Mari Smith and Guy Kawasaki, 2 Social Media Gurus Share 7 Hottest Business Trends

3/28/2012

View the story "Two Social Media Gurus Share 7 Hottest Business Trends" on StorifyTwo Social Media Gurus Share 7 Hottest Business TrendsI will be covering this event for a couple of reasons... 1. Interesting topic and presenters2. Professional development for my event correspondent practice, using Storify for live coverageStorified by andreacook · Wed, Mar 28 2012 15:19:44This Just In... Live Event CoveragePinterestThis webinar is free, and was introduced to me via an invitation from Pinterest that caught my attention. You may register with this link >

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We're live now, sharing takeaways from today's event...

Marketing word of mouth allows nobodies to be somebodies in today's internet world. Just ask @lonelyboy15...Guy wishes Pinterest would invite / hire him. He loves Pinterest!

TREND #1

Big Brand Bypass

New platforms are allowing more and more consumers to bypass brands and instead sell or exchange directly with one other.

Mari shares a success story of Melissa, a photographer who is earning a living from her recent launch of her business book on Pinterest.

Pit/Bully Breed AwarenessPinterestWhen the marketers move in, the community members move out... True?

Guy responds with an example, NPR runs a telethon, once in a while. They've earned the right to do that. Just don't do that all the time.

TREND #2

Humanize to Monetize

In today's world, personality means profit.

What does it take to get guys like Guy to leave his favorite club and fly on your airline?

Get down on your knees and polish his shoes. - Customer service, the golden touch by Richard Branson

Want to know how your marketing department can provide this level of customer service? Ask Mari and Guy for more details, future programs...

TREND #3

Cause-Based Consumers

If the business ethics don't meet the consumers' expectations for social cause, transparency and trust, businesses and individuals will fail completely.

Mari encourages businesses to truly enforce the real meaning behind their mission. She uses this guy as an example: George TakeiOfficial George Takei Home PageReview your about page and really be true to it.

(Guy and his wife are involved with initiatives against slavery but he urges businesses to have a fundamentally offer a quality product or service way before offering added support to a philanthropic venture!)

TREND #4

Super Social Status

As a society, we are continually shifting what and how we derive status. Status is now about skills, generosity, levels of connectedness, altruism and eco-credentials. "Badges" are on the increase in social media for others to establish their thoughts on your status.

We're checking out Guy's Klout score... It is 83....Klout | The Standard for Influence Klout is the Standard for Influence. Join Klout to discover your influence and compare with others you may know.Does Guy use Foursquare? foursquarefoursquareNope. And, he doesn't even go to parties. Unless they are at #SXSW. He's got some issues, with his ear, a constant ringing. TMI? perhaps... Mari shares an example of how businesses can use Foursquare. A guy in Chicago who owns a couple of pizza franchises makes it a point to know the current mayor of his pizza joints and when he can, he will acknowledge them with a personal hello. Mari shares that people crave personal recognition and attention.

- Good example on an easy way to use 4SQ Mari!

TREND #5

Awesome vs. "Flawesome"

Consumers are accepting that it's okay for companies to be imperfect (they actually prefer it).

Guy reinforces this truism: Don't worry, Be happy crappy.

68% consumers trust reviews more when they see negative views along with the positive views.

(Guy says, "I need to go out and get some bad reviews for my book.") By the way, did we mention Guy's new book?

Amazon.com: What the Plus! Google+ for the Rest of Us eBook: Guy ...What the Plus! Google+ for the Rest of Us [Kindle Edition]. Guy Kawasaki (Author) . 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (69 customer revi...

TREND #6

Mad for Mobile

Now that mobile device usage outnumbers computers 5-to-1 worldwide, we're far beyond the tipping point. We can now do everything in a mobile way: more local information delivered via mobile, and more timely information delivered instantly. Mobile is simply more effortless; everything is easier on the go.

Review sites on Yelp. Proximity-based marketing allows consumers to see a pop-up message on recommended deals. Mari is sharing a lot of mobile apps and activities, such as:

Free Web Toolbar | WibiyaAdding a Wibiya Bar to your website allows you to increase page views, boost user engagement, and promote your content. Wibiya offers a v...

Mari encourages business owners to treat mobile marketers and fans as royalty. "They can be your biggest evangelist!"

Guy shares the story of a restaurant owner who told Guy: No Photos.
(What? You mean he didn't get on his knees and polish his shoes. BIG MISTAKE!)

TREND #7

Privacy Paranoia

Will 2012 finally tip the scales on a growing privacy backlash, resulting in a revolt against the widespread access to "open & misused information"? For the moment, Facebook, Google and many other services are pushing and pushing the boundaries of acceptability on privacy. At what point do we become uncomfortable and say, "enough is enough"?

What's worse than not allowing customers to snap photos of their restaurant? Demanding job applicants the passwords and rights to their social media sites.

Mari's tip: Don't share anything on Facebook you would not want published on the front page of every newspaper. And, have a highly secure password that you cannot remember. Social Midas course... details...

A video training product of 15 Golden keys

by Mari and Guy

Go get it now >>

Marismith

Commercial is over.

Now, let's get to the Q&A...On what social media do you spend most time?

Guy: 75% on Google+ (25% Facebook now)

Mari: 60% Facebook, 25% on Twitter, Rest on all other sites, she is enjoying Pinterest!

When do you think content is mis-read for spam?

Guy says:

You can earn it by sharing and giving.

Or, if you are Starbucks trying to promote a creamy chocolate smoothie.

"However, if you are selling porn and you get in my swimming pool, you are like a turd and you will be removed."

In a nutshell, if it is advertising that is relevant, it is not spam.

How do you know if your audience is on Google+?

Guy says: First define your audience.

Pursue new relationships and network with your passions on Google+. Facebook is your community of college friends and family.

Mari says: Google+ loves the long rich posts and comments, that you can edit.

Guyism: I try not to let my flawesomeness show.

What is a good way to get feedback on Google+?

Guy says: Every post must have a photo or image. There is so much clutter out there and you need that eye candy. He includes that users should following people that share similar interests and add comments.

Thank you Mari and Guy for sharing. Best of luck to you and your new social training program. I personally LOVE the name... Much like my consultancy, The Midas Center, we also love the gold and help clients get golden results... Go for the gold!

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