Marketing has evolved people… we’re playing in a different environment and some of us are getting burned! What may be common sense to some is news to others… let’s see if we can’t prevent a few more unfortunates from getting slaughtered in the online space.
Rule number 1 – It very likely that you already have a digital foot print. Becoming active in this space will probably increase your digital footprint. Know this before you start as what you contribute, post, comment on or upload could become visible to everyone that day or months later! To see what the internet is saying about you today visit www.pipl.com
Rule number 2 – Observe, Listen and explore before jumping in with both feet head first. Most sites have a learning center – typically it’s in a corner… that means a max. of four corners… so take the time to locate this area and invest the 5 minutes to get familiar with the site.
Rule no. 3 – Join the conversation – don’t hijack it! There are so many people who join a new network and assume the entire community <Already deep in conversation with each other> is going to love your rude interruption and broadcast of who you are, what you need, and what everyone should be doing to help you… wow! This is a great way to be permanently <IGNORED> by the community. (Yes… that is available at the click of a button)
Rule no. 4 – When frustrated – step away from the computer. Do not send messages in the heat of the moment. Do not air your dirty laundry with another chap in an online space. Do not lie, cheat, steal, call names, or make mean comments about people, where they live. <This has all happened and made some pretty serious headlines in the blogosphere already>
Rule no. 5 – When receiving negative feedback or commentary about you, your brand or your products… rejoice! This is your opportunity to engage the conversation, understand the real issue and take steps to turn that unhappy customer into a fanatic to tell everyone they know how <YOU> saved the day. Some companies have asked me whether or not they should tap this market for fear of the backlash – guess what? The negative stream will take place whether you can hear it or not. Best to be part of it to use the research to improve your <product/brand/customer service> and save a customer.
Rule no. 6 – 6 degrees is arguably 4 degrees in this day and age. Do not think for a minute that you can post in a public forum and not have someone flip a link to your posting to someone who knows the cousin of the Marketing Director at company X. It is merely by the click of a button that you can set up a tool that allows you to monitor what the internet is saying about you.. check out linkedin.com’s Company Buzz. I plug in key words that are of interest to me… anytime anyone in the world wide web uses one of these words in their post, comment, tweet, articles, status updates or <you name it>… I get a message with a link to that reference! Capeesh?
I love this space… it’s fun, can be hugely beneficial and is the new playground for consumers and brands to converse. Get to know it a little bit before you march in and announce your presence… or … read about your mishaps in the headlines of the blogosphere that comes with an audience of approx. 1.6billion!
Twitter
LinkedIn
SlideShare
Facebook
