I work at Polar Tank Trailers here in Springfield, Mo. Polar is not a new company but we're not locally recognizable on the level with Bass Pro or O'Reilly's or other corporate giants in the area. Polar Tank Trailers is a welding shop. We design and build over 60 different kinds of Semi-Trailers. Our company is known in the trucking community for our great quality and value. We are the number one producer of trailers in the U.S. market today. However, if you walked up to someone at the grocery store and asked them if they knew what kind of business Polar was, they probably couldn't answer you.
Polar employs over 300 people full time just in Springfield alone. We also have two locations in Minnesota that also produce trailers and there are over 30 service centers in the U.S. There are many employees that have been with the company for a long time. I'm relatively new at the company, I've only been there 6 months, however most of the shop employees have in over 5 years with the company. I personally know of 3 employees that have in over 15 years each. A corporate blog could help the visibility of the company in many ways. Most of our customers are repeat customers. They already own one of our trailers and have either completely worn it out or are adding to their line. I think it would help our "brand" by showcasing some of the people who actually weld those trailers together. Showing pride in our work not only builds morale among the employees it also shows the public that we care about what we produce. That our product is being made right here, in Missouri, by folks like your neighbor. People who live here, spend their paychecks locally, contribute to the community, and have some pride in where they work and what they do for a living.
Having a blog would also promote more contributions from within the company. Knowing that I could submit an article about a co-worker who always goes above and beyond to a public stage is cool! It also would allow more employees to help shape the message of Polar. It would also be much easier to access than say a company newsletter or email.
Lastly, I just think it would be fun. Anytime you can make your company more connectable you can make it more profitable. For the average owner of a tanker trailer, it means something that we're a Union shop and only hire good welders. Knowing that your trailer was made by a craftsmen and not a trainee means better quality. Being able to see pictures of the guy who welded your baffles in helps customers to connect with us, and in turn increase brand loyalty which will lead to more growth and profitability.
Megan Fisher, Week6.3
Monday, February 27, 2012
Review of General Mills Corporate Blog
When I first saw this blog, I couldn't stop reading it. Each post was different in theme and message. There were several about the company's commitment to "Being Green" and also several about employees who work for the company. There was also a nice variety of recipes and craft ideas for using different products in the General Mills extensive family of products.
All of the posts were very professional but also had their own voice. Each message was conveyed clearly and in an interesting way. Some were interviews, others were more like reviews of their own products, and some even read like you were over-hearing a conversation between friends.
I really enjoyed this blog, not only because I'm a Mom, a student, and an avid baker but also because I'm on a budget and there were so many creative and thrifty ideas presented! My favorite was the post titled Never Shop or Eat Alone by Kevin Hunt. He discussed the ways that supermarkets and companies like General Mills are implementing technology to help people buy or try their products. From recipe search engines on your phone that list out the ingredients while you're at the store to digital coupons and wallets. I have a recipe app on my phone but hadn't ever thought to use it while I was at the store before. I'm usually too busy corralling kids or trying to remember what all was on my list. If I were a retailer, being able to send a message to the customers phone while they're in the aisle with the product I want them to buy seems ingenious!! I would love to have coupons pop up on my phone while I was in the aisle comparing prices!
Even knowing that blogs are marketing tools didn't diminish my enthusiasm for this site, it's now bookmarked in my favorites!
-Megan Fisher Week6.3
All of the posts were very professional but also had their own voice. Each message was conveyed clearly and in an interesting way. Some were interviews, others were more like reviews of their own products, and some even read like you were over-hearing a conversation between friends.
I really enjoyed this blog, not only because I'm a Mom, a student, and an avid baker but also because I'm on a budget and there were so many creative and thrifty ideas presented! My favorite was the post titled Never Shop or Eat Alone by Kevin Hunt. He discussed the ways that supermarkets and companies like General Mills are implementing technology to help people buy or try their products. From recipe search engines on your phone that list out the ingredients while you're at the store to digital coupons and wallets. I have a recipe app on my phone but hadn't ever thought to use it while I was at the store before. I'm usually too busy corralling kids or trying to remember what all was on my list. If I were a retailer, being able to send a message to the customers phone while they're in the aisle with the product I want them to buy seems ingenious!! I would love to have coupons pop up on my phone while I was in the aisle comparing prices!
Even knowing that blogs are marketing tools didn't diminish my enthusiasm for this site, it's now bookmarked in my favorites!
-Megan Fisher Week6.3
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