As identical twins, we know that we’re always being compared to the other. Our parents had to compare us right away when we were born—we looked like the exact same bundles of joy! So the study began, and our parents realized that Lorrie had a mark on her lip, while I had one on my neck. And, glamorously, that’s how our parents were able to tell us apart.
When our personalities emerged, it was a little easier to differentiate between us. Lorrie was “the strategic one” (very left-brained), and I was “the creative one” (very right-brained). When people compared our personalities, they could determine who was who, but to us, it didn’t make sense. I was Winnie and she was Lorrie—what was there to compare? However, the comparisons never stopped, because people had to find a way to tell us apart.
Even if you’re not a twin, we guarantee that your business is being compared to another business or brand, especially online. People are trying to tell you apart from every other similar business. Who’s better? Who has the best reputation? Someone’s going to have the better online customer service, and someone is going to have the more engaging tweets, and someone... Read more
Archive for September, 2012
Twins Know: You're Constantly Being Compared Online
Biggest Surprise in South Africa Was BlackBerrys, Not Elephants
We rounded the curve on the dirt road and there was a large herd of elephants. Or was it a gaggle?
Regardless, it wasn’t the biggest surprise during my week in South Africa that included four magical days in the Pilanesberg game reserve 2 ½ hours outside of Johannesburg.
What topped the sightings of more animals than I’ve collectively seen in my life?
The sight of BlackBerrys. Nearly everywhere. In 2012. Some South Africans carried two – one for work and one for pleasure.
Imagine that, for pleasure.
In fact, in June, South Africa's youth named BlackBerry as the 'Coolest Brand Overall' in the Sunday Times Generation Next 2012 Brand Survey Awards. BlackBerry also topped the ‘Coolest Cellphone' and 'Coolest High-Tech Gadget’ categories for the second year running.
BlackBerry’s BBM, a messenger service which has now peaked in the U.S., is used by 98 percent of South Africa BlackBerry customers, according to parent company RIM.
According to RIM, there are more than 56 million active BBM users worldwide and 70 percent of them use it daily to communicate daily.
The lesson for marketers? What happens in one region isn’t necessarily mirrored in others. And you need to know your target audience and reach them through their devices of... Read more
REALTORS® Tapping in to Social Media to Connect with Buyers/Sellers
With so many geographic locales nationwide still suffering from housing woes, REALTORS® are turning to social media in greater numbers to not only help generate sales, but for branding as well.
The National Association of Realtors® reports that almost half of its members are now using social media; an additional 9 percent plan to in the future. Mashable reports even higher figures – 84 percent of all real estate professionals are using social media (see graphic).
So what are some innovative sites, programs, tools that REALTORS are finding useful?
There’s a gazillion examples; here are a few:
LinkedIn:
As reported by Power Up, a social media site providing a welter of real estate-related information and advice, here are five ways REALTORS are using LinkedIn:
Company Homepage: Self-evident; testimonials can also be linked and a real estate agent's firm can be listed for employees to add to their LinkedIn profiles.
Data Mining: Use polls/surveys to better understand clients and what they’re looking for.
LinkedIn Ads: Can target advertising to those folks more apt to call an agent, e.g., people who have recently moved, higher income earners, etc.
LinkedIn Groups: REALTORS can connect with clients, fellow REALTORS – by participating in various forums, people get to know... Read more
Making Your Logo Multi-Channel Friendly
Thus, building a logo that is effective across multiple channels is the best way to get the most out of every branding opportunity you have.
