skills developed when writing if work is plagiarized will not exist. Consequently, the hard work that was credited to its rightful owner is no longer there. Authors work hard on their text just like students work hard on theirs. A statement from the facility, Bucks County Community College expresses that By valuing the ability to analyze and make reasoned judgments, we may gain insights into ourselves and our world and aShow MoreRelatedReport On Ethical Decision Making1055 Words   |  5 Pages5, 2014 SUBJECT: Requested report on Business Students and their Ethical decision-making As requested, here is the report on ethical decision making and how it affects business students. This report focuses on ethical decisions and how important they are, or aren’t, to commerce students. 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Appropriate Use of Power in the Workplace - MyAssignmenthelp

Questions 1.Do you find any example in the given case study, which has shown a proper use of power at the workplace? 2. Was the leadership style of the chairperson complex at the start of his power in the organization? If so, then support your answers with some relevant texts from the given case study. Do you think that the leadership styles of the chairperson are widely acceptable? Answers: 1. The given case study has elaborately shown a proper use of the power at some places such as the transformation of the chairperson from a complex leader to transforming and supportive kinds of leadership. The chairperson, which once being caught for a political scandal, he then realized and transformed him into a more realistic and adorable kinds of leader. The changed leadership style of the chairperson started reflecting on the team as well as on his parent country. The organization then transformed into a highly developed organization, which is not only benefitting its different stakeholders but also benefitting the country that it represents. The success of the organizations has shown its tremendous effects on the country. The GDP growth of the country per capita is highly attributable to the sheer works of my chairperson who personally involved him into several projects. Nevertheless, the critics of my chairperson have also acknowledged the social development in the country, w hich my chairperson had brought in. The critics have praised the works of my chairperson, which has transformed not only the organization he is into but the country as well. The educational level of the country has risen to a next level. There are now numerous educational campaigns and my chairperson largely support those campaigns. This is because of the fact that the critics have also praised my chairperson works (Northouse 2012). 2. The leadership style of my chairperson was complex at the start of his power. This is very much evident in the instance that at the start of his position, the chairperson was being caught involved in some kinds of political scandal. The political scandal thus eventually attracted a huge penalty up against my chairperson. The political trauma did eventually transform the chairperson from a complex leader to a supportive and transformative leader. The leadership styles of the chairperson are acceptable in most of the countries; however, in some of the Asia-Pacific countries, the mentioned leadership styles are not acceptable. The Chinese leaders are transactional in nature majorly. They just know how to work. They do not have any feeling for the employees other requirements. However, the leadership styles mentioned in the case study is widely available but not acceptable (Northouse 2012). This is because that the leadership style should have high ethics in his or her behaviour. However, the case study gives some of the instances of complex leadership behaviour such as at the time of political scandal. Nevertheless, the leadership style was also criticised for supporting the Muslim community. According to the ethical values of leadership, a leader should get admiration from all the classes and from all around the world. The leadership style should have unbiased behaviours with its followers. Leaders are known for great and insp irational works. They should inspire the way of living to their followers. References Alvesson, M., 2012.Understanding organizational culture. Sage. De Board, R., 2014.The psychoanalysis of organizations: A psychoanalytic approach to behaviour in groups and organizations. Routledge. Ejere, E.I. and Abasilim, U.D., 2013. Impact of transactional and transformational leadership styles on organisational performance: empirical evidence from Nigeria.The Journal of Commerce,5(1), pp.30-41. Harper, S., 2012. The leader coach: A model of multi-style leadership.Journal of Practical Consulting,4(1), pp.22-31. Hassard, J. and Pym, D. eds., 2012.The theory and philosophy of organizations: critical issues and new perspectives. Routledge. Lee, R. and Lawrence, P., 2013.Organizational Behaviour (RLE: Organizations): Politics at Work(Vol. 18). Routledge. Northouse, P.G., 2012.Leadership: Theory and practice. Sage. Pettigrew, A.M., 2014.The politics of organizational decision-making. Routledge. Polston-Murdoch, L., 2013. An Investigation of path-goal theory, relationship of leadership style, supervisor-related commitment, and gender.Emerging Leadership Journeys,6(1), pp.13-44. Shafie, B., Baghersalimi, S. and Barghi, V., 2013. The relationship between leadership style and employee performance.Singaporean journal of business economics and management studies,2, pp.21-29. Snaebjornsson, I.M. and Edvardsson, I.R., 2012. Gender, nationality and leadership style: A literature review.International Journal of Business and Management,8(1), p.89. Wilson, F.M., 2013.Organizational behaviour and work: a critical introduction. Oxford University Press.

International marketing for hairdressing Essay Example

International marketing for hairdressing Essay LOUIStylez, a well-established beauty enterprise was founded in 1989 in London as a small hairdressing salon in the heart of Soho. Over the years it grew to become one of the most respectable and recognised brand names in the world of hairdressing and beautification. Offering their state-of-the-art contemporary services to middle and upper-middle class individuals between 20 and 35 year old, LOUIStylez managed to open more than 35 salons in the UK. Through their dedicated franchising program and successful performance, LOUIStylez is constantly looking for opportunities to enter new markets. Unlike the majority of franchisees who provide only brand name, equipment and professional cosmetics, LOUIStylez offer in addition a design development, free of charge training on marketing, psychology, management and administration four times a year, web-site in the language of the country they operate in, intranet and corporative magazine, advertising assistance and discount system. Moreover, in order to promote the brand and increase consumer loyalty, LOUIStylez distribute the small bathes of their professional cosmetics through the major retail chains. The companys managers strictly watch the quality of services offered in their franchised salons. Now with a strong brand image and considerable financial and informational resources, LOUIStylez is about to enter three absolutely diverse countries on different continents: Russia, Japan, and South African Republic. We will write a custom essay sample on International marketing for hairdressing specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on International marketing for hairdressing specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on International marketing for hairdressing specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Market Analysis of Japan Japan has remained a major economic power in Asia and globally, their government-industry cooperation is working a strong ethic, mastery of high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation help Japan advance with extraordinary rapidity to the rank of the third largest economy in the world after the US and China. Japan is the largest technologically advanced producers in the world, they produce motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles and processed foods, etc. Analysis Age structure: 0-14 years : 14.3% 15-64 years : 66.2% 65 years and over : 19.5% GDP real growth rate: 2.1% (2005) GDP composition by sector: Agriculture: 1.3% Industry : 25.3% Services : 73.5% (2005) Japan is a famous place where the trends are starting from; their Japanese fashion is a wide range of product that people can find it in some modern places. There are many different chances for their designers to produce and built up their own brands. Most of the Japanese thinks out looking are very important; therefore they are willing to spend lots of money on their clothing, make-up and hairstyle, etc. Basically, more than 90% of Japanese starts spending on their body after 20 years old. Because of their fashion trend, many young Japanese would like to become to be a hairdresser, they have demonstrated that their creativity, quality and performance in this fashion market. Also, there are many international hairdressing competitions for their potential hairdressers to perform and promote their works. As you know, Japanese technologically advanced products are very popular in world, they have also produced some new hair requirements for their people, such as straigtening system, style, colour, and permanently wave hair with chemical solutions, and provide clients with hair and scalp treatments. To upgrade their hairdressing skills, many Japanese hairdressers study abroad in London and New York, at the same time, they can also improve their communication skills. Some of them have already opened their own shops in London after their study. Japanese have a very good customer service; they care about all of their customers. Therefore, some of them work with a client from start to finish. Because of the Japanese fashions are successfully attracted a lot of people, so many western people are very interested in their hair dressing and fashions in this 5 years. However, most of the Japanese cannot speak good English, it is the most difficult thing to communicate to their overseas customers and their hair condition is totally different between Japanese and western people. Therefore, not all the western people are willing to try and no one can insure that they would accept or like their culture. Some of the western people even had a bed experience with their Japanese hairdressers, so they are giving tips to people who are interested or looking for a Japanese hairdresser: Get recommendations from friends Check that the staff speaks English Make sure they have trained in their clients are foreigners When you see a woman with great hair, ask her for her stylists contact number- shell probably be flattered and happy to help Market Analysis of Russia At the Soviet Union an ordinary consumer didnt have a wide range of salons to choose. Moscow was the place where the most famous beauty enterprises were situated, at the same time, the situation in regions was completely opposite, there were few proper salons and the most common ones were barbershops. In the late 1980s in the USSR there were 64 thousand barbershops providing more than 210 thousand jobs. Only in the beginning of 1990s elite sector development emerged. Such world-known names as Wella Dolores, Yves Rocher, and Jacques Dessange became the first VIP beauty salons in Russia. The economic crisis in august 1998 severely influenced the beauty enterprises. Elite salons recovered very quickly though. However, business class sector regained its position only in 2000 and from that time it showed steadfast development as opposed to elite sector stagnation. In 2002 the number of middle class salons tripled as compared with 1998 and they made 30% larger profit than in 2000. Such market vivacity was strongly influenced by rapidly growing consumer demand which has increased by 15% in 2002 in comparison with 2001. Rising incomes and formation of business class in Russia reflected in constantly decreasing number of economy class salons. As welfare grows, people choose higher quality and wider range of services and prefer middle-class beauty salons to economy class barbers shops. Each year economy class salons lose approximately 5% of their share (50% share in 2000 as compared with 40% in 2002). At the moment there are 4 thousand officially registered salons in Moscow and 350 thousand all over Russia. Moscow elite salons constitute 15-17%. However, elite salon sector matures and its growth rate is constantly slowing down, especially in Moscow. Analytics point out that this tendency is visible all over the world and, obviously, Russia is not an exception. They explain it that well-to-do people, main consumers of elite beauty services, due to developing system of consumer crediting and allocation of funds for new luxury items such as cars, e-technologies, and mobile phones, people prone to shift from elite-class salons to middle-class ones. Currently the work load of economy class salons is 50-70% of maximum capacity, 30-50% for business class salons, and 10-30% for VIP salons. A hair-do by elite master ranges in prices from US$60 to US$600. In business class salons this service will cost from US$20-40 to US$100-130. Cosmetological procedures range from US$40 to US$130 in elite salons and from US$25 to US$60 in business class salons. Analytics predict that the largest potential in the sector is in business class salons. Apart from the fact that the size of this sector during the last two years amounted only 5%, at the moment more than 70% of newly opened enterprises are targeted towards business class people. Moreover, 90% of graduates from beauty salon management are planning to open a business class salon. The other tendency indicated in beauty salon business is demand for constant renovation. Professional managers recommend the following scheme of reinvestment: 50% of net profit in the fist year, 35% in the second year and not less than 15% in all the following years. A beauty salon has a life cycle of 5-7 years and requires a total restyling after this period of time. The sum required to open a new salon ranges between US$10000 and 2 million depending on its size and form of ownership. Russian market is exceptionally favourable for franchising business development. This scheme is already used by such companies as Jacques Dessange, TonyGuy, Riama. Such successful performance is explained by beneficial franchising conditions and well-organized promotional activities. The other tendency seen is ineffectiveness of beauty enterprises as a part of hotel infrastructure. It is simply explained that Russian people come to do business, and not to beautify themselves. At the same time independent beauty salons are becoming very attractive for not demanding large area and investment, however, the chance for success is fifty-fifty due to severe competition and susceptibility to market fluctuations. Certification system introduced by Moscow Consumer market government department is still voluntary. It pursues several goals: to protect consumers from low-quality service, to give a promotion to law-abiding salons and to attract consumers from the grey market. Moscow Administration for Ministry of taxation estimates that the grey market of services is equal in size to the legal one. SOUTH AFRICA POLITICAL South Africa belongs to the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), a regional trade arrangement with Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland. In South Africa, taxation is the main issue that continues to hamper growth as there are tax duties on cosmetics, shampoos and shaving preparations which currently stands at 5%, thanks to the vigorous lobbying by the Cosmetic Toiletry Fragrance Association (CTFA). South Africas top income tax rate is 40 percent. The corporate tax rate is 30 percent. South Africa permits foreign investment in most sectors, and requires no governmental approval, and generally does not restrict foreign investment. which ultimately means we are free to invest and run our hair dressing services. ECONOMICAL There are approximately 2000 identifiable black salons and an additional 10,000 to 12,000 informal salons. Black hair treatment is a market of 500 million euros in Africa alone. While imports of cosmetics from the U.S., Europe and Asia are increasing, it makes it easier for us to get our resources from these huge corporations, and because South Africa has slowly liberalized during the past decade, and economic growth has improved. It remains the economic centre of sub-Saharan Africa, generating 36 percent of regional GDP. In South Africa, about 70% of the ethnic hair-care independent retailers and informal distributors dominate the retail market, which is Spurred by the entry of multinational companies who are now investing into the ethnic hair-care market, as 79% of the population are of black origin, we are also waking up to the potential of this market segment. South African cosmetic and toiletries industry grew by more than 65% from 1996 to 2000, and sales are expected to raise to $1.75 billion by 2005. This growth lies largely in the ethnic market, and in the area of mens cosmetics, a traditionally neglected segment, which will be neglected no more as we also plan to reach these market segment. SOCIOCULTURAL African hairstyles and fashion often has a deeper meaning in south Africa than what we are used to in Europe. Techniques such as braids, twist, cornrows, weave on and water curls are used and are emphasised through occasions like weddings, birthdays and even funerals. With the different techniques used we can also do this as part of our service. After 1994 in South Africa, the people began to be proud of themselves because before that they were made to believe in the European style of beauty. Upscale salons in South Africa charge prices ranging from 80 Rand ($13) for a basic perm to 180 Rand ($30) for dreadlocks. Many consumers have to stretch their monthly earnings, which is usually around 2000 Rand ($300), and because they have other needs to cater to , they find that the street stylists offer the same services as salons at much cheaper prices. and because we do not want our clients going to the streets we will compete competitively with the street vendors. but what is evident, is that the business of styling black hair is booming and black South Africans are now celebrating their ethnicity more then ever. Shop owners, street stylists and consumers agree that the days of assimilating to Europeans standards of beauty have passed. TECHNOLOGICAL As the figures show from the graph telephones and mobiles are widely used in South Africa so this would give us the help we need to communicate to them and tell them about our services via the phone internet and mobiles. we can also market our products through radio stations and television as a percentage of them have access to this technology which is advance and growing more and more. electricity will also play a big part in our service as our hair appliances will need it. Marketing and Media Strategy We are offering state of the art contemporary services to middle and upper-middle class individuals between 20 and 35 year old people. From time to time LOUIStylez places adverts, and advertorials in the internet, corporative magazine, local newspapers, actively promoting our discount cards, membership cards, and free offers and discounts for weekday appointments. We strongly believe that such an integrated marketing communications approach will bring in loyal and long-term customers. Moreover, through sending press releases, e-mail advertisements announcing salon changes, new innovations and services, in that way we are keeping in touch with our current customers, at the same time, attracting the new ones. Moreover, in order to promote the brand and increase consumer loyalty, LOUIStylez distribute the small bathes of their professional cosmetics through the major retail chains. The companys managers strictly watch the quality of service offered in their franchised salons in order to maintain our strong brand. LOUIStylez also benefit from improved links with the local communities, through charity events and sponsorship. Conclusion In those countries, they have a healthy economy and good potential to produce their services and goods to worldwide. Hairdressing has been an important part of the dress of both men and women, people are willing to spend on fixing their hair. Although Japan has a wide range of fashion trends, there are a lot of competitions in their fashion market. South Africa is so multicultural, people are living in different living standard, so there are many different kinds of salon and barbershop over this country. However, Russias fashion is close to European country, it has also attracted some foreign fashion investments, such as Tony and Guy. At the same time, market is not saturated, there are still plenty of space for new entrants. References www.heritage.org/research/features/index/country.cfm?id=Japan http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ja.html http://www.fashioninjapan.com/Free_Tour/FIJPresentation_ft.htm http://www.amphi.com/~psteffen/fmf/fashion.html http://jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au/text/jobDetails.cfm?jobID=778 www.being-a-broad.com/living/hair.html www.metropolis.Japantoday.com www.web-Japan.org/trends00/honbum/tj990707.html www.thejapanesepage.com/readarticle.php?article_id=164 www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/uk/index.html www.japanesestreets.com http://www.cosmeticsinrussia.com/showart.phtm?reg=fulltype=mnum=560 http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/country.cfm?id=Russia http://www.cdi.org/russia/johnson/9123-8.cfm http://www.citibank.ru/russia/pdf/eng/bal_rus2004.pdf#search=balance%20of%20payments%20russia http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/rs.html www.cs-students.stamford.edu www.southafrica.com www.reserachandmarkets.com www.athens.com www.heritage.com www.journalism.berkely.edu/projects/southafrica www.euromonitor.com www.museums.org.sa Japan Japan has recovered to become an economic power and a staunch ally of the US after the World War II. This table is showing their economic status in 2005. Economic system Japanese government consumed 17.6% of GDP in 2004. They have also received 1.3% of its total revenues from state-owned enterprises and government ownership of property Freedom Index According to the World Bank, Japans weighted average tariff rate in 2004 was 2.4%, up from the 2.2% in 2002 reported in the 2005 Index, and based on World Bank data (www.heritage.org/research/features/index/country.cfm?id=Japan) Exchange rates Japanese yen has a floating exchange rate: Yen per US dollar: 109 (in 2005), 108.19 (in2004), 115.93 (in 2003), 125.93 (in 2002) Income and Purchasing Power GDP real growth rate: 2.1% Exports: $550.5 billion f.o.b Imports: $451.1 billion f.o.b (2005 est) Taxes The top income tax rate in Japan in 37% GDP per capita purchasing power parity $30,4000 (2005 est) Major export trading partners US 22.4%, China 13.1% and South Korea 7.8% Major exports financial services, computer and information services, travel services, travel services, transport equipment and electrical machinery Pest Analysis of Russia ECONOMIC Russia Economic Systems Centrally planned economy transforming to a free market economy Freedom Index Rank: 122, score: 3.50; Mostly unfree Income per capita $2,610 in 2003 (global average of $5,510 per year) Balance of payments Current account surplus and foreign trade surplus $88 and $118 billion (2005) Income R4,974 a month Exchange rate fluctuations Controlled floating exchange rate Purchasing Power Parity $1.535 trillion (2005 est.) G7 Yes OECD (Organisation for economic co-operation and development) Yes BEM (Business Events Management) Yes GATT/ WTO No/Yes POLITICAL Type of Political State Organisation Federation Legal system Based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts Taxes The top corporate tax rate 24 percent Government Intervention Russia received 4.36 percent of its total revenues from state-owned enterprises and government ownership of property, down from the 8.06 percent reported in the 2005 Index. As a result, Russias government intervention score is 0.5 point better this year Bribery and Corruption Bureaucratic corruption is widespread SOCIAL DEMOGRPHICS AND CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT Population Age 0-14 years: 14.6% (male 10,704,617/female 10,173,313) 15-64 years: 71.3% (male 49,429,716/female 52,799,740) 65 years and over: 14.2% (male 6,405,027/female 13,907,896) (2005 est.) Population Growth Rate -0.37% (2005 est.) Literacy Levels/ Education Definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.6% male: 99.7% female: 99.5% (2003 est.) TECHNOLOGICAL Telephones main lines in use 35.5 million (2002) Telephones mobile cellular 17,608,800 (2002) Internet hosts/ users 560,874 (2004)/ 6 million (2002) ECONOMICAL , SOCIOCULTURAL and TECHNOLOGICAL of South Africa GDP growth rate: 1.9% GDP per capita: $3,026 GDP: $138.7 billion Major exports: metal and metal products, gold, diamonds, machinery and transport equipment Major imports: machinery, mineral products, chemicals, transport equipment Population below poverty line -50% (2000 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share- lowest 10%: 1.1% highest 10%: 45.9% (1994) purchasing power parity $11,900 (2005 est.) Exports of goods and services: $37.5 billion Imports of goods and services: $37.6 billion Inflation rate (consumer prices- 4.6% (2005 est.) Budget revenues: $65.91 billion expenditures: $70.62 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (2005 est.) Major export trading partners: UK 12.2%, US 12.0%, Japan 8.9%, Germany 7.9% Population -44,344,136 Population growth 0.31% (2005 est.) Median age -male: 23.12 years female: 24.86 years (2005 est.) ethnic groups -black African 79%, white 9.6%, colored 8.9%, Indian/Asian 2.5% (2001 census) religions Zion Christian 11.1%, Pentecostal/Charismatic 8.2%, Catholic 7.1%, Methodist 6.8%, Dutch Reformed 6.7%, Anglican 3.8%, other Christian 36%, Islam 1.5%, other 2.3%, unspecified 1.4%, none 15.1% (2001 census) birth rate -18.48 births/1,000 population (2005 est.) death rate -21.32 deaths/1,000 population (2005 est.) Age- 15-64 years: 64.5% (male 13,860,727/ female 14,750,496) sex ratio at birth: 1.02 male/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male/female total population: 0.94 male/female (2005 est.) language IsiZulu 23.8%, IsiXhosa 17.6%, Afrikaans 13.3%, Sepedi 9.4%, English 8.2%, Setswana 8.2%, Sesotho 7.9%, Xitsonga 4.4%, other 7.2% (2001 census) literacy- definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 86.4% male: 87% female: 85.7% (2003 est.) Telephones main lines in use: 4.844 million (2002) Electricity exports 10.14 billion kWh (2003) Radio broadcast stations AM 14, FM 347 (plus 243 repeaters), shortwave 1 (1998) Telephones mobile cellular 16.86 million (2003) Electricity imports: 6.739 billion kWh (2003) Television broadcast stations 556 (plus 144 network repeaters) (1997) Telephone system the system is the best developed and most modern in Africa. Electricity production- 215.9 billion kWh (2003) Internet users- 3.1 million (2002)

Why Copying Your Competitions Content Marketing Doesnt Actually Work

What are my competitors writing about? Why did their new blog post get so many shares? What are they doing that we’re not? As a content marketer, it’s natural to be curious about your competition. However, copying their tactics in the hope of replicating their success is a common mistake among content marketers. Here, we’ll look at why imitation is a bad idea and explain what you should do instead. Free Actionable Bonus: Looking to elevate your content strategy? Get our our complete guide to creating a content strategy, plus a free content planning template and a list of 30+ places to distribute content Your Competitors Don’t Know What They’re Doing Okay, maybe not all the competition is totally clueless, but in terms of content marketing, many of them are as in the dark as you are. Some will also be copying their competitors, who are copying their competitors. So if you copy anyone, you could simply be copying an imitation of an imitation. According to research from the Content Marketing Institute, 63 percent of businesses don’t have a documented content marketing strategy. So if your competitors don’t have a real plan, how can their strategy have any relevance to your business? Tip: Don’t waste your limited resources on untested strategies. Instead, trust your own judgement. By developing your own ideas and analyzing the results of your own efforts, you’ll find out what actually works. And this approach is crucial to developing an authentic brand voice. Authenticity is the New Marketing Currency Modern consumers are tired of being lied to. To succeed as a business today, you need to be authentic. If you sound like every other brand, you’re unlikely to be remembered. In a Pardot report, 80 percent of people cite â€Å"authenticity of content† as the most influential factor in their decision to follow a brand. Tip: Whatever your niche, stay true to who you are; it’s the best way to stand out from the crowd. Think about what makes your brand unique. Tell personal stories and use testimonials to build trust. Be transparent and don’t be afraid to be different. Your Audience is Unique You may be in the same industry as a competitor, but your audience may prefer different types of content. Perhaps they respond more to short blog posts or love sharing visual content. Your competitors don’t know your audience like you do, so copying their style of content may not work. Tip: Deliver a variety of content formats and analyze the results. Get genuine feedback from your followers on social media. Ask your audience directly what content they prefer. Your Goals Are Unique Your competitors may be running a paid advertising campaign for a limited period. They may have gated content that’s only available to certain email subscribers. It’s virtually impossible to identify their content marketing successes, because you don’t have access to their analytics. Tip:Focus on what works for you.Start by defining your marketing goals. Do you want to build your email list, or drive website traffic? When you know your goals, you can measure the results and then form a content strategy that is built on past successes. You Don’t Have the Same Resources Even if a competitor’s content marketing tactics seem to be working for them, it’s probably because they have enough resources to make it work. Do you have the same amount of staff, the same access to software, and a vast marketing budget? According to Chris Von Wilpert, Sumo’s chief content strategist, they spend around $40,000 a month on writers, editing, and promotion. If you’re a small business, it’s unlikely you can replicate what they’re doing, even if you wanted to. Tip: You can only make the best use of the resources you have. However, building an effective content marketing team doesn’t have to break the bank. Hire quality writers that know your industry, and treat them well. When you offer competitive rates of pay, they’re more likely to produce high-quality content that can outshine the content of your biggest competitors. The Bottom Line: Don’t Imitate, Innovate It’s only natural to want to emulate the best, but copying your competition’s content marketing is ultimately a road to nowhere. Developing a content strategy to meet the needs of your own audience will be more effective in the long run and help to differentiate your business from the competition. In summary: Focus on what makes your brand unique. Find out what topics your audience cares about. Test different content formats. Hire the best writers and treat them well. Define your goals, define your target audience, and define what content success looks like. Track everything you do so you can discover what works and what doesn’t. Be consistent, and be patient. Successful content marketing is a long-term game. If you follow these suggestions, you can develop a content strategy that suits your unique business, doesn’t stretch your resources too far, and plays to the strengths of your team. This way, you’ll be more memorable and distinctive, and give your target audience a reason to believe in your brand. Do you need unique content for your business? Constant Content’s is a content creation service that connects you with thousands of talented freelance content writers.

Free Essays on Socratic Irony

In his work, The Concept of Irony, S?ren Kierkegaard discusses Socratic irony. This irony, which sees its beginning in Socrates’ claim to complete ignorance, is present throughout Plato’s dialogues. Socrates then uses this irony to bring his interlocutors to a state in which all content has been emptied from their minds- a state that is altogether negative. This negative aspect, in turn, can be seen as an expression of Socrates’ vanity. However, this vanity was commonly misjudged as greatness and even piety, at times. It will be discussed here how Socrates’ reputation of greatness was earned strictly through this vanity. Through his dialectic, it appeared as if Socrates was always in search for an eternal and objective truth. He always began by claiming ignorance, while his interlocutor claimed to possess knowledge. Socrates would proceed by questioning the other, in a rational manner, in order to try to come to some sort of final truth. However, the truth arrived at was always the same one- that the other was wrong- and the other would wind up in a state in which he realised he knew nothing; this state is also known as aporia. Kierkegaard describes this process of emptying one of all one’s purported knowledge as â€Å"negating.† This negation is achieved through irony, which is actually seen by Kierkegaard as the whole essence of Socrates’ character. Socrates is an ironic and negative character because, in his search for knowledge and truth, he is actually seeking to negate everything, or empty it of its positive content. Thus, it becomes possible for one to equate Socrates wit h irony and with the â€Å"negative.† This negative sees, as its goal, the pursuit to empty all things positive of their content and make them negative as well. The reasons attempting to explain this idiosyncrasy of Socrates are numerous, though his ultimate, ceaseless quest for truth is most popular. In this essay, however, vanity will be cited ... Free Essays on Socratic Irony Free Essays on Socratic Irony In his work, The Concept of Irony, S?ren Kierkegaard discusses Socratic irony. This irony, which sees its beginning in Socrates’ claim to complete ignorance, is present throughout Plato’s dialogues. Socrates then uses this irony to bring his interlocutors to a state in which all content has been emptied from their minds- a state that is altogether negative. This negative aspect, in turn, can be seen as an expression of Socrates’ vanity. However, this vanity was commonly misjudged as greatness and even piety, at times. It will be discussed here how Socrates’ reputation of greatness was earned strictly through this vanity. Through his dialectic, it appeared as if Socrates was always in search for an eternal and objective truth. He always began by claiming ignorance, while his interlocutor claimed to possess knowledge. Socrates would proceed by questioning the other, in a rational manner, in order to try to come to some sort of final truth. However, the truth arrived at was always the same one- that the other was wrong- and the other would wind up in a state in which he realised he knew nothing; this state is also known as aporia. Kierkegaard describes this process of emptying one of all one’s purported knowledge as â€Å"negating.† This negation is achieved through irony, which is actually seen by Kierkegaard as the whole essence of Socrates’ character. Socrates is an ironic and negative character because, in his search for knowledge and truth, he is actually seeking to negate everything, or empty it of its positive content. Thus, it becomes possible for one to equate Socrates wit h irony and with the â€Å"negative.† This negative sees, as its goal, the pursuit to empty all things positive of their content and make them negative as well. The reasons attempting to explain this idiosyncrasy of Socrates are numerous, though his ultimate, ceaseless quest for truth is most popular. In this essay, however, vanity will be cited ...

Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 18

Essay Example Creativity can only be hindered if the creative person thinks he is being led into hindrance. Since he is a creative person, he must understand that the rules of decision making and problem solving are there to assist his creative abilities and not to take anything away from his self belief and creativity. If the energies are exerted in a positive manner, then there is no shadow of a doubt that these decision making and problem solving approaches would work to the advantage of the creative process which is all about understanding and comprehension of a subject or matter. The out of the box approach could be fastened up if the principles of problem solving and decision making are followed in a methodical manner. Creative persons are usually not very good group members but what is good about them is that they analyze things from different perspectives and ways. It gives them a better picture of the overall process than a single side of the story which a commoner might have. The creative people that I know are divided into the set of being good group members as well as the ones who are not social and hence do not make for a good read when the talk goes out loud of working within a single group, for the betterment of the group nonetheless. The girl ABC that I know is a good group member when she works in unison with different people yet she is creative out and out. My friend XYZ does not like to mingle with people yet his creative thinking abilities are undoubtedly the best in the advertising industry. It is all a matter of different people working in different settings. The important thing is to get the best work out of them no matter whatever their personal likes and dislikes are. The thing which makes people creative is the fact that they do and act differently from the rest of the population around them. Thus there is ample opportunity for them to demonstrate what