60 Seconds of Information Impacting You and Our Fast-Forward Economy

• The online world is divided into two categories: Haves and
  Have-nots
• Haves: sites where visitors regularly interact and exchange ideas and information. Usually run by fans or enthusiasts.
• Have-nots: company sites that tightly control what visitors discuss and offer little ability for interaction.
• As you can image, the Have site are the most successful.
• Want to make your site a Have? Here are four tips shared by the authors:
  • Stop controlling everything: host discussions about products and services--and little else.
  • Welcome diversity: don’t block non-customers. Allowing visitors to self-select makes for much more interesting dialog.
  • Give visitors ways of interacting: give visitors the option of talking to on another, a company rep--even if conversation seems off-topic.
  • If you can’t be like the fan sites, at least monitor and support them: tracking and engaging these communities can open the door to many benefits.
    

2. What Does Your Online Brand Say About You?

As the number of individuals and businesses joining the social media sphere is constantly on the rise, so does the competition for the attention of the millions of people online. This is especially challenging for a company that doesn't know how to effectively translate its brand from more traditional vehicles to social vehicles. Lawrence Riddick, author of theideas that stick--a blog that provides conversational space to discuss personal lifestyle and business, refers to the downfalls of changing your personal brand too often. He tells readers to:

• Be consistent
• Connect with consumers emotionally
• Reach for the heart of consumer loyalty
• Be identifiable
  

Your brand is extremely important to your marketing communications and must meet the needs of your customer. Any shifts in your brand, particularly if it changes by medium, make it impossible for customers to connect and build loyalty with you. And if you remember nothing else, keep in mind that Consistency Is King.

3. The 60 Second Close:

Controlling the brand is critical for any business. Giving away social control is one of the most important things a company can do. Need help navigating the waters? Give us a jingle.