Tell me what you want - what you really, really want

That Spice Girls song popped into my head when I was looking for a title for today's posting. Sorry!

But seriously - when it comes to connecting with your customers either through your website, email marketing, social media and even face-to-face conversation, you have to offer them more than just a 'deal'. Today's consumers are concerned about the price points but they are also very interested in a developing a stronger relationship with products and services you provide. Is your company offering this kind of engagement with your clients and customers?

As a Media Coach and Consultant in Calgary, Alberta, I encourage clients to use Social media as a tool to create this kind of engagement. Social media, when done properly is key in developing deeper relationships with customers.

eMarketer.com just published this interesting statistic from the US:



Notice how customers want to know about specials, features and services. This information is like currency to your customers.

If you have read any of my Blog posts, you will see a recurring theme: use social media. Social Media may not be the primary solution for the success of every business, but it can bring new customers through your doors - and I am pretty sure you want that to sustain the growth of your business. Some companies are fortunate to have a full-time staff of social media experts who are responsible for creating and implementing these new forms of social media engagement. However if your company is new to social media or struggling to understand how to maximize your footprint in this new media, you simply need to look around and ask for help. There are many social media experts who are willing and able to assist you with your learning curve.

So tell me what you want - what you really, really want.

-Darren

Hey media, Look over here! Tips to building Media Relations

12,000 fire victims receive warm Christmas dinner.

That grabbed your attention.

A strong headline is necessary to grab the attention of the media and the public, but you first have to grab the attention of the media to help you reach the public.

Building strong Media Relations
1) Who are you
It is very important to first know who you are, the product you offer and who is your target audience. From here, create a media strategy that will enable you to reach your consumer.

2) Know your Media options
Take a look at all the media organizations in your community, or if you are a national company, look at all your global media options. What media operations connect with your target audience? Take your time and do your research on this one. Media trends are rapidly changing and you need to be on top of these changes to effectively engage your audience.

3) Media contacts
In addition to knowing who to contact to place an advertising order with your local media outlets, it is also important to get to know who is in charge of content. News Directors, News Editors, Program Directors; these are all people you should reach out and network with. You can usually find their contact information on their company website or try a simple phone call to the main switchboard. Politely explain who you are and who you are trying to reach.

4) Offer something unique
Armed with your list of media contacts, give them a reason to contact you or become interested in your company and your product. Are you a specialist that could provide useful comment and content for their media operation? This is something that is unique to them and provides you with an opportunity to build a stronger relationship with your local media.

5) Leave them wanting more
If your company is launching a brand new product or service during a splashy media blitz, launch with your well planned statements, graphs, pictures and presentations. The key; less is more. Leave the media wanting more. To ensure the media has as much background and information about your launch, it is also wise to present them with printed documentation to support your company, product and/or services. Be sure each 'media kit' also includes a contact name and information along with a web site address.

6) Do not give up
Building a strong relationship with media is just like real life relationship building - it takes time. Be patient. Do not be offended if you have not received a returned phone call or email immediately after you first make contact with your media list. Have you seen the Kevin Costner movie "Field of Dreams"? Remember the famous line; If you build it, they will come. If you have something they (the media) can use, they will contact you.

To receive more tips and consultation on how to use the media more effectively, please contact me directly.

-Darren

Even Santa Claus uses Social Media

As a kid, I remember writing letters to Santa and leaving cookies and milk for the Jolly Old Elf on Christmas eve. Do you remember listening to the radio and hearing reports from NORAD who tracked Santa's journey from the North Pole to all the countries around the world as he visited all good boys and girls? I do not know about you, but it was all part of the magic of Christmas.

Times have changed and Santa and his staff have certainly stayed on top of all the new forms of communication.

You can find Santa Claus on Twitter.
You can add a Santa Claus application on Facebook.

And you can now track Santa online. Beginning at 2am Eastern time on December 24, Santa's location will be tracked all over the world.

With its partnership with Google in 2007, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defence Command) displays Santa's yearly journey in Google Earth and Maps.

Want to ensure your children are tucked into bed before Santa arrives at your house? Check his location at: www.noradsanta.org

NORAD will also videotape Santa inflight with animated video courtesy of its "Santa Cams".

On Twitter, follow the same Santa updates: NoradSanta.

With content provided by the Calgary Sun.

Merry Christmas,
Darren

Is anybody out there

The answer is yes.
Ipsos Reid confirms in a Canadian study released October 27, 2009, 82% of all Canadians now have internet access at home.

From their media release:
“Even in difficult economic times, Canadians understand that having Internet access is essential in today’s society,” notes study author Mark Laver, Associate Vice President with Ipsos Reid. “Internet access is critical to finding employment, it can be used to save money, for paying bills, finding deals, and as a form of entertainment. It has become so important to the lives of Canadians, that in some areas of the country, Internet access is almost identical to home telephone access.”

The study found that access at home is almost universal for those under 55 years of age as 89% of those aged 18 to 34 and 87% of those aged 35 to 54 have Internet access at home. In comparison, only 69% of those aged 55+ have access at home.

Laver continues, “The older generation is the fastest growing segment of online users, quickly catching up to the younger generations in their adoption of the Internet. By comparison, in Q1, 2006 only one-half (57%) of those aged 55+ had Internet access.”

Everyday, more and more people are looking for you and your products. What does your on-line presence say about your product, your company, your business, your brand?

-Darren