Today the class took the statistics exam that we have been preparing for. Up to this point Dr. Zahay has been preparing us for this exam by giving the class SPSS assignments and have in class reviews. I remember hearing about the statistics exam at the beginning of the semester and feeling a little nervous, but by the time the test rolled around I felt pretty confident that I would do well. Coming in to this class I did not expect it to be so reliant on statistical analysis, but it turns out that I am quite pleased that it did. As an OMIS major using SPSS came very easy to me, and is quite similar to some other programs that I use. I am happy that I have been able to learn SPSS because it gives me another tool/skill that I can use to help find a job.

Reflecting on the first few weeks of the semester, when the class first started I was unsure what database marketing was all about. For the most part, I was really unaware to the extent that companies and organizations go through in order to understand their customers. With the help of databases and statistical software packages like SPSS, vast amounts of customer data can be mined and the output can be used to aid firms in reaching their goals. As far as SPSS is concerned, I think that once a person understands how the program works and how to interpret the outputs SPSS can be a very powerful tool. Companies that the do not use SPSS or programs like it are at a big disadvantage when it comes to understanding their customer's needs, wants, and expectations especially if their competitors are using this kind of software. With today's economy, organizations can't afford not to take advantage of this kind technology.

This past week our class had guest speaker Joe Dosmo, who is the VP/Senior Principal of Analytic Solutions for The Allant Group, come in and share his experiences in the field of database marketing. Joe explained the kind of company Allant is and how database marketing is becoming and essential component of any major marketing campaign, and in order for organization to stay competitive they must be will to use these kinds of resources. The part of the presentation that I thought was the most important was Joe's personal experience, and his recommendations for the graduating students in their job search. I thought that Joe's personal story of how he got to where he was today interesting and inspiring. I also like his advise on interviewing and how we all should have a portfolio of our work to give to interviewers and recruiters so they can get a better sense of the kind of work you are capable of.

After reading the first chapter and attending class the first few weeks I see that direct marketing really just replaces face-to-face selling process. I also thought that the books definition of database marketing was pretty good, "an extension of what direct marketers have been doing all along. The biggest difference is size or the amount of data that can be processed because of advancements in technology." I thought this was interesting because marketers have been wanting and trying to do the same thing, but have not had the technology to do so. Having read the first few assigned readings I'm really staring to see how important being able to gather such valuable information form customers. In class we discussed how interactive marketing refers to the evolving trend in marketing whereby marketing has moved from a transaction-based effort to a conversation, a kind of relationship. I also thought that the topic of Customer relationship management (CRM) was interesting because it is a comprehensive way to manage the relationships you have with your customers, including potential customers, for long-lasting mutual benefit.

As the first week of the semester has come to an end, I'm still a little unsure what it class is going to be about. As an OMIS major I am expecting the class to be more technology oriented than other marketing classes. This week we had a guest speaker come to the class, Lynn Hazan. I was taken a little off guard when Dr. Zahay told the class that we were going to have a guest speaker that was going to help us with our job search. I have had only had 2 other classes where the professor had brought someone from the outside to give us career advise. Lynn is a recruiter and she spoke to the class about the current job market and give us tips on how to interview. She was very informative and gave the class a lot of insight on the kinds of things recruiters are looking for in possible job candidates. I think Lynn was very helpful and opened my eyes to a few things that I never really took into consideration when interviewing, like not forgetting to smile. Overall, I thought see was a good speaker and I wish I had more guest speakers like that in some of my other classes.