Great Singapore Sales 2011

Great Singapore Sales (GSS) has finally come. This annual affair is uniquely Singapore, where the May-June period features retailers and fabulous promotions. Business owners dish out huge marketing dollars to entice consumers to make the extra purchase.

Looking at this form of marketing, GSS appeal is slowly dying. Will consumer make the purchase just because of the additional discount given?

We look at the recent crave: group buying coupons and discount phenomenon - Example, Groupon. How are they changing consumer behaviour. I look at Groupon as more of a sampling method for consumers. To advertisers, they are getting bulk sales which is ideal for new setup company to create awareness.

The pitfall for consumers come when they make purchase in GSS. Similar analogue in "Relativity and Immediate Gratification", a simple sales tactic "20% for 2nd Pair of shoes, 30% for 3rd Pair", in fact ask consumers to buy more FAST. Intentionally, discount is given but at tier level. This is good for retailers to clear their stock. Not to forget, their product costing includes shipping. With bulk order, the 20-30% is relatively covered. On top of that, they may save on warehousing since you have help to clear their stocks. Of course, all these are done with carefully planning. You do have to give credits to the merchandising department.

Create more Social Media Links

Someone just tasked me to create more social media tools such as Twitter, LinkedIn. Well, I do agree to populate the internet as these provide useful backlinks and garner more eyeballs. My only concern would be to manage them.

Operating in an Asian context, users are still skeptical on sharing their personal information online. Personally, LinkedIn offers upload of resumes, thus allowing resume search by potential employers. This is not ideal if your boss realise you are going on a job shopping spree.

To man the various new media tools require articulated use and proper monitoring. Being a user, I'm caught in a dilemma: resources management VS KPIs

When an organisation decides to embark on the new media platform, it must prepare to take on a new online identity. Thus, also allow for headcounts for such projects.

GE 2011 Aftermath

This was a sensational weekend. With GE 2011 coming to an end, all rallies and political lobbying would not be allowed in public places without first obtaining a permit and without a cause.

In this GE, we see the rise of a new political landscape which could bring forward many new evolutions. Gone were the days that people are living in "fear", nor are they ignorant. Though I foreseen this day, I have still saddened by the facts.

The loss of Aljunied GRC with a political leader, a liberal Foreign Minister. The team were average. The Opposition team has brought in new blood and rise the "voices" of the residents. What really sadden me is: whether people vote just because they want to see the changes, or are they "slated" by the Opposition or they are really aware of the current situation facing by the Nation?

Cost of living is increasing, do we want to remain stagnant for the sake of people who can't catch up with the pace?

I, for one, dare not to answer as I believe in self-achieving. But I'm still concerned after my forties, what will happen if I do not have enough for retirement or no job?

Am I still going with the crowd or apathetic towards National policies? Or are Singaporean remaining in their "comfort zone" as neighboring nations turn over and "eat" us from within, and external forces crushing on us?