Great Social Media Marketing

06/08/2009

"We are moving from technology-centric applications to people-centric applications that conform to our relationships and identities. The social graph is enabling a new Web experience that will transform the way we work, learn, and interact across every aspect of our lives." Clara Shih, the Facebook Era

I agree with Clara Shih, and think that the Facebook Era is one of the smartest books about social networks. However, although it is technology that proples the experience the reason social media works is actually very simple. At its heart it's people connecting with each other, telling their stories, sharing their lives. What you share depends on your comfort level of giving pieces of yourself to your digital network.

When those stories and experiences involve brands, organizations, service then it becomes part of  "social media marketing."  The stories that are tweeted or blogged or put on a Facebook page are exposed to your expanded network. Through digital word-of-mouth your opinions may influence the purchase behavior of people you don't even know. 

Sooo .. let me tell you a story. - Today I arrived in a small town in Pennsylvania - Johnstown to speak about social mLori holiday inn johnstown pa_webedia at PA Development Center's Annual Conference (waves to Elyse Harvey who was wonderful to work with on this project!). I dropped Max off at the vets (with instructions for extra walks and doggie ice cream treats) at 10a and after a long day of travel from ATL to IAD to JST I walked into the Holiday Inn at 6:30p .. famished. 

Now I must admit my expectations of Harrigan's Restaurant at the Holiday Inn was .. well .. not very high. In fact, I tried to find another place to eat. Went so far as to do a few Urban Spoon shakes which turned up pretty much only fast food. Sometimes you turn a corner and are delightfully surprised. The venue itself was inviting,  Lori, my waitress or is the pc term 'server?' was awesome and most importantly the food was excellent.

To help demonstrate social media and stories for the workshop Lori graciously agreed to have her photo posted, with the amazing dessert tray, on Twitter, Facebook and Diva Marketing. Next time you're in Johnstown, PA head to the Harrigans and ask for Lori .. I promise you won't be disappointed.Johnstown pa

Where will this go? Who in my social media network will see a post, tweet or Facebook page? Will the post or tweet make its way into someone's search for Johnstown restaurants or Harrigans? Will Lori make a few extra tips?

So what is great social media marketing? It's all about the stories and the people and the beat goes on and on and on and on ....

Trackbacks

Trackback url:
https://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451b4b169e2011570e0ecb9970b

Comments

I think it really all comes down to the relationships that you build with people. If you communicate, articulate and express who you are through social...you are golden.

Posted by: Stuart Foster on Jun 9, 2009 10:56:15 AM

Your explanation of social media marketing is one of the most concise and correct I have ever seen.

And if i'm ever in Johnstown, I'll be sure to try the restaurant.

Posted by: B.L. Ochman on Jun 9, 2009 12:32:18 PM

Great post....and oddly enough my step daughter lives in Johnstown and I will be sure to ask her (on Facebook of course) if she has tried Harrigans.

Posted by: marianne richmond on Jun 9, 2009 9:12:04 PM

We too arrived at the conference, getting in later than expected. When we asked where to get some wine and food, the front desk staff suggested their restaurant in the Holiday Inn. This is not usually my first choice, but at 9:30 pm in a town like Johnstown you don't venture out - because unfortunately there are not a lot of options. We were also served by Lori who was attentive, helpful and really upbeat. It was a pleasurable experience. Thanks for all of the insight on social networking too!

Posted by: Joan Brodheadf on Jun 9, 2009 11:39:16 PM

@stuart - Amen! bro to that.
@bl - thanks for the complement .. I consider that high praise from one of the most respected sm people in the biz.
@marianne - on fb .. of course! let us know if your step-daughter has the same experience.
@joan - thanks for your kind words about my session on social media marketing. it was great fun. more accolades for lori .. hope her boss gives her a raise ;-)

to continue the learnings through your comments. harrigans is on bl's radar, marianne is telling her step-daughter who lives in johnstown and thru a comment on facebook which will extend digital wom. and joan confirms my opinions and adds her own positive experience with the restaurant and with lori. and the beat goes on ...

Posted by: Toby on Jun 10, 2009 5:35:49 PM

Eventually marketers will figure out that they just need to be where people are looking when in need of their product or service, rather than just bombarding them with targeted ads.

Posted by: Frugalocal on Jun 15, 2009 11:49:08 PM

I agree, you have a nice information. Well said. I agree that Social media for marketing is the best tool to make products big. What we have now is twitter and facebook. They made a big difference and one thing i love about facebook and twitter is that its very easy and simple.

By the way, you can post this to http://www.freepressreleasecenter.com/
, so everyone can read about this.

marcus
Online Learning

Posted by: marcus on Jul 10, 2009 3:40:13 AM

The comments to this entry are closed.