Listening to Social Networks

One of my mentors used to tell me, "seek first to understand, then to be understood." Okay, I'm sure Buddha or Gandhi said it before Paul did, but it stuck with me.

I think of lot of brands, in their rush to be part of social networks, could use this advice. Yes it is great to get your MySpace/Facebook/FastPitch page up to connect with your market (as long as you're adding real value to the network), but it is even better to use the networks to understand your target market.

Because trust me, they are a-talking.

Want to know what vegetables working moms feed their kids? They are talking about it. Want to know what music teens are downloading? That is there too. The software IT administrators at hospitals in Tallahassee are buying? Them too.

Now search on your brand name and your competitors' brand names, what a treasure trove of market research, all generated by real consumers, voluntarily and free!

But don't take my word for it, look what listening did for Cadbury. Or listen to Rupert Murdoch, who, the story goes, when asked why he purchased MySpace, replied "To listen."

Comments

[James - CaptureTheConversation]

Bill,

Great, simple and effective advice.

I always liken it to walking into a bar and just starting to talk at the top your lungs. You would never do this, nor should you do that in the online social media environment.

Walk in the bar, listen to what people are saying, and if you have something positive to add to the conversation, interject yourself. If not, just keep listening.

Online conversations are very similar to offline. The best conversationalist are the best listeners.

[Bill Balderaz]

Great analogy James. Now imagine that you get involved in the conversation and offer to buy everyone drinks for the whole night. The patrons will talk about you for years to come.

So...listen, join, and then provide value.