The Era of Social Networking

Once upon a time (roughly about 20 years ago) an endlessly expansive and limitless tool of communication and production was brought to our desk tops; the days of the type writer, transcontinental letter, calculator and even pen where dissipated  to an almost vague memory,  replaced by Microsoft word documents, E-mail, and Quick-Books.

Almost instantly, our lives and the way we conducted business changed completely. Those who embraced the change where on the forefront of innovation and pioneered the age of the technology, those who did not, simply failed and where probably never heard of again.

This tool was the Internet, and now again with this tool we are evolving. Our world is changing once again, and what began with a simple site to promote our business and endeavors has transformed into the epicenter of our marketing and advertising campaigns, which essentially, are the heart of our success.

The fact is our consumer has changed. No longer does he attentively watch 30 second spots blowing up his screen with what you can offer him. And honestly why would he?  He can Tivo right through it and watch what he really wants to see.

No longer does the radio listener sit in traffic absorbing the incoming radio signals promoting your products. No, they pay a small monthly fee for satellite programming and commercials are not transmitted in this medium.

No, these consumers are tired of being talked at; they’re tired of listening and have rebelled. They’ve rebelled against everyone telling them what to buy, and what to pay. They’ve rebelled against shoddy customer service and inconsistencies in brand promises.

And they’ve chosen the most readily accessible, globally intertwined systems of Social networks as their soapbox.  They stand proudly atop it yelling from their Facebooks’, Twitters’,  Diggs’ Consumer reports’ and the most personal of sites, their BLOGS. From these tools of Social networking they’ve created elaborate communities that delve deeply into the matters of brands and purchasing. If they’re upset, if they’re content, or if they love a brand, they’ll share it and they’ll share it as abrasively, crudely and honestly as possible.

But don’t be alarmed although this consumer has learned to sort through the traditional media bombardment he faces daily, he still wishes to give you the benefit of the doubt.

He’s chosen to talk to you and ultimately to be your friend.

He is waiting for your response, he craves to be spoken to, to be redeemed or be acknowledged for his years of devotion to your brand, product or service.

He wants to be engaged intelligently and indiscriminately. The communities of social networks are open and willing to hear your piece. To know who you are as a company and to let you in to a world riddled with immense possibilities of communication, information, and direct consumer opinion more efficiently and at a lower cost than traditional media ever imagined being possible.

The opportunity to talk to your consumer, relate to him, and remind him why you’re his favorite, or could be his favorite is more possible today than other time.

The choice is yours to take part in a global conversation, to join the virtual community as you’ve joined the communities of the real world.

Accept that you will be talked about, positively, negatively, or neutrally.  Only by accepting this can you then begin to formulate a plan of action and incorporation.  Only then can you shift conversations in your favor, defend and reignite the fanaticism of your brand.

The era of Social Media is now.

And The RE Agency exists to guide you through the process of integration to Social Media. With millions of active social networking sites it’s a heavy but necessary task. We’ll discover where your demographic lives online and the best means of approach to attain success. We’ll guide you through the process and provide you with feedback for the acquisition of your goals.  Social media is the future of your business and we are here to secure this future.

Now the question remains, will you innovate?

Will you accept and embrace change?

Or will you lay dormant?

Never to be heard of again.

Sheila

Social Media Communications Specialist @ The RE Agency