Every day we are exposed to hundreds of products and make as many decisions about which to use or buy. The specific way that a need is satisfied depends on the individual person. For example, two classmates may feel their stomachs rumbling during a lunchtime lecture and feel an intense need for food. However, the way that each person goes about satisfying this need might be quite different. The first person may be a health nut who fantasizes about gulping down a big handful of trail mix, while the second person may be equally aroused by the prospect of a greasy cheeseburger and fries.
Marketers often go to great lengths to influence the decisions that consumers make.
Basically, marketing is learning what customers want and need and providing products, or services to meet those wants and needs. It sounds simple, but in today's business environment marketing functions many companies must perform in order to succeed. Behind the scenes, businesses must analyze external factors, such as the economy, competition, and trends, and evaluate consumers' needs and characteristics before they begin planning products themselves. The product that eventually is offered goes through a number of modifications, and decisions have been made on everything from the images and brand name to packaging and optional features. Communicating with customers and the public through advertising, public relations, personal selling, and sales promotions is another important part of the marketing process.