"Really well thought-out Paul! I agree that the goals and ideals of social media won't do any good for a company until they live it, instead of just trying to "do" it. But the idea of putting together a strategy to help them get there may not be terrible. We have to take baby-steps in many ways to help clients understand this new way of thinking. Otherwise it becomes overwhelming and they run scared. That being said, if they're not going to bite then it's probably hopeless. I've worked with a couple of clients recently who just didn't "get it". And I don't mean that we weren't explaining it in a way that was digestible for them. I mean they just weren't EVER going to "get it". It's too far outside the realm of thinking for them. Some clients will always cower in a corner at the thought that maybe their brand doesn't belong to them..."
- Danny Nathan
"Not surprising at all. Part of my problem with my b-school classes (undergrad marketing major) was that they were pretty out of date. I believe they still are. Classes are still being taught by the guys who run the companies that don't believe in that "internet mumbo jumbo". Or if they do, it's not much beyond an ecommerce site because it helps their bottom line. Until the schools start teaching with a different mentality all-together, the connectedness of the students will remain centered around the "me networks" - facebook, LinkedIn, etc. I would bet that if you asked why LinkedIn was worth their time and Twitter wasn't, they'd tell you that it's because it will "help them get a job" after school."
- Danny Nathan
"None of this is really new. Heck, I spend more nights up late in front of the computer AT work than I do away from it. Doesn’t change the fact that I’m up late and on Twitter (or blogging or facebook, or any other number of social sites). Even colleges are known to check up on applicants these days. Honestly, it says as much to me about the companies as it does about the people in question. Yes, we do live in an open world these days - seems most people even google their dates’ names, etc. (Yup, I’ve been guilty of this. I find it more odd when I CAN’T find someone online than when I can…)"
- Danny Nathan
"Really well put Jason. Of course, what's missing is the idea that making your existing customers happy via this approach will likely garner many new customers as well. Happy customers spread the word, right?"
- Danny Nathan
"David, We got the same email from "Lornie". While I don't believe this is sanctioned work from Crispin, there is something "else" going on here. And to "anonymous"...this may not be the work of Crispin, but until someone steps up and makes it known what's going on here, it's not the most unreasonable expectation that the work will be (perhaps wrongly) attributed to them. Here's some thoughts from BrandsAmongMany on the whole thing..."
- Danny Nathan
"James, We got the same heads up from the same "reader". Clearly there's something more going on here. And it definitely has a PR feel to it. Here's some thoughts I posted over at BrandsAmongMany on the issue: http://tinyurl.com/lornie"
- Danny Nathan