We all have a story. I always ask new customers “what is your story and is it being told?” Many times most businesses, brands, products and services begin with their story and then get caught up and forget how it impacts the value—they forget who the brand is targeting and lay that story to rest. In the “new world economy”, as I like to call it, your story is integral. It’s what draws potential evangelists and creates a connection that gives you permission to share with them. And in turn, they’ll share your story with others.
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In my last several posts I have provided case studies and all sorts of information about why your company needs to engage in social media. I would be remiss if I didn’t show some results. I wrote about the Ford Fiesta campaign where they gave 100 people Ford Fiesta cars for 6 months and asked them to blog, tweet, participate on Facebook and Youtube about their experiences. Ford—at the onset of the fall of the American Auto industry—dove right in and took the lead in terms of their use of social media. They are living proof (virtually speaking) that by integrating social media tools into your marketing strategy, you not only can successfully build a brand but also extend your reach. Letting the customer own the relationship and share that with others, leverages the credibility of a product or service in a way that the company itself just cannot do.
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I just read a great article (after which I named this post) in I Media Connection, written by Doug Schumacher. I Media Connection is a marketing community that posts all sorts of great marketing information. This article was as humorous for me as it was informative, as it talks about the fact that even if you make a conscientious effort NOT to participate in social media, it is ultimately inevitable that you already ARE—in so many ways!
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I am reading a book right now called The Travellers Gift by Andy Andrews. It is about the seven decisions that determine personal success. The first decision is that “The buck stops here.” I am responsible for my past and my future. The buck stops here.”
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Social media now has the attention of many companies these days. Everyone is trying to figure out how to leverage and court the customers they want while providing them with the fuel and fire to become brand evangelists. Most companies forget that understanding the innovators, influencers, critics, spectators and those who choose not to participate at all should become a part of the concepts and format they need to develop in order to engage their target audience.
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We are going to try to provide all sorts of examples of great branding at the same time we discuss the problems, concerns and ways that companies do not speak to women or consumers in a way that encourages them to become brand evangilists.
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