We are back from taking a break with our posts and look forward to connecting with you again weekly – as we have done over the last few years. It is always interesting to hear how many companies are still fearful – of leveraging social media and use negative responses from customers as a reason to not dive in. As you have seen via many large companies Nestle, Motrin, Boeing to name a few – avoiding those customers who are complaining and or unhappy – can create issues that may become far bigger than they ever began. If you think of how you personally feel – when you are unhappy about something, speak up to that business immediately and they then find a way to fix the situation – you usually walk away not only satisfied – but far more passionate about that business or brand then you were prior to that particular situation. Read the rest of this entry »

We talk about social media and engagement on our SHARE blog – as key touch points – to understanding how to best leverage social media tools for your customer while building- honest and truthful mutually beneficial relationships. We talk regularly to our clients both new, current and potential about understanding your target market. One size does not fit all. It is understanding who you want to connect with and how they want to connect with you that is vital in serving your customer via social media. Read the rest of this entry »

One of my colleagues and friend – put forth a wonderful opportunity to me today – to pitch a new client. Nothing is more rewarding than receiving a referral. It came forth via the client – that the idea that I – as the leader of our firm – with a long career in the fashion business prior to building our agency – might only understand social media in the context of related products such as consumer packaged goods for instance. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s a new year and I want to know how you plan to do things differently in 2010. As I write this, I am sure many of you are now well educated on the benefits of social media in your marketing efforts and are using some of the tools to further engage, connect or begin to connect with your customer. Have you thought about how you are going to start that conversation?
Read the rest of this entry »

I was chatting with a new client today about social media and how it can be utilized to elicit a positve and engaging response from your customers—especially when they are uphappy. In our discussion, we talked about companies who are getting it right—and Domino’s pizza came to mind for us both. Have you seen their recent TV spot about how they “say that customers complained that their crust was like cardboard and their sauce had no taste.” They continue on to mention how they were listening and have made changes to those EXACT things! Bravo Domino’s. Well it gets better…
Read the rest of this entry »

Many months back I wrote about the Korean BBQ street vendor: a guy who had an idea for tacos—that featured Korean BBQ. He parked outside of the clubs late at night for weeks with no action. He  then went to the famed Robinson Blvd. where the famous Ivey restaurant resides and the paparazzi shoot the lunching celebrities……still no action. Next up was Twitter and Facebook…and before he knew it, the line ups were around the block.
Read the rest of this entry »

Tranparent is a word that has been floating around for a while. The dictionary definition: easily seen through, recognized, or detected. The media and the internet have helped to provide a forum where people can now have direct and immediate relationships with information products and services. The benefit of social media is that you can now talk directly to the customer about who you are as a brand, share your values and share your story while targeting (globally) those whose values match yours. In turn, your customers and fans can pass your story on.
Read the rest of this entry »

As I am sure many of you know, my business background began in the fashion industry. Just like Natalie Massenet, I dreamed of being in the fashion business from the time I was a little girl. After realizing my dream of going to FIT and working in the fashion industry for 16 years (before moving on to use my skills of brand strategy to build our business today), I am still incredibly passionate about fashion to this day.
Read the rest of this entry »

I have written many posts that include tips about how to use social media tools. And in my mind, when a respected newspaper such as the Wall Street Journal features such articles, they are sending a strong message to all businesses that haven’t got into the social media marketing mode…..Get in the game!
Read the rest of this entry »

Everyone is using this time for change. How do we create ways to build our profile and our brand—do we truly want to sell or is there another way to yes create sales conversion? Of course. But think about what you could truly do if you laid a path and mindset—company wide—about inspiration and passion. You could engage each and every person in your company to inspire the people you do business with. Imagine sharing that kind of energy and enthusiasm…it’s electrifying!
Read the rest of this entry »