Yes, it IS about the money
I know social media is about “relationships.” I get it … I really do. But if you are responsible for a social media initiative for your company, somebody is eventually going to ask you, “Where’s my money, honey?” In a business setting, social media relationships must eventually lead to making or saving money. Of course […]
Developing a social media strategy when the rules aren’t clear
M.C. Escher This part 3 of my interview with B2B marketing pioneer Dr. Ben Hanna, VP of Business.com. Part 1: Four breakthrough Twitter research insights Part 2: Essential B2B social media start-up strategies You’ve decided to lay bare the evolution of your social media campaign — warts and all. It’s a fascinating read. What made […]
Essential B2B social media start-up strategies
This part 2 of my interview with B2B marketing pioneer Dr. Ben Hanna, VP of Business.com. Click here for Part 1: Twitter for business: Four breakthrough insights Ben, your company evidently took a very well-thought-out and measured approach to embarking on a social media campaign. But even the best plans usually go awry. What have […]
Twitter for business: Four breakthrough insights
I’m privileged to introduce a week-long series of B2B social media insights with Dr. Ben Hanna, Vice President of Marketing for Business.com, where he oversees brand strategy, online marketing, public relations, social media, direct marketing and events. Ben is a true online marketing pioneer. Prior to his current position, Ben led the eBay B2B trading […]
Lessons from a marketing strategy gone wrong (mine!)
The theme for the blog this week is “strategy” and the first thing I needed to do is turn the microscope on myself. It’s ugly. I have not been following my own rules … but let’s see what you might learn from my mistakes. Something I have preached relentlessly: When you start a social media […]
A great example of B2B social media marketing
Two weeks ago I named GE as one of the Top 5 B2B superstars utilizing social media marketing strategies. Yesterdays’ announcement on a new R&D Center in Michigan and 1,200 new jobs is a wonderful illustration of why they earned this honor. 1) An “announcement about the announcement” was broadcast over the GEreports website, blog, […]
Why B2B’s MUST adopt social media strategies
With most of my career with Fortune 100 blue chip companies, I know what it’s like to market in a hyper-competitive, show-me-the-money environment. I’ve been aggressively skeptical about the role of social media in an environment where there is a finite number of customers, an emphasis on long-term contracts, and no patience for fluff. But […]
The writing’s on the wall: An interview with Sharpie’s Twitter Queen
When I first learned that Sharpie pens had its own Twitter-er, I couldn’t believe it. How in the world could you spend your day writing 140-character statements about INK PENS? I decided to “follow” SharpieSusan and see for myself. I’m hooked. The enthusiasm, authenticity and wit driving her stream of tweets is addictive! A former […]
Alternative perspectives on social media impact
My article this week on social media’s impact on personality development spawned many thought-provoking comments and insights. I wanted to share some of the best posts with you as we continue to explore the dangers and opportunities presented by the daily digital hurricane. Trevor Longino, CEO, Overnight PR.com I think, as we reach a point […]
Your website is not a strategy
Here’s a mistake I see repeated so often by small business owner — assuming that their website IS the marketing plan. Many people imagine the Internet like a Mississippi River of money — a wide, swollen sea of cash just rushing by! All you have to do is put an Internet site out there and […]