Monthly Archives: October 2008

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At The Speed Of Social Networks

Last week, on the social networking system called Twitter, I saw something interesting happen. I’ve seen this before, but it happened at the right moment. A mutual connection on Twitter, Mari Smith, needed some business cards. Mari couldn’t get a hold of her normal printer, so she put out a message on Twitter for recommendations. Laura Beulke turned out to be one of the people recommended. Laura is a Twitter user also, and told Mari that should could help her get new cards in a snap.

The two were able to create a win/win situation. Mari got her cards fast and Laura got a new customer. But what I don’t think Laura was anticipating, was the amount of people who would become customers on Mari’s recommendation. Mari carries a lot of weight with her network, and when she says something is worth trying, people take action. Laura saw an increase in new customers from this one interaction. Her time cultivating was low, and the return was high.

As you can see, connecting with your customers where their eyes are can be just as critical, if not more, than any paper or web advertising. WordOfMouth2.0. Blogging has the same effect. Whether its a full length post like this or micro-blogging with Twitter, Facebook or dozens of other services. The point is to connect. Help people get what they want, and you’re definitely on your way to getting what you want.

Follow me on Twitter if you would like.

Wilco Votes

We’ve previously discussed the importance of companies using current events for marketing purposes.

The band Wilco has done an excellent job engaging their targeted audience by offering a free song download with the promise of voting.  It’s actually quite brilliant.  If you’re new to their music and enjoy the single you’ll likely go purchase a full-length album.

Women’s Entertainment Network Embraces Branding Through Current Events

This is a great example of using current events to promote your brand. It doesn’t matter what you believe or which candidate you prefer. The Women’s Entertainment Network isn’t taking a position here, but they’re using the election to promote their brand and unite their viewers on the importance of voting. It doesn’t hurt that they’re building incoming links to their site as well.

I took a screenshot to archive the page, should they decide to take it down after the election. You can click on the image to visit their page and grad a badge for your site.

Comcast Extends Customer Service Through Social Media

Comcast has been very smart to use social media services to not only make friends with it’s customers but actually make a difference after doing so.

Customers who can’t seem to get a problem solved or a question answered have been going online and lashing out for years. It’s become so much easier to find people to tell about a bad experience and the younger generation is taking full advantage.

Being aware, at least two guys at Comcast have created Twitter accounts and reached out to their customers complaints. They reach out to customers and solve their problems as quickly as possible. They get raving reviews from customers and it spreads from customer to customer that Comcast Customer Service is available on Twitter.

If you’re not on Twitter, you can sign up for a free account.

If you’re a business experiencing customer backlash, you can consider following Frank and Scott into the online customer service field.

Nice job Comcast.