Those three words sound more like rules to live your life by then guidelines for a successful blog, yet they ring true nonetheless. Paul Boag's "10 Truths About Corporate Blogging" and Don Martelli's interview, "On Corporate Blogging" both outline the do's and don'ts of blogging for corporations.
While many of their points were one and the same, there was one "tip" for blogging that really caught my attention, and it was the idea that people like talking to people, and therefore corporate blogs should aim to build relationships with their readers, and use the blog as means of communicating with them and exchanging ideas rather than simply informing them about the company.
Corporate blogs should be run similarly to customer service, it should be a platform for readers, consumers, and potential consumers to ask question and get answers, provide commentary and feedback and feel like they are being listened to. I know that there is nothing that gets my blood boiling like large corporations thinking that they can walk all over me and that I'm not going to try and get at least one good punch in there. If that's what they think- then they are oh so wrong.
Individuals who are willing to open their mouths and comment and tell big corporations what they think need to be embraced- not shut out. They need to be given the time of day, because whether they like it or not, corporations have a lot to learn from consumers. And I don't think I need to remind you, Mr.Thom Ryan (CEO of CVS- my current irritation for reasons I will not get into), that the reason that you're sitting on the BIG BUCKS is thanks to your consumers. Without them...where would you be? My guess, nowhere.
I'd like to take a moment to pause and reflect on everything we've learned
- Analytics, LinkedIn, Facebook, search engine optimization, Second Life,
and ma...
Another fiery post as usual. I agree with you on this, corporations should really be thankful for customers and try and make our lives easier. Dell is another big offender. We pay them money and they give us terrible service, why? Because they can
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ReplyDeleteIt's sure that feedback are important for companies, and they should take care of us, as potential customers. How proud we feel when it seems that someone from a big companie answers to one of our questions...
Well said!! After all, who is it that buys the products in the end? US!! It's true that some consumers might suggest things that may seem absurd but at least listen to them and give them a proper answer!! And with this age of interactivity it's time companies start thinking up ways to engage with the customer.
ReplyDeleteAt the risk of being redundant, one of the greatest mistakes a company can make is to disregard even casual feedback. If a consumer likes a company but recommends a few improvements, small problems can escalate over time and if a competitor offers a solution, that's lost business you aren't likely to get back. Keep your customers happy, because there are are always competitors just as willing to accept their money.
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