Different Aspects of Starting OASOGB - Essay Example

Assessing External Influences: Effects of Competitive, Cultural, Technological, Economic and Political Environments on OASOGB by YOU Without question, the competitive environment is one of the most significant external influences in relation to the success of Old American Special Occasion Gift Baskets. The physical bricks-and-mortar facility thrives in an environment in which there is virtually no competition whatsoever within at least a sixty mile radius of the storefront. From a financial perspective, this indicates a much bigger consumer market available who will be visiting OASOGB to fulfill their specialty needs without the worry of extensive marketing costs associated with trying to bring a larger volume of customers.

Further, in relation to marketing efforts, the virtual competitive environment does play a significant role in determining how successful Old American can actually be on the Internet website. After careful analysis of pricing, delivery policies, and marketing efforts of competition, OASOGB has determined that our current marketing strategy, using various promotional incentives, far exceeds the advertising capabilities of our competitors. Also highly beneficial to Old American is the socio-cultural environment both locally and across the whole of the United States.

Research indicates that modern consumerism, such as the value placed on material goods in America, continues to escalate year after year (Boone & Kurtz, 2006). In a culture in which gift-giving and the exchange of tangible gratitudes is a common element of lifestyle, simply by the nature of the companys products the business is catering to the social demand for luxury items and gift presentation. Further, there is a growing demand in the United States for ethical and socially responsible business behaviors, with consumers and advocacy groups alike continuously applying pressure to large-scale businesses to be more ethical.

As previously discussed in other business reports, Old American continuously gives back to the community through charitable activities, thus satisfying the consumer demand for ethics and delighting them because of our responsible business behaviors. Though the technological environment directly impacts our success, as OASOGB continues to monitor and incorporate more streamlined distribution methods to lower our delivery costs, there is not a substantial influence in connecting technology with that of Old American success.

At the same time, the political environment in America is one which applauds the creation of profitable businesses, causing little to no conflict with how the company continues to operate.Reference:Boone, W. & Kurtz, D. (2006). Contemporary Marketing. 12th ed. Thomson South-Western, United States.