Shopping is changing. The market place is changing. What was new 2 years ago gets old very fast!
All this has to do with mobile devices. About a month ago, I was in a bookstore on a mission to get several copies of "Strength Finder 2.0" by Tom Rath. I use this with new clients and groups - great book. While wandering the store as all old librarians are destined to do, I spied an interesting fiction title, started reading and was hooked. Since I was given a Kindle a year ago, I've made it a habit to purchase fiction on the Kindle. So, I grabbed my mobile device, did a quick internet search at Amazon found the book was indeed Kindle available, purchased it and within seconds not only was it waiting on my Kindle when I got home, it was also on my mobile device if I wanted to start reading after making my business purchases.
Mobile devices are becoming the ubiquitous tool for customers. It took 100 years for telephones to reach 80% of the countries in the world - wireless has just taken 16 years! The phone in your pocket is 10 times more powerful than the desk top commuter that was on your desk in 1999. Many of us have our devices with us 24/7 - I've been using mine as an alarm clock since 2006.
How are your customers using their mobile device to work with your business? And I don't have the answer, yet, but it sure it is fun to think about it! Look for QR Codes (sample below) as the next wave for mobile devices to learn about your business or get a coupon. Maybe you should do a SWOT analysis to get thinking about the future - that is where you will be directed with your mobile and the below QR code.
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather MBA EA
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
419-897-0528
linda@changinglanes.biz
Business Plans Make Profit!
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Social Media and Your Business
So how does the social media space look for business as it stands at the end of 2010? If you are looking to really drive new prospects and lead generation you may be disappointed. Some of the larger multinationals who already have a strong established brand throughout world markets have been able to extend their share of wallet with Social Media campaigns, BUT, for small to medium business, at this stage Social Media really kicks the biggest goals in terms of building brand recognition, brand loyalty and extending customer service avenues to new and existing customers through additional 2 way communication channels.
That being said, Social Media is here to stay for all size business and in the near future will represent a channel for driving additional revenue. In the interim, plan your entry into the social media waters and take a well executed dive but before you do remember some final points.
• Social Media is exactly that. Don't look to automate your involvement where possible. Be a real person and communicate directly with your customers and prospects. Automated responses are like Voice Response systems, --Press 1 if we have just lost your business:-)
• Marketing in this space is the same as all other forms of Marketing. Don't just hire someone to manage your campaigns because they are 'good at using Twitter & Facebook' and or 'has a lot of followers'. Make sure whatever resource you hire or allocate to your campaigns understands your products and business and that you are confident can represent your brand in the best light possible.
See you out there in Social Media Space:-)
Brent Lupton
Internet Marketing Manager
Essential Brands Group
