I often refer to Social Media Marketing as 19th-century marketing with 21st-century tools. Reputation, honesty, word-of-mouth, referrals – those things were around long before there were non-geographic-dependent mediums to use them in.

I often refer to Social Media Marketing as 19th-century marketing with 21st-century tools. Reputation, honesty, word-of-mouth, referrals – those things were around long before there were non-geographic-dependent mediums to use them in.

I’ve had a couple of companies get it right on Twitter with me – I profiled one recently. But yes, it’s rather corporate culture in just a different medium. If you don’t see customer service as a profit center rather than a cost center? You won’t put any resources into getting it right.

No seriously, to address your point? I see no problem with wanting both types of contacts. I do! I have my Socializer side and my Marketer side too. Sometimes I just want to go to the game with my friend who has an extra ticket because I know he & I share a love of the Broncos. Sometimes I just want to hang out on Facebook, Twitter, or online with someone because I know we’re friends with mutual interests.
I just kind of got tired of everyone leaving off “marketing” when that’s what they were there for.
If my services fit a friend’s need? I’m likely to say “you know, that is what I do – I’d be happy to talk shop with you.” But I’m also just as likely to tell someone trying hard to close a sale at a social event “look, just give the guy your card and tell him you’d love to talk with him at a more appropriate time – we’re trying to relax here.”
Thanks for weighing in Todd.

For example, the golfers know who is selling and who is buying. And they take their offer for the tickets to the box seats in context.

And, if someone is out of line, pitching their deal in a social setting, in the physical world, everyone pretty much shuts them down with some friendly verbal jabs.

Katherine Warman Kern
@comradity

For example, the golfers know who is selling and who is buying. And they take their offer for the tickets to the box seats in context.

And, if someone is out of line, pitching their deal in a social setting, in the physical world, everyone pretty much shuts them down with some friendly verbal jabs.

Katherine Warman Kern
@comradity

Marketing has changed a bit, although, yes, people who are truly out to sell something aren’t looking to connect unless you’re willing to buy something. But the way to do that has shifted a bit. People want some sort of connection. We all still buy and support people that we LIKE. Social Media is a vehicle to attract and then stay connected to the customer. It’s not just a tool for sales. The companies who think so, fall flat.