Interning at UBB this summer has been a great experience that will likely have a lasting impact on my life. My recently acquired taste for sustainability will probably stay with me forever, but I’m talking about more than just my unwillingness to buy plastic water bottles going forward. Throughout this internship I’ve learned a lot. The first things that come to mind relate to the oceans and the challenges that they’re currently facing. Some of the statistics I’ve encountered during my time here have been literally unbelievable, and the experience has been eye-opening. But when it comes down to it most of us seek internships for a learning experience and a preparation for future jobs. When I consider the ways that this internship has shaped my professional skills I’m glad that I chose to spend my summer with UBB. Here are some interesting facts that I’ll take with me as I sail into the marketing career that is my open horizon:
1. People like UBB, they just don’t know it
Pretty much anyone I’ve mentioned UBB to immediately likes the idea behind the company. The problem is that most people have never heard of us, and even after they have they’re not necessarily rushing to our website to buy products. People need familiarity with a brand before they’re completely sold.
2. It is really hard to get people aged 18-35 to like something on Facebook
We ran a few Facebook ad campaigns this summer and it seemed the 18-35 age group was difficult to get a response from. Professors throughout the country know that it’s difficult to keep these avid Facebook users off of the site, but it may be equally difficult to get them to press the like button at the top of a company page. Maybe younger people don’t express their feelings openly, or maybe they just don’t like things as much as their older counterparts. Whatever the reason, if you’re 18-35 and you already like us on Facebook kudos to you!
3. Getting people to buy things is not easy
Contrary to popular belief, people do not want to give you their money. You really need to sell something in order for people to buy it. Even when someone likes your product enough to view it online, they’ll usually find an excuse not to purchase the item. Maybe they want to try it on, maybe shipping costs too much, or maybe they were just distracted by something else on the web. Either way, there are way too many things that can dissuade purchases at the last minute.
4. People don’t always act on their feelings
There’s nothing more frustrating than a person who thinks they like you on Facebook and doesn’t or would like to purchase your product, but forgets to buy for some reason. These things happen, and it’s a marketing person’s nightmare. It’s hard enough to convince a person that they want something, but making sure they follow through on their desires is cause for a whole other headache.
5. Office pets and games make for a fantastic work atmosphere
When I eventually land a full-time job I hope that the office culture can come close to the bar set by UBB. Even in the face of hundred-degree temperatures and a 20-minute walk on crutches each way, I looked forward to coming into work every day (admittedly not the walking portion). When it reaches the time of day where you just can’t seem to focus, a quick game of darts or foosball can be just what the mind needs to adjust and refocus on conquering the ocean’s problems.
Kenneth is our Marketing Intern. He blogs about company related issues and practices. Shoot him an email at kenneth@unitedbyblue.com.
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