We live in a digital age, the age of communication and instant information. What once took hours, even days to reach people across the globe now only takes a few quick keystrokes and a matter of seconds. But don’t let me bore you with what you already know. What I’m really trying to get at is the fact that, when approached correctly, social networks are viable channels for sales and endless opportunities are within arm’s reach. All sales and business development professionals should consider leveraging this global social trend to broaden their sales funnel or you may one day, find yourself obsolete.
Back In The Day
In our grandparent’s time, business was conducted on a very personal level. The local baker knew what type of bread each family preferred, the butcher began cutting your favorite cuts as soon as he saw you walk through the door, everyone and I mean everyone, knew each other. This was relationship building at its best. Businesses across the globe lost this personal touch as time went on and our world grew a little bigger and busier. Until now.
7 Billion Strong
Yes, our world is no mere village, with over 7 billion inhabitants of planet Earth we are... Read more
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Tagged 'social marketing' 
Why (social) communication is the key to selling!
Tags: Facebook, marketing, Sales, social marketing, Social Media, social media marketing, social media strategy, social selling, socialmedia, twitter
Posted in Social Media | 2 Comments »
Tis the Season for Bolstering Your Social Media Customer Service
The other night I was watching Miracle on 34th Street, the unfortunate color version, and it got me to thinking. No, not about my blog post from last year (shameless plug for interested readers) but about customer service in general. The importance of ongoing communication with your brand ambassadors in the social space is almost immeasurable. Done well and you can have customers for life. Done poorly and you’re looking at nothing but coal tucked in your stocking and thrown at your head. This is pretty much agreed upon across all industries. So then why do some industries spend so much time ducking and weaving and so little time conversing?
There are a variety of factors that contribute to being socially challenged. Take highly regulated industries like pharma, finance, and healthcare for instance. Maintaining compliant yet engaging language can be tough. What’s more, reaching out to followers after listening to their tweets and posts can be even trickier. Tricky but not impossible. Compliance driven brands can develop and sustain meaningful relationships with customers by doing something they are not entirely familiar with – sharing thoughts and updates that have nothing to do with them. Companies in these sectors, especially in recent... Read more
Tags: customer service, Facebook, holidays, social marketing, Social Media, social networking, twitter
Posted in Opinions, Social Media | 5 Comments »
6 Tactics for Niche Marketing
Aiming ads at your business’s niche market should be much more involved than merely creating a display ad that begs for Facebook “likes” or following as many Twitter users as possible.
Tags: advertising, online advertising, online marketing, social marketing
Posted in Opinions | 6 Comments »
Digital and Social Marketing Trends for 2013
Change is constant and digital marketing is no exception. In 2013 we’ll see digital marketing excel at exciting pace. With the end of the year fast approaching, it’s worthwhile to look ahead and help digital marketers prepare for the future.
As we look toward 2013, a number of themes jump out as key trends: social media, mobile technology, location-based marketing, and gamification. Here’s a roundup on what we think will happen in these areas and their impact on the digital space.
Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing gained an exceptional amount of steam in 2012, as parties ranging in size from international brands to local businesses jockeyed to start (or grow) their efforts and presence here. As 2013 looms, social media marketing is set to become a top priority marketing tactic. No longer a nominal experiment, businesses recognize that social networks are where their targeted customers are spending huge amounts of time. With this knowledge, prepare to see marketers shift their dollars to the social arena. A key point for businesses will be to rise above the clutter, and savvy marketers will use a mix of content, engagement, and promotions to grab the attention of consumers and extend the reach of their communities.
Marketing... Read more
Tags: 2013 Trends, Digital Marketing, facebook marketing, social marketing, Social Media
Posted in Social Media | 4 Comments »
13 Trends in 2013: #2 Marketing turns upside down
Through electronic word of mouth and online reviews, consumers will market to other consumers. Because marketers cannot control this, they will need to reward consumers for positive marketing reviews, offering incentives. To reach individual consumers, marketers will need to use micro-targeting techniques that offer personalized messages.
The traditional marketing concept of "push and pull" will lose effectiveness as a result of the power that consumers gain through the two-way dialog of social media. The social interactions provided by social media platforms will turn marketing techniques upside down, placing consumers in the role of marketers.
As you are planning for 2013, your business will find itself facing questions concerning the social impact of your business and brand. Winnie Hart and Lorrie Lee from TwinEngine share 13 in 2013 – Social Media Marketing trends that will take flight.
#2 Marketing turns upside down
- We are all marketers now
- Evolution from 'all about us' to 'all about them'
- Two-way marketing strategies support social shift - monolog to dialog marketing
- Agencies are challenged to develop new models
- Campaigns are no longer flat - need for integrated strategy and plan
- More targeted, more relevant, more effective
For more trending in 2013, follow our blog.
Download the complete infographic here.
Tags: 2013, infographic, marketing, social marketing, trends
Posted in Emerging Platforms, Social Media | No Comments »
