This week I got to spend some time with Dennis, the marketing director. We went through some of the projects that he works on throughout the year, and he showed me all the menu boards and signs he creates. The menu boards at the retail units are shown from a USB drive that holds many slides, and rotates between the menu items and advertisements for other units. I learned to walk in and view the place through the eyes of the customer. That way, you can understand what draws your attention, good or bad. There really is a science behind marketing. Each sign is put in a certain location for a reason, and even the menu board colors are what is proven to attract your eye.
The theory of menu engineering is used to place each grab-and-go snack item or drink on a certain shelf. It was so interesting to learn how much thought is behind everything, just to attract the attention of the consumer, and increase sales. Throughout the year, Dennis also has focus group sessions and student surveys to found out what students like and dislike with the units on campus. He hands out coupons as an incentive, and a way to get students into the unit.
At Elements, located in the Math & Science building, they have an additional screen besides the menu boards that shows short, entertaining videos. Since the students in this building are most likely math or science majors, the videos are all related to that. For an entire day, I got to spend time searching for funny science experiments, optical illusions, and other jokes that I thought students would enjoy watching. It is a way not only to entertain them while they are at Elements, but can also encourage them to stay a little longer.
On Friday, I worked in the Downunder Cafe again, and began the file audit for Barbara’s employees. This is the project that I learned with Nailah when working with HR. The Downunder has the most employees of any of the units, and also hires a large number of student workers.
This week we also went to the Reno Aces game! Chartwells got us a skybox where we had a buffet of food, drinks, and got to watch a great game that the Aces ended up winning. It was such a fun night hanging out with some awesome coworkers!
It’s hard to believe this was my last weekend in Reno! I am definitely going to miss being here, although I am excited to be back in Wisconsin. I enjoyed a comedy show, some live music at the Peppermill, great food, and beautiful hike over the weekend!
Only one more week left in this NACUFS adventure!
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