The Forsyth Review

Elevator Pitch-- Writetobefluent.com

2010-11-18T05:21:00.001-08:00

People often learn another language by using dry textbooks with fake situations. As the hypothetical dialogues get old, the language learning does, too. Writetobefluent.com is a free language learning tool for people who are tired of making things up and want to learn while being engaged in real-life situations. The site is based on the premise that expressing yourself in writing is vital to achieve fluency in a second language. But, more specifically, writetobefluent.com is community blog that allows native speakers to write in a second language about topics of their choice. Users create an account with basic personal information and then write blog posts about relevant topics such as sports, music, games, politics, hobbies, food, or themselves. The site is based on two way communication between language learners (students) and native speakers (teachers). After a student posts, the teacher posts corrections to their blog post. The student learns from the teacher's corrections and this communication also acts as a segue into further interaction between student and teacher. A message system also allows users to send short emails back and forth to each other. Students also learn from each others mistakes as all blog entires are viewable to the community. Revenue would be generated by selling advertisements on the website.

I am currently looking for a social network platform that will allow me to start this language learning community as well as ideas for how to promote the website.

Spinbrush Pro Clean Recharge by Arm & Hammer

2010-08-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

PROS
Price ~ $15
Rechargeable dock
No batteries required

CONS
Rechargeable battery wears out after 1-2 years
Power brushes require replacement heads. Spinbrush heads cost ~ $9 for two.

People apparently spend a lot of money on electronic toothbrushes because the fancy ones run upwards of $150. But why spend that much when you can buy a $15 Spinbrush by Arm & Hammer? This electronic toothbrush stands up to the Oral-B PC5000 (retailing at $170) by delivering a comparable brushing experience.

I looked for a power toothbrush after being advised to do so by my dentist. With the Oral-B outside my price range, I gave the Spinbrush a try. I have been entirely satisfied with the product. It provides quality brushing, a rechargeable dock (no batteries required), and some serious cash savings.

Replacement heads cost about $9 for two which isn't too bad considering a manual toothbrush costs about $4-5 each.

My advice to those seeking a quality power toothbrush is to skip the high-priced Oral B and try the Spinbrush.

Google Apps For Business

2010-08-10T17:41:00.001-07:00

At some point when starting your own business, you'll decide you need a more professional email address-- the traditional yourname@yourbusinessdomain.com. (I decided on thomas @ textbranding.com).

You may be anticipating a dreadful experience, especially if you are technologically challenged; but, fortunately, Google Apps makes it relatively simple to set up your own business email account.

For only $50 per year (per user), the Google Apps suite will allow you to set up business email accounts for yourself and your employees. If you have your own Gmail account for personal use, it only gets better. You can centralize your personal and business email all into one and send messages from either account. When composing a message, you select which account you want to send the message from. If you are replying to a message, Gmail will automatically send it from the email address the original message was sent to. This feature makes Google Apps particularly noteworthy.

Email is the central feature to Google Apps, but the other benefits including Google Calender, Chat, Docs, Sites, and Video allow you to create a personalized intranet for your company. For entrepreneurs just starting out, Google Apps presents an exceptionally low-cost technology system to get things started (and probbaly, to keep things running). With all your documents and materials saved online, a first-rate email platform, and just a $50 dollar per year (per user) fee, Google Apps is a must for entreprenuers.

Back On Facebook; But Not For Long

2010-08-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

A month ago, I wrote a post about why I don't use Facebook any more. Last week, I reactivated my account to see if I had been missing anything. I'll admit, I had been... a little bit.

Facebook is the way people my age communicate with each other, so if you're not on it, you're at risk of being out of the loop. In my opinion, this is the only real downside to not having a Facebook account.

If I was not going to China, I probably would stay on Facebook to continue promoting my business. I would likely make a separate account for Text Branding. But, Facebook is blocked in China, and thats likely where I will be for the next year. Hence, I'll be off Facebook for a while longer.

In addition to Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, and many photo sharing websites are blocked in China. According to Wikipedia, iTunes was blocked during the 2008 Beijung Summer Olympics after more than 40 Athletes downloaded a pro-Tibetan album from it (it was eventually unblocked). As someone who understands how valuable freedom of expression (and freedom of conducting business) is, it's difficult to stomach why these sites are blocked. However, I have an open mind and will be interested to understand things from a Chinese point of view.

The Struggles Of Brick & Mortar Retailers

2010-08-02T13:58:00.001-07:00

For quite some time now, brick and mortar retail stores have been struggling to stay competitive with the dynamic shopping center called the Internet. My experience with Macy's and Borders demonstrates why physical retailers will probably never regain the power they once had before the Internet.

(A quick aside: Despite my strong interest in merchandising, I actually dislike shopping quite a bit, and more specifically, I loathe clothes shopping. The only exceptions are food shopping and some big ticket items for which I have an exact vision of what I want.)

Case 1: I went to Borders to purchase the Rosetta Stone Chinese language software (Edition 1) as part of my graduation gift. Not available. Not only did they not have it in stock, but it was $35 cheaper online at Rosettastone.com, which is where I ultimately came home and purchased it from.

Case 2: The second part of my graduation gift was a 21-inch carry on luggage piece which was meant to compliment Rosetta Stone. (Have you made the connection yet? I'm leaving for China soon). Macy's is generally the place to go for reasonably-priced, quality luggage; but, they were out of their standard Delsey carry-on, which is one of the few brands they carry. The associate at Macy's was kind enough to put me in her little "book" and said she'd call me when the luggage arrived. But when I want something, I want it pronto. So I went online to ebags.com and bought the same exact Delsey carry-on for $135.99 instead of the $169.99 they were charging at Macy's or Macys.com. And it's a good thing I bought from ebags, because, to this day, I still have not received a phone call notifying me of a new shipment.

Case 3: Not until July did I realize I needed some shorts for the summer. Well, apparently, shopping for summer clothes in July is too late because finding the right size in the right pair of shorts was like trying to find a parking space in Provincetown on the Fourth of July: simply not available. Learning from Case 1 and 2, I went home and searched for the pair of shorts I wanted (the Docker's plaid line) and bought them online for 14.99 a pair at bonton.com instead of the 24.99 they were retailing for at Macy's (both marked down from the $44.00 MSRP).

It is nothing spectacularly new that online shopping is far more robust than its brick and mortar counterpart. But, it does not come without its downside: colors often vary from what they look like online, sizes can vary by brand, and sometimes there are shipping costs (rarely, though, if you are purchasing over $50 worth of merchandise).

Interestingly enough, you might think consumer packaged goods would be immune to online shopping, but shoppers are purchasing their everyday items--shampoo, groceries, aspirin--- all online. Buying these items in bulk online from Amazon.com presents significant savings in the form of stress and money. And while you won't recieve a discount, Stop & Shop's Peapod service will bring your groceries directly to your doorstep--a nice convenience if you live in the city.

Online shopping is far from new but it is continually evolving. And I think there's little doubt that your always local .com will be the preeminent retailer of the 21st century.

Ever wondered what bit.ly is?

2010-07-26T13:24:00.001-07:00

It's a link shortener for the Internet... and it's more popular than ever for Tweeters worldwide. Twitter dumped their former URL shortener, Tiny URL, for the flashier bit.ly link shortener platform. So when your about to tweet a link to your website but you realize it nearly maxes out your 140 character SMS limit, you'll need to head to bit.ly. The company also offers link-tracking services if you want to see how many people are clicking your links.

A quick example for my own website:

Before bit.ly: http://textbranding.com/TextBranding/FAQ.html
After bit.ly: http://bit.ly/bnKzkE

Finding A Niche In Global Communications

2010-07-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have spent a lot of time thinking about how to expand my copywriting business to fill a market need for the global communications industry. I read an Inc. article about the burgeoning language translations business and since been brainingstorming how to cash in. My first thought was business to business translations. It is a highly saturated market but the barriers to entry are low and the overhead is minimal. It involves finding certified translators through the American Translators Association, then promoting yourself to other companies as a translator. If you're a small player, however, it's best to find a niche like legal or medical translations, increasing your chances of success in a marketplace crowded by generalists.

Then, there are marketing translations (also known as transcreation, cultural adaptation, ect). This service is for companies entering emerging markets such as China, Brazil or Russia (or any other market with a different culture and language). Not only do you need your marketing materials translated, you need them adapted to a particular ethnic group... so you don't end up offending your target audience. As case studies will reveal, your content must be adapted in detail to ensure a smooth entry into emerging markets. Companies such as Textappeal offer these cultural adaptation services for global brands.

But there's so many American companies headed overseas that we often forget that organizations in emerging markets are coming here. If you go on most Chinese websites, whether it be a government, school, medical, or business institution, they have some English version. Usually, it's poorly written without consideration to detail, grammar, or other mechanics. Maybe this is where I can fit in. Of course, the trick is how to convince authorities in emerging markets that English writing on their website is important. Not to mention, how to market to them. Assuming I can sell my services to the various institutions that need high quality English copywriting, maybe I can find a lucrative niche.

Dove Men+Care Product Line

2010-07-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

Dove, a Unilever brand, has rolled out with its new men's care line called "Dove Men+Care." Currently, the product line includes 3 body & face washes, 2 body & face bars, and one "shower tool" which is essentially a shower pouf in masculine form.

As a loyal body wash customer (I stopped using soap bars a long time ago), I tried the "Clean Comfort" version of their body wash. One of Dove's selling points is that their product prevents dry skin. It was hard to for me gauge the efficacy of this product's ability to prevent dry skin because I have never had an issue with dry skin after using soap. Nonetheless, I enjoyed using the new body wash. The scent was subtle with a cool and fresh aroma. A nice added bonus is that you can use the product to wash your face as well, saving you space on the shower rack or in your travel bag.

In terms of body washes, ingredients do not vary much; hence, it's up to marketing to distinguish the product. I think Dove has done a good job with their attractive packaging and the "be comfortable in your own skin" campaign. On their website, Dove is currently featuring life stories from some baseball greats about how they "became comfortable in their own skin," or more precisely, how they developed self confidence through baseball.

Dove has the luxury of already having a premier brand so they are one step ahead in launching a product line like this. While the Dove brand often evokes feelings of peace and gentleness, there is a significant market for men who want more upscale products that work better for their skin. Moreover, the women who so often make the purchasing decisions for their husbands may be more inclined to buy the brand name they already use for themselves.

Here is Dove's new shower tool. The company went one step further than my shower pouf ad and redesigned the apparatus all together. Smart move. This shower tool is appealing and features double sided cleaning action.

A Brand's True Purpose

2010-07-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

As I continued my extensive market research on global content strategy, I came across an inspiring message from a leader at P&G who was a featured speaker at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival this past June. He talked about how, to get out of the recession (and stay out), brands need to focus on their unique ability to enhance the everyday lives of consumers instead of just selling, campaigning and marketing.

The former is what attracted me to consumer packaged goods in the first place. It's the everyday part I like the most. Whether it is sipping a can of coke (or mountain dew) over an intriguing conversation or getting a close shave with a Gillette Fusion ProGlide--these are the products that have the biggest day-to-day impact on us. They sustain our livelihoods. They are products at the heart of everyday commerce (hence, the tagline of this blog).

I thought about Global Marketing Officer, Marc Pritchard's, message and made some adjustments to my own mission at Text Branding. On the landing page, I have added our mission statement: Our sole mission at Text Branding is to understand how your brand enhances the lives of consumers, then convey that in writing to global audiences. I can't think of a simpler way of saying what I am trying to do at Text Branding.

On another note, I'm excited to one day attend premier marketing and advertising events such as the Cannes Lions Fesitval. Talk about a great networking oppurtunity.

Taglines

2010-07-05T21:09:00.001-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about taglines recently because I am trying to create one for my own business.

One of my favorite taglines is from a local Cape Cod company called Shepley Wood Products:
"If your builder isn't using Shepley... please ask why!"

The message is succinct and confident. It's a bold question but I believe it is done respectfully. And it makes the customer think: I wonder if my builder is using Shepley?

Not a bad idea to err on the side of boldness and creativity. The tagline that gets people thinking or talking is doing the best work.

The Old Versus The New & My First Sale

2010-06-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

As I was ready to embark on my first sales call, I figured I would need a nice black portfolio to hold my marketing materials and note pad together. My first instinct was to go out to Staples and buy a new one. But on the back of my mind was my my old career-search portfolio that I used to carry my resume copies around with (that I got for free at WashU's career center).

I tend not to like old or used things. I want the highest quality goods possible--so it's never my first thought to use perfectly reusable items.

My goal is to learn to do this.

I'll need to get in the habit of asking myself, when deciding between the old and the new, is this product crucial to the infrastructure of my business... is it worth spending the premium on to buy it new? Some things are and it's worth the investment. But many things aren't, including a basic black binder to hold a few pieces of paper (I made due with my old portfolio). It makes good economic sense to use old items. Also, entrepreneurs are usually always strapped for cash in the beginning of their venture. Being mindful of what needs to be bought new or used can help alleviate cash flow problems.

On a separate note, I made my first sale today. It wasn't a CPG client but I wasn't about to turn down good business. I called an SEO agency to see if they outsourced content work to a specialist. "Rarely," he said. But I got a request to do a one page marketing sheet for their corporate presentations. I obliged.

A View of the Pru

2010-06-25T13:08:00.001-07:00

I went to Boston last week and stayed with one of my friends. He has a nice apartment in the Back Bay with an amazing view of the Prudential Tower.

The prospect of Living in Boston could be very real for me sometime in the future as it is a bustling center of commerce. I have laid out some pros and cons to living in Boston.

Pros

Access to vast array of business/commerce
Tons of young people out and about
Lots of attractions like Faneuil Hall, Boston Commons, Beacon Hill, ect.
It's so walkable that you don't need a car
Great sports teams

Cons

It's expensive: $2,000 a month for that view and it's only a small 1 bedroom
People are sometimes snooty and cold (not as open and friendly as they are in the midwest)
Image and money are overvalued in Boston (but it is in a lot of places)
It's relatively crowded. Open space is a commodity. One thing I noticed is that elevators are tiny in apartment buildings.

What else?

The Difference Between a Freelancer and an Entrepreneur

2010-06-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

I went to the Seth Godin Linchpin Tour on Thursday at the John Hancock Hall in Boston. It was informative but I am glad I only paid the student rate which was $20 for the half-day. Others paid $500 for the full day event; I can't say it would of been worth it for that price.

One topic that stuck with me, however, was when Seth explained the difference between a freelancer and an entrepreneur. A freelancer is someone who makes money while they work. They contract out their individual labor in return for compensation. My gig right now is freelancing, I will be paid for each writing project I do.

An entrepreneur is someone who facilitates economic transactions. For instance, if I hired writers and and had them produce the writing projects while I monitored the business as a whole, this would be entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs, he said, make money in their sleep because the value is in the business they create. Entrepreneurs create organizations bigger than themselves.

This topic is discussed in detail in The E Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber. He talks about how people believe that because they have a particular skill, they can automatically turn it into a business. The most common example is the baker who makes amazing pies. She assumes she can start up a bakery, but it's just not the same thing. The owner often gets too overhwelmed in baking the pies that he forgets his position as the entrepreneur: Someone who keeps tabs on the business from a broader perspective. Entreprenuers don't bake pies, they hire people to bake pies.

"Entre" is French for "between" because entrepreneurs are the liason between resources and selling goods and services.

I eventually want to move into the entrepreneurial arena as someone who facilitates commercial transactions. I can't think of a more rewarding life than being an entrepreneur. Putting people to work, mobilizing resources to satisfy a market demand, and creating an organization bigger than myself is a life dream.

To get there, as Seth Godin puts it, you must "ship." To ship means to do something: To put your ideas in action and execute a vision. Well, I better keep shipping.

Why I Don't Currently Use Facebook

2010-06-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

You wouldn't think that one would need a reason why they don't use Facebook. But when 1/15 of the human race uses it, I guess you do. People sometimes ask me why I am not not on Facebook; heres why:

1) I don't have time for Facebook. I am on Twitter, Blogger, and LinkedIn. That's is enough for me. I would rather network professionally.

2) I don't want my social status to be defined by Facebook. There's something shallow about measuring social status through wall posts.

3) I don't have a comparative advantage with Facebook. In other words, I don't have someone taking thousands of pictures of me then posting them on Facebook. So it doesn't play to my strengths.

I'm not one to think Facebook is all bad. Right now it is just not for me. But that is always subject to change.

Facebook is great for photographers. It's perfect sharing photos with others.

And it's a must for most businesses. Social media is a critical marketing strategy.

More Saving. More Doing.

2010-06-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

From a marketing standpoint, I am impressed with Home Depot's new ad campaign. Played on radio and TV, it features a man's voice with a "we can do it" attitude. Here is one of the ads that features Home Depot paint products.

Theres a certain earnestness in the man's voice that I think resonates well with 'do it yourselfers'.

The slogan is well done, too. "More Saving. More Doing. Thats the Power of the Home Depot." I cant think of two things that Home Depot shoppers would rather do more of.

The ad is also a good lesson on simplicity. Just find what the consumer wants...then appeal to it. In an honest way. In Home Depot's case it's appealing to a consumer's desire to spend less money on supplies and become a more efficient worker. That's the power of the Home Depot. That's the power of advertising.

After the Rainstorm, There's a Rainbow

2010-06-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

I was initially skeptical about my new Rainbow sandals because they tore my feet apart for the first week. My skin was red and peeling after I wore them for just a few hours walking to classes. But after a week, these sandals gradually molded to my feet and became comfortable: Like stepping into butter comfortable.

The sandals have a lifetime guarantee for as long as the sole lasts. The flip flops reportedly last for three seasons, making the $45 sticker price less shocking. It makes sense to pay $45 for three seasons than $20 for a pair of sandals that will only last one.

Rainbow sandals are difficult to find. At the St. Louis Galleria, they were only available at Journey's. They can also be bought online from the company site or from select online retailers.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend these sandals; but, keep in mind the first week is painful. After that, you'll be content knowing you have a pair of comfortable, reliable sandals.

My Web Hosting Mistake

2010-06-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

Last night I was about to write a very favorable review for GoDaddy.com. I have had a great experience with the three domain names and two web hosting services I've bought from them.

But I was curious about the web hosting industry so I looked at Go Daddy's competitors. I came across Lime Domain's where I could have bought my textbranding.com domain for $10 which would of come with FREE hosting. Instead, I paid Go Daddy $13 for the domain name and $70 to host my website for a year. Oops.

I hope you at least get what you pay for. I know that Go Daddy is a reputable company and offers great customer service. You won't wait long until your speaking directly with someone who can walk you through the simple process of publishing a website. But still, FREE hosting.

Next year I can transfer to Lime Domain and cash in if they are still offering the free hosting incentive.

The lesson here, though, is to shop around before buying. I can be impulsive when I see something I want; but, it makes a lot more sense to compare options and go with the company that offers the best value.

5-hour Energy

2010-06-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

Cost: $2.99 for the 2-ounce bottle
Some Key Active Ingredients: Caffeine, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Taurine, Niacin
Calories: 4 per bottle
Flavors: Fruit-based

I had some extra money on my school account so I picked up a bottle of 5-hour Energy at the bookstore. Otherwise, I am not sure I would have tried this energy beverage.

5-hour energy started out as a sort of infomercial, and surprisingly has catapulted into the number one selling energy shot drink in the United States.

5-hour energy gave me a mild energy boost, as promised, without the jitters and crash. The grape version tasted similar to Dimetappe cold medicine--leaving much to be desired. The taste was so off that I am not sure if I will buy the product again. I don't understand how energy drinks survive in the marketplace with such poor taste quality. Oh wait, I do: The benefit of extra energy outweighs the cost of taste-bud-harm.

Droid Slogan

2010-05-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

There are a couple of Droid (a Motorola phone licensed by Verizon) slogans that have appeared on television commercials recently. Their most current slogan is "when there's no limit to what droid gets there's no limit to what droid does."

I like the other version even better: "In a world that doesn't, Droid does." This slogan lets cell phone consumers know the Droid is capable of doing anything an iPhone or Blackberry can do-- and it conveys that message fast and confidently.

TextBranding™

2010-05-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

I recently developed a website for a business I would like to start. The business is TextBranding™, Inc. www.textbranding.com : a copy writing service for the food and beverage industry. I think it will be a great way to make money while I am still looking for a job. It combines two special interests of mine: the food & beverage industry and writing.

I used godaddy.com to buy the domain name for $12/ year. I used iWeb to design the website which was free (the program came with my macbook). It costs about $70/ year to host the website for which I also use godaddy.com.

I've been strategizing how I will attract business. I plan to network using LinkedIn groups and contact companies directly. I am also going to a marketing conference hosted by Seth Godin in Boston this June. I may also try to market to international food & beverage companies since they should be interested in my services given the language barriers.

Overall, it will be a good, low cost way to develop my entrepreneurial skills. I think it's better to make mistakes here then on a more sophisticated, expensive business in the future.

I am still looking for a logo and advice on how to market my services. Should I do an internet marketing campaign? Search engine optimization?

Retargeting--The Latest Online Marketing Strategy

2010-05-18T18:51:00.001-07:00

Last week I visited the online retail site Like.com. I was checking out a $425 pair of Bally loafers. The next few days I was surprised to come across advertisements from Like.com featuring dress shoes on ad-heavy sites like Urban Dictionary. I figured Like.com had a gigantic advertising campaign going on. But they didn't; the online retailer was using a marketing strategy known as "retargeting." In this strategy, when you enter a website and do not make a purchase, your "cookies" are stored in the system. So when you browse the web for the next few days, you'll see ads for the item you were previously looking at.

From a business perspective, retargeting is an efficient marketing strategy. The pay-per-click program brings in warm leads that could translate into sales. It's a good reminder that might get a consumer to give the retailer another shot.

Of course, retargeting has not come without controversy. Critics argue it is an invasion of privacy--a form of internet stalking. Already, retailers are being asked to explain their policy to customers and give them the chance to opt out.

Google's CPG Blog

2010-05-14T17:54:00.001-07:00

Google's Consumer Packaged Goods Blog had an insightful post last month on how 83% of shoppers now make purchasing decisions before entering the supermarket. Historically, shoppers made the decision when they first saw the product on shelves, what Procter & Gamble called the "First Moment of Truth." However, the widespread use of the internet has encouraged shoppers to research products before purchasing. This includes everyday items like mustard and laundry detergent.

I thought about what this will mean if I launch HUCK'S branded horseradish sauce.

1) Horseradish cream sauce is a popular condiment for the roast often cooked on Christmas Day. The home chef usually looks up the recipe online. Therefore, I will need to have my product search engine optimized so HUCK'S will come up instead. This way, mom will be encouraged to buy it instead of making it--saving her precious time on Christmas Day.

2) Aside from Christmas dinner, horseradish cream sauce goes well with all sorts of cuts. Websites like Epicurious.com are used to prepare homemade dishes. When people look up recipes for meals that my sauce goes well with, I will have a paid search program to increase the brand awareness of HUCK'S.

3) I will need to use social media networks to increase brand awareness. Consumers don't often go to a food product's website but they do follow them on Twitter and add them as a friend on Facebook. Hence, a strong presence on these networks is a vital part of any marketing campaign.

David Brooks & Marketing

2010-05-11T19:34:00.000-07:00

David Brooks, op-ed columnist for the New York Times, came to WashU yesterday to talk about his career as a journalist. A couple of things he mentioned struck me. One, how journalists need to be in tune with their readers: trends change rapidly and it's up to writers to adjust. He likened this to a rhythmic flow that should not be broken by a writer's inability to gauge current reader interest. Second, David Brooks received a question asking him why people were no longer asking journalists or politicians about the war in Iraq. He said there is always a hot button issue that people use to evaluate one another's morality. For instance, supporting or opposing the war in Iraq allowed one to demonstrate his "moral superiority" to others. Once the war in Iraq became more of a puzzle (than a simple yes or no), people switched over to topics like healthcare where one can either yay or nay Obama's current agenda. The main point, however, was we tend to let our opinions on these issues define how we want our moral identity to be perceived.

Relating these two points David Brooks made to business, consumer trends change rapidly! And it's up to marketing experts to relay this information back to product development. Firms must stay on top of consumer preferences to remain competitive in the marketplace. As simple as this may seem, firms fail this all the time.

The second point reminded me of consumer behavior. Just like we let our opinions showcase where we stand philosophically, we let products--the things we wear, eat, and drive--stand for who we are as a person. Such a large reason of why we buy is to reveal who we want to be.

My Elevator Pitch--your chance to review me.

2010-05-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

The term "elevator pitch" was coined to describe the two minute opportunity you have to sell your idea. Whether it's to the CEO of your company or a potential investor for your venture, your time is limited and the burden is on you to capture their imagination. Usually, it is followed with a request for the kind of help you need. Here is my elevator pitch for a specialty sauce I am considering bringing to market.

HUCK’S® will be a branded horseradish cream sauce sold at delis, independent, natural food, and speciality stores nationwide. Currently, there is no refrigerated horseradish sauce made with all natural ingredients. There are shelf-stable versions, all of which use an oil base (canola oil mixed with Xanthan gum) so there is no need for pre-opening refrigeration. HUCK'S will be positioned in the dairy section and sold in an 8.5 ounce glass container with eye-catching packaging. The sauce is used for filets, pork, steaks, sandwiches, french fries and other foods as desired. An effective marketing campaign will allow me to reach scale and become profitable within three years of operations. I am currently looking for packaging design, a food (dairy) technologist, a co-packer, and help with conducting a formal demand analysis.

HUCK'S: Bold Taste for the Finest Cuts™

Packaging Hall of Fame

2010-05-05T22:44:00.000-07:00

In between my written blogs, I will post consumer product packaging that I consider to be the best: my "packaging hall of fame." Here's the first.

What makes it special?: The bold maroon coloring, yellow lettering, and symbolic eagle create a beautiful design.
Deutsch Design Works (San Francisco) designed this packaging for AB Inbev.

Personal Finance 101

2010-05-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

In the future, I would prefer not to hire a financial planner. I'd rather put this money towards my retirement. Thankfully, there is a wealth of personal finance information online, on TV, and in the community. The following are some of the most important tips I have learned about financial management:

• Pay yourself first: put 10% of your pre-tax income into investments and savings.
• Keep a 12-months pay “rainy day” account in case you are laid off or another emergency comes up.
• Spend no more than 30% of your pre-tax income on housing.
• Even young employees should strongly consider disability insurance.
• Diversify your investments across all asset classes (stocks, bonds, real estate, precious metals, money markets, ect.).
• Bonds are not guaranteed; you can lose money on them.
• Live below your means now so you can live richly later on.
• You don’t need life insurance until you have dependents.
• Start saving as young as possible to realize the power of compounded interest, and so you can recover from economic downfalls.
• Take advantage of tax-friendly investment vehicles like a Roth IRA account.
• If you’re considering a financial planner, check their compensation policy to see if it is commission or fee based. Commissioned planners have an incentive to sell you things!
• If you do work with a planner, make sure they can help you with a wide array of services: retirement, tax, legal, estate, ect.

And probably the best advice of all, from Suze Orman: "People first, then money, then things."

Chipotle Mexican Grill

2010-04-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

Professional restaurant reviewers usually patronize a restaurant three times before they make a formal assessment. I had this opportunity with Chipotle, a quick service Mexican-American eatery with 956 locations in 35 states. Chipotle Mexican Grill is a publicly traded company with a market capitalization of $4.25 billion.

My review of the Delmar Loop location in St. Louis, Missouri (ratings are out of 5):

Atmosphere (4): You will probably notice how clean Chipotle restuarants are when you walk in. Their kitchen, dining room and grill-line are all spotless! It's remarkable how simple the food line is with just 6 or 7 pans of various items. The sterile environment, however, lacks any mexican culture or charm. The menu consists of burritos, burrito bowls, fajitas, tacos, salads, chips, guacamole (and quesadillas if you ask for one).

Food Quality (4): Mostly well done! Though, their food is a bit salty which is my only real complaint. The chips have a nice lime taste to them, but again, are a shade too salty (in my opinion). The steak for my burritos was tender and grilled to perfection (medium rare). The pico de gallo was always fresh and tasty! I was initially skeptical about their cheese but they say it is a mix of white cheddar and monterey jack. The sour cream they use is a thin version which is optimal because it spreads out on the burrito. A good chef knows that each bite must contain every flavor.

Service & Price (4): Burritos are $6.35 and chips & salsa are $1.65 making Chipotle reasonably priced. Two out of the three times I visited, however, I had to wait a few minutes for the steak to be cut as they had just run out. Mostly, though, it is a quick visit. Luckily, there is a small parking lot right next to Chipotle on The Loop so I don't have to park on the road when I go there.

Concensus: Chipotle is a good place to pick up a burrito! As the company says, "Life is Burritoful!"

Going Cuckoo for Coconut Water

2010-04-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

I was first inspired to try coconut water when I read an article about it in Inc Magazine. I love coconut and I am a huge fan of packaged/bottled beverages; but, coconut water is not one of them. I had to venture to Whole Foods for this new speciality item that is the latest craze in the ever growing enhanced waters category. I bought the Naked brand version at a price of $1.99 for 11.2 ounces. The taste, which I would describe as water that came from a murky, stagnant underground well, leaves much to be desired.

But coconut water is selling. Coca Cola and Pepsi have invested in Zico and Amicoco (respectively), which are two producers of the potassium-rich beverage. Vitacoco, who holds a 70% market share on coconut water, had 2009 sales of $20 million. I wondered how?

Coconut water is currently being marketed as an "anytime" drink with divine-like properties. According to Zico, coconut water can help with weight loss, cleanse your kidneys, reduce stress, increase muscle performance, and promote mental acuity. Is that not enough for you? Well, it has also "been used in times of famine and war as an intravenous fluid and saved many lives"!

But on a final note, there is one simple thing that I don't think coconut water does very well-- and that's taste even remotely good.

On Writing

2010-04-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

A well-educated entrepreneur came into one of my classes for a guest appearance and told us that writing is the preeminent skill set when starting a business. From business plans to email, he said, writing is usually the first way we communicate with investors, customers, and business partners alike. Needless to say, I expect writing to be an important part of my business career and I continuously take steps to improve it.

Here are a few strategies I use when writing blog posts:

One Blog Post, One Idea: This is a mantra of my economics professor for writing research papers (one paper, one idea). It works just as well with blog posts. They need to be on point. I see some posts that go on and on about various subjects when just one is plenty to write about. It's tempting to veer off into related issues but I am recently committed to one subject per post.

Brevity: On the blogosphere, brevity is key. Blog posts, in my opinion, should be relatively short, rarely exceeding 400 words (er, this blog post barely made it). On the internet, blogs, news, videos, and social media networks all compete. The source that gets their point out in the most concise manner will win.

The 12-Hour Rule: I won't publish a post without taking my eyes off it for at least 12 hours and then editing it for clarity, content, and grammar. It's difficult to edit our own work, but using this 12-hour-buffer helps diffuse the momentum bias that builds up when we read our own work too frequently. If I wanted to take this one step further (which I don't), I would print out and edit my blog posts with pen and paper. According to my poetry professor, it has been scientifically proven that we cannot catch certain errors while gazing at a computer screen.

Also: I try to...

1) break up long, wordy sentences into two
2) not use a 50 cent word when a 5 cent word will do (unless the 50 cent word is more precise)
3) vary my sentence structure to keep readers engaged

These are just a few things I do to try to promote high quality writing output. Better writing can make all the difference in business!

Why Does The North Face Never Stop Selling?

2010-04-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

What do Gatorade and The North Face have in common? They both use aspirational marketing. In other words, they advertise their products to a select population segment which the majority of their customers aspire to, or at least like the idea of aspiring to.

What percentage of Gatorade is consumed while exercising? Probably less than 5%. What percentage of those sporting North Face jackets are tackling Himalayan peaks? Way less than 5%! And yet their advertising features electrolyte information and expedition counts.

In reality, most of the North-Face-clad never stop exploring college campuses or their kid's Saturday morning soccer games; but, they purchase North Face apparel in robust quantities. Why?

Image: While North Face users may not be climbing Mount Everest, they do want to convey their active lifestyle to others. Wearing North Face helps communicate this.

Quality: North Face products are made from premium materials and use cutting-edge fabrics. Their apparel engineers develop stunning colors and designs to roll out some of the most advanced jackets, shoes, and backpacks in the active-wear market--even if you don't use them to their fullest extent.

Retail & Price: The North Face has several retail channels. They sell through sporting goods stores, independent apparel & shoe stores, online specialty stores, Macy's, and Nordstrom. The company also own stores that sell The North Face brand exclusively. The North Face is relatively selective in choosing their resellers as to not compromise the brand quality. In other words, you wont see North Face at Target any time soon! North Face's prices are steep with some of their technical shells fetching $550. The company employs 'prestige pricing' which means the price point is set high compared to similar items in order to signal quality and worth to status-conscious customers. Importantly, though, while North Face items are pricey, most popular items are never expensive enough to preclude purchasing from middle-income consumers.

The North Face has built a tremendous brand that resonates deeply with a variety of key demographics in the outerwear apparel industry. The North Face® is a subsidiary of VF Corporation which does $7.6 billion in annual revenue. VF employs roughly 46,000 people worldwide. The company owns a portfolio of apparel brands including Vans®, JanSport®, Nautica®, Lee® among others.

The North Face Denali

2010-04-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

If you don't own the North Face Denali Jacket where I go to school, you're in the minority. North Face has a cult-like following on college campuses nationwide. And their wildly popular "Denali Jacket" is one of the most versatile articles of clothing I've had the pleasure of owning.

The jacket works well in various climates--providing a warm layer in the bitter cold or a go-to jacket in early spring or late fall. Aesthetically, it's one of North Face's many gems. But, it's a lot more than just a sharp-looking fleece! One of its best features is the zippered under-arm vents which allow you to cool down in that prone-to-overheating part of your body. Two conventional side pockets, and two chest-area pockets, provide ample storage room.

The Denali jacket will last you anywhere from 4-8 years with normal use. The price point of $165 is cost-effective considering the jacket's versatility and longevity. The product is made from Polartec 300 series fleece, a combination of 100% post-consumer and post-industrial waste: not a bad use of material that was once headed to a landfill.

Next post: An analysis on what has contributed to North Face's successful brand.

FIJI Natural Artesian Water

2010-04-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

In the ultra-competitive shelf-space for bottled water, FIJI stands out for its unique packaging and tropical brand image. Produced by Roll International, the water is touted as "natural artesian water," never touched by air until the customer opens the bottle. And it actually comes from Fiji, from an aquifer at the edge of its rain forest.

FIJI emphasizes that every drop of their water is green so I did some research to see what they mean by this. FIJI ships their water from the Fiji islands to the U.S. and Europe via ship container, which is the most environmentally friendly method possible (it is, of course, shipped via rail or truck after port). The company supports preservation efforts of their local rain forest--but, gee, I'd hope so considering this is the source of their water. The company also plans to use 50% renewable energy in their manufacturing facility by 2010. Troubling, though, is that while the FIJI bottle uses 20% less plastic than it did in 2007, the FIJI bottle is the heaviest plastic bottle among bottled water companies in the U.S. (Nestle's eco-shaped bottle is the lightest). But according to the company, plastic use isn't the definitive measure of sustainability because their square bottle can ship more efficiently in transportation vehicles.

I do laud FIJI for their successful brand. FIJI's packaging, from a visual perspective, is the best in the business, and their tropical vibe is attractive to customers. President Obama, in addition to much of the Hollywood crowd, are loyal consumers of FIJI.

I think it's important to note that bottled water costs significantly more than gasoline. At $3 per gallon, gas costs 2.3 cents per ounce, while FIJI water will run you 7.6 cents per ounce. According to many environmental experts, though, a lack of water, not oil, will be our greatest resource challenge in the future.

So, next time, instead of comparing the plastic involved in producing bottled water, I might just get my water free from the tap and run it though a Braun filter... and not have to worry about all this.

La Gra Italian Tapas & Wine Bar

2010-04-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

The owner of La Gra Tapas Bar came into my "entrepreneurship and liberal arts" class a few weeks ago and gave the class his story of what it's like to be an entrepreneur on a daily basis. I decided to patronize his restaurant and review it.

I ordered take out so I didn't get much of a feel for the restaurant, besides the fact it was small. I got the grilled chicken speidini fettuccine alfredo for $12.99. The chicken spedini was dry and overcooked. The alfredo sauce was OK, but not the quality I would expect for an independent Italian restaurant. Portion size was ample.

The menu is expansive and features mainly appetizer-type foods, pastas, sandwiches, and pizza. If you want to take out pizza, it costs an additional $2 dollars; so evidently, La Gra is not marketing to the take-out crowd. The bartender was a bit short with me on the phone when I ordered; but, nevertheless the food was ready when I arrived.

La Gra is on Tamm Avenue in the traditionally Irish-American neighborhood known as Dogtown in St. Louis. Interesting place for an Italian restaurant, especially considering that "The Hill", the Italian-American neighborhood is just 10 minutes up the road. One thing I noticed was that on my way to the restaurant, there is a stretch of stop sign after stop sign which turned a 5 minute drive into an annoying 10. The Dogtown neighborhood is not very well known in the "WashU Bubble," and I would guess the restaurant draws little business from the university crowd, unfortunate given the disposable income levels at WashU. Delivery might be a good idea to attract hungry student's business, but the menu says "Fagetaboutit, you want it, you come get it."

While I wasn't overly impressed with La Gra, I might give it another shot, next time dining in at the restaurant.

Website: http://www.ilovelagra.com/lagra.php

Are Nike's Small Shoe-sizes a Marketing Stunt?

2010-04-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

Nike shoes run about a full size small. Meaning, if you are a normally a size 10, then you will probably be a size 11 for a Nike shoe.

There's a saying in our society that "bigger is better." Men are very competitive when it comes to physical size and strength. Taller is better, more muscle is better, and a bigger shoe size is better. A bigger shoe size is also one way in which young males compare themselves to each other. There is a belief that it also indicates the size of something which I won't get into on this blog.

The bottom line is if a young adult male has just tried on three different pairs of shoes and is indifferent to the size and quality of the shoes, might he select the Nike pair that is a size 10 instead of the other two which are a size 9? I would be interested to know if this is the psychology behind Nike's shoes running small. This is just a thought, but Nike is no dummy when it comes to consumer insights that affect purchasing decisions.

Smucker's Uncrustables

2010-04-12T23:41:00.000-07:00

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are the American staple. Smucker's has made it easy for all of us to enjoy a delicious PB&J with very little effort. No, these sandwiches aren't just for toddlers, they're for anyone who wants an afternoon snack without the hassle of putting it together on their own.

Surprisingly, you can't microwave these sandwiches. You freeze them and let thaw for an hour. While they are great for anyone, Smucker's of course, markets to Moms that want the convenience of taking the sandwich out of the freezer, putting it into her kid's lunchbox and knowing it will be thawed out by lunch period. Market research shows that consumers are willing to pay a premium for any product that saves time. As the opportunity cost of toiling in the kitchen becomes greater for working mothers, products like these look to be a hit on the grocery list.

Uncrustables come in 4 varieties--grape jelly, strawberry jelly, pure peanut butter, and honey. The sale price is $2.50 per box, making it .63 cents per sandwich. As their name suggests, there is no crust. It is just 3 inches in diameter of the pure American classic. The best part is you don't need to have a fresh loaf of bread in the cabinet to enjoy a PB&J any more!

Taco Bell

2010-04-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

There's a Taco Bell just a few minutes away from my on campus apartment which I frequent, especially in the late night. It's open till at least 4 AM daily--so it's one of my few options after midnight. The North Skinker location is solid--with easy access in and out, and from the company's point of view, has many hungry university students to draw on for business.

Taco Bell is owned by Yum! Brands Inc. who also owns Pizza Hut, KFC, Long John Silvers and A&W. Despite its popularity, the $200 million dollar Chihuahua campaign did little to bolster the company's sales. It had to start thinking outside the bun.

I think Taco Bell makes for a better snack than it does meal. I nearly always get a number 7 which includes a chicken quesadilla, beef taco, and soft drink for $5.49. The quality is adequate and usually satisfying.Taco Bell's signature taco sauce (mild or hot) adds a nice kick to any of their foods.

The customer service at Taco Bell, no matter which one you patronize, leaves a lot to be desired. They screw up orders like they get a bonus for doing so and they aren't apologetic about it either.

For those of you who care, Taco Bell exclusively sells Pepsi products--so if you're a Mountain Dew fan, this is a nice plus!

Under Armour Cold Gear

2010-04-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

Under Armour has rapidly become one of the fastest growing sports apparel companies in the world. Headquartered in Maryland, this firm has based an entire brand of sports merchandise off their flagship skin-tight-- prevent the cold from getting in-- long sleeve shirt.

The shirt retails for $49.99, but you may be able to find it cheaper online. The product is exceptionally attractive, which is probably why Under Armour has become so popular in the first place. I often wear this shirt during my winter runs to, as the product claims, keep coldness and moisture out. But, I am not convinced there is a tangible difference in achieving these goals when you compare it to a regular, long sleeved shirt. The shirt, made from 64% Nylon, 22% Polyester and 14% Spandex, is also skin tight which makes it very uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. But you will look good, and this is Under Armour's true value proposition. While the company features their cold gear technology in marketing efforts, Under Armour really markets style. Under Armour features rock-solid athletes in their commercials who wear their shirts while playing (suspiciously intense) games of football and baseball. But this is what they want you to relate to when purchasing their shirt-- it's the "be like Mike" effect.

Consensus: If your main goal is to look good when working out, then you should consider buying this shirt. But spending the $50 dollars on this garment won't keep the bitter cold out during the winter months.

Apple's iPod Touch (8 GB)

2010-04-10T22:56:00.001-07:00

Apple is king when it comes to consumer electronics. With the iPad now out in stores, the touch is becoming a thing of the past, but you will still need it when your out jogging! How does it stack up?

Design (5): Slim, lightweight, and perfectly sized. The aluminum shell on the back acts as a mirror to check your hair, if needed. I recommend a protective device if you will be on the go with it a lot.

Internet (5): Apple has the best mobile internet technology in the business. The iPod Touch will connect to wifi wherever available. You can browse any web page you'd like. It's not quite like a laptop or desktop but it's pretty impressive for a 3-inch diagonal screen. I recommend installing apps that allow you to browse text-heavy content without having to constantly re-size the web page.

Battery life (2): Apple products in general have poor battery life. You can't even take the iPod touch out for a run without it running down half its battery life. The latest version has a self-proclaimed 30 hours of battery life, but to get anywhere near this, you will have to turn off the back-light and put the music on auto-pilot. Constantly switching songs turns on the back-light and depletes the battery.

Service (5 if under warranty): One of Apple's best assets is its service. If the product is under warranty, you'll be taken care of, otherwise prepare to shell out some serious cash for their maintenance services. My product was under warranty when moisture from the rain fried the device. I brought it to an Apple store and it was replaced with a refurbished one within minutes. No questions asked!

Earbuds (3): Standard but nothing special! Look into Yurbuds for their new custom fit buds.

Song Capacity (5): The 8 GB Can hold about 1750 songs. The latest 3G 64 GB version can hold up to 14,000 songs if you want to pay $399 for the device. Use your own judgment, but this is certainly enough for my library!

Syncing with Computer (4): iTunes is a must for the iPod Touch. When you plug the iPod into your computer you can either have it sync with your current library automatically or do it manually. Either option is fine. Installing apps on the iPod Touch is much more confusing and requires upgrades which is a pain!

Price (3): $199-8 GB, $299-32 GB, $399-64 GB is reasonable. But, songs on iTunes now cost $1.29 which adds up! Apps are mostly free but some cost up to $ 15 dollars.

Consensus: The iPod family is the go-to-device for mobile music entertainment. It looks like this will be the case for quite some time!

The Arches are Still Golden

2010-04-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

There was a point in recent history where McDonald's was wavering. The food quality was low, dine-in areas were unclean, and they weren't rolling out new products on their menu. The executives got together and re-branded the massive chain, adding premium products, installing tile floors in their dining rooms, and improving their customer service.The result? McDonald's is now back in action as one of the best fast food chains in America.

McDonald's has featured their Angus burgers for some time now. These burgers a good example of innovation in the fast food industry. Made from 1/3 pound of pure Angus beef, these burgers offer a premium option on the McDonald's menu. With a medium fries and a medium coke, the total cost is $5.99. Not bad for a high quality fast-food meal. These burgers offer a good alternative to casual dine-in chains that will likely run you $10 plus tip. The tomatoes, onions, and lettuce were all surprisingly fresh and the burger actually looked like it does in their advertisements. McDonald's is usually pretty good about displaying nutrition info but the information was not posted on the box like it is for the Big Mac. I had to search online:

ANGUS DELUXE BURGER
Calories: 750
Fat: 39 grams (60% of daily value)
Sodium: 1700 mg (71% of daily value)

MEDIUM FRENCH FRIES (displayed on carton)
Calories:380
Fat:19 grams (29% of daily value)
Sodium: 270 mg (11% of daily value)

89% of your daily fat intake is taken care of in this meal.

Consensus: For nutritional purposes, I don't recommend eating the Angus burger meal too often, but once in a while it makes for a tasty lunch or dinner!

Axe Dry Instinct

2010-04-10T12:19:00.000-07:00

Packaging: Good and eye catching. Metallic orange on black is attractive and appealing to males. I like the tall, thin appearance of packaging.

Price: $4.49 -- a bit pricey. Why is deodorant more than 3 dollars anyways?

Product: It's a good thing axe rolled out with dry versions of their scents because the spray bottles don't do a good job of preventing perspiration. Dry version works well and leaves a nice, subtle scent on your body.

Consensus: Axe does a fantastic job with their marketing. Packaging is super eye-catching, scents are perfectly subtle, and their TV ads get at why males really by deodorant. This is probably why Unilever can charge a premium for their product.

Interesting fact: The active ingredient in deodorant is aluminum zicronium tertrachlorohydrex. It prevents wetness under your arms!

Nike Vapor Headphones

2010-04-10T11:48:00.001-07:00

How bad is it when a product does not do exactly what it's intended to? Answer: Really bad! That's the case with Nike's Vapor Headphones (manufactured by Samsung). The sole purpose of these buds is the clips that wrap around your ears so they will stay on your head when running. But this doesn't happen. They fly off in a matter of seconds! Consensus: Don't buy!

Yurtopia has rolled out a new pair of earbuds that custom fit to your ear. They are one of Fortune's most promising companies in 2009. Lets hope they do better than Nike's Vapor gimmick!

Check out Yurbuds!

Daisy Mae's Steak House

2010-04-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

www.daisymaessteakhouse.com

I went to Tucson, Arizona over spring break to visit a friend. We went to Daisy Mae's Steak House located close to the University of Arizona.

Atmosphere (3): A bit too rustic for my taste, but nevertheless was very consistent with their southwestern theme. Dollar bills scatter the inside of the building with notes written by people who have patronized the restaurant. Restaurant furniture could have been a bit classier.

Food Quality (4): I got a half rack of baby back ribs which were delicious. Falling of the bone tenderness. The salad before the meal was too ordinary, however. Baked potato was good. Buttered garlic bread was poor quality, simply on wonderbread white. Good bread is essential compliment to meals, and thus high quality is paramount. Baked beans were good.

Service (4): We were the only people in the restaurant at the time so it's difficult to rate this objectively. Bathroom was clean. Half rack of ribs was 14.95 which is a great price considering it came with salad, baked potato, bread, baked beans, and a side of BBQ sauce.

Consensus: Great place to go if your looking for some tasty ribs.

Should corporations be able to use testing to screen job applicants?

2010-04-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

I took a class called "The Science & Politics of Testing in the United States" at WashU and since then think more critically about the effects of testing in the U.S. Because I am in the job search, I have had to take many assessments to see if I have "the aptitude" for the job.

My general consensus is that if the test replicates exactly what the applicant will be doing on the job (and in the same context), then such exams are ok. However, when companies give you what is virtually an IQ test, I think they have crossed the line. IQ tests can be discriminating to various groups of people. They also don't accurately reflect how well one will perform on the specific job function at hand. They don't take into account how hard work can play into one's success on the job. Companies say assessments are often "just one data point" in the selection process, but the fact of the matter is if you dont achieve a certain score, your application will be thrown away. And is that really fair?

Does anyone know the legality of using assessments as means to screen employment applications?

Cicero's

2010-04-09T11:39:00.000-07:00

I went to Cicero's Restaurant last night for my roommate's birthday. So, I am going to review it. Ratings are out of 5 stars.

Atmosphere (2): Kind of bland, and nothing that really makes it unique. There beer cooler, which you could see from the dining area was neat as it features all the bottled beer they serve. The bathrooms were dirty.The restaurant really promotes its beer culture (e.g. "beer school" t-shirts).

Food Quality (2): I got a chicken caeser wrap with bacon in it. I liked how the wrap was warm and grilled but the lettuce inside it was also warm--which is never good. Portion sizes were too small. One of the burgers my friend ordered was not cooked medium like requested.

Service (2): The waitress took forever to make trips back and forth which slowed down the night a lot. The food also took way too long to cook. The prices were steep ($9.99 for the wrap), especially the for the small portion size.

Consensus: This is a place to go if you want some drinks with college friends, but I wouldn't recommend it for anything else.