Week 1 EOC: How to Make it in America

In the show, How to Make It In America, the two young men were eager to make the next big "IT" brand. They, however, did not do any research on what people want, how to create the brand correctly, and how to market it. They simply wanted to create products they think people MIGHT want and sell it at a price that would turn them a profit.

To “make it in America”, there must be an amazing amount of research and development to properly equip oneself to create a brand. Yes, there are those that have a great idea, put it out there, and it takes off without much work. That is called pure luck. Most producers send years collecting research of not only the product but the target demographic. Much effort is used in the collection of this data. This is where the characters in the show gets it wrong (and how the viewer realizes this is not reality). Creating a brand consumers are attracted to and recognize does not come around by simply creating products and selling it. There is marketing the brand, advertising it, and creating strategic pricing compared to what is in the market, etc. that is involved. “Every product or service that operates in a competitive environment needs to be supported by branding and communication to explain to its audience why it exists or why it has changed” (More Than a Name: An introduction to branding, Pg. 47). The marketing that makes up branding is how a company thrives in a competitive economy. The recognition of a brand name can take years to become household and for the business to be considered a success.

The ideals of the young men in the show are far-fetched and unrealistic in a world where competition is fierce and companies disband every day. Their ambition is admirable, but their lack of knowledge about the market is apparent.