Comments on: 4 Social Media Questions Answered

By: equalman

equalman — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 04:26:14 +0000

Sharon:

I will look for some B2B examples. One of the biggest helps for B2B is the downstream conversation. That is listening to your client’s customers (if there is a lot of chatter). If you are Intel supplying the chips to Dell, Apple, etc. you will want to sniff out problems and opportunities based on what Dell and Apple users are saying about what they like and don’t like (e.g., I hate that my Mac is always slow when I do ….. ).

If you find any good examples let me know and I’ll do the same!

By: Sharon Boller

Sharon Boller — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:33:27 +0000

Eric,
I’m immersing myself in reading about social media marketing. I have books from Clara Shih and Tamar Weinberg. I’ve also read tons of blogs (including yours). I still can’t find any “success stories” of companies doing B2B marketing who find social media marketing has grown their business. I see the stories on Dell, Ford, and even a little company called BlendTech, but no stories detailing how a consulting firm grew its client/project list by using social media. As president of a small learning design firm…I’d really like some “proof” as I’m investing lots of time in social media!

By: equalman

equalman — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:36:10 +0000

I know that high regulated industries like Pharma and Law have found some difficulties, but that they are making headway. In fact I actually feel that social media will help drive reform in some antiquated policies. In the short term though, where there is a will there is a way.

I also feel there are large opportunities for agencies and consultants to specialize in social media for these regulated industries. Those are my thoughts! Great question.

By: Christina Rigby

Christina Rigby — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:04:45 +0000

Hi, great comments Erik, how do you think the highly regulated businesses are coping with integrating social media into their marketing strategies?

By: equalman

equalman — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:17:35 +0000

Great summary Brian!

By: Brian Breslin

Brian Breslin — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:21:44 +0000

thanks for the mention. I think the role of consultants like me is to help a company craft their strategy, then teach them how to do it. In my case we help actually programming/deploying the stuff, but i think many other consultants should be able to help companies either build things or find those who can build them. Makes sense for consultants in this sphere to build ties to software development shops, or build their own.
Glad I’ve been able to help ya out

By: equalman

equalman — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:07:18 +0000

Scott:

This is a great question in regards to people being able to see ratings/reviews from their friends on Facebook, Twitter, etc. In the short term, great companies/brands may try to “jump start” this via advancements in tools like Bazaarvoice, but long term I really see it being a jump ball between several players: Search Engines, Browsers, Social Networks…and the winner may just come down to who we, the consumers, trust the most. If done right the real winners are companies that produce great products/value and the consumer! Great question!

By: Scott Scanlon

Scott Scanlon — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:31:24 +0000

Have not got a chance to read your book, but will by this weekend.

On your last point, do you see this as an interaction on a brand level or on a consumer level? Will this be implemented via a Facebook app from the Brand or will it be integrated into the social network platform itself?

By: equalman

equalman — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:32:02 +0000

Thanks Krista!

By: Krista Neher

Krista Neher — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:19:38 +0000

Great article!

I think that you are right on point in your assessment of how social media should be executed.

You know what they say…. teach a man to fish….