The 5th Principle of Social Media – Market WITH People Not TO People
Marketing is something you should do WITH people, not to people.
Successful marketers realise that being social isn’t about where, it’s about how for the last 30 yrs or so, brilliantly controlled brand management was the perfect approach for persuading a mass market of consumers who eagerly put their faith in brands.
But things have changed. The businesses who will thrive most successfully in this new digital age realise that marketing is no longer something that you do TO people, it’s something that you do WITH people.
You see, people aren’t just sitting their patiently waiting for your advertising message. They’re smart, savvy and value their time. So therefore, WHY should they allow YOU into their world unless they feel YOU value them?
From involving people in an entertaining experience, to inviting participation in discussions which helps YOU create what YOUR business does AND the products and services it offers, to simply listening to people when they have something to say.
Being INTERESTED is as important as being INTERESTING!
The 5th Principle of Social Media – Market WITH People Not TO People
Ultimately, social media marketing extends beyond your campaigns. It can and should be a core part of how your business behaves. It’s every interaction people have with your business AND you, and involving people should be something you do constantly. After all, you need to remember that the most powerful marketing message of them all, is what people say about YOU and your business to others.
If you can create opportunities to involve people in your marketing messages, and deliver an enriching and rewarding social experience, people might just talk about it positively to their acquaintances and business associates.
Because as I said earlier marketing is something you do WITH people, AND importantly for you and your business, if you do it right, people become your marketing.
Here’s to your Success
-Jon
Hey Jon,
I can’t agree more that marketing is something that you do with people, Not To People :). Just like you said, “it’s always great to put the customer at the centre rather than the business being at the centre.” Thanx for this post, just realised how important customer communication can be. This really helps you get more people interested in your business because more people be talking about it and recommending you to their friends and family.
Stay Blessed!
Hey there Gugulethu,
I truly appreciate your comments. Glad this post about Social media was helpful to you.
Many thanks for reading my blog.
Jon