Please Rob Me - Online Media and the opportunity to grow your business.
When I first signed up for AOL Dial-Up over a decade ago I remember all of the security fears of sharing any personal information (even names) over the internet. Now there is more information about someone’s location, experiences and possessions to build a website called PleaseRobMe.com. A website that searches Twitter for tweets that spell out the person’s location, how long they’re away from their home and sometimes what they own. My how a decade can change things!
I’ve talked about security but today I want to talk about the sheer power of online media. If a website can display thousands of tweets an hour about people who are away from their homes, what else can online media tell us about people? Here’s a few ideas:
- Buying Habits;
- Likes & Dislikes;
- Where they shop and interact;
- much more…
When you really think about it – identity theft happens online as well. Phishing emails and trojans designed to capture your bank account information. But instead of instilling fear in this post I’d like to advise and make you aware of the possibilities.
Yes, people out there want to steal your information. There are also companies that just want your feedback. Sensitive information should be handled with very few people and companies. If someone is contacting you through Facebook – consider them to want nothing more than your opinion and if they ask for more simply stop and give nothing more.
Should you still not think that online media is not going to help your business, think again. Consider it a resource at the very least. What do people think of you and your company? What do they think of your product or service? Engage online media at the very least to see if it can help you gain more business. You may have to deal with clients in person but they can share their comments through a comment, message or survey.
Even the most skeptical can learn to appreciate and gain from online media. Hope you have a great weekend and share your online stories of surveys or phishing scams for others to hear. See you on Monday!
Tell a Friend,
TZ
Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising expert, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in growing small to medium sized businesses to their fullest potential.
Tony Zazza, Principal of Zazza Media Strategies
I do a lot of consultancy and service work. My clients depend on me to tackle the media, both online and in broadcast, to secure their brand and develop consistent exposure. I earned the trust of my clients through dedication and success. It’s not always easy and while most of my business is from referrals alone, I found I had people visiting my company’s site to learn more of what I do.
I’m not really tech savvy when it comes to websites myself – I have a team of experts that are and I rely on them. When I personally built my first website it was a train wreck. It had my information on there but it was clear I was not a professional web designer. Not a big deal but my company has grown leaps and bounds since last year. My website should showcase that.
When developing my new site there was one feature I knew I had right. That feature had to be at the front – it had to represent myself and my company: my picture.
When I investigated this industry of media strategies and relations, I only found one other company that had a picture of any of its staff – let alone their principal. Sure they were flashy, elegant and sophisticated websites – but no picture. Who are they behind the clever text and logo? What do they look like? What sort of vibe do they have to them? It’s so impersonal to not see who you’re considering doing business with. Do you agree?
Yes there’s a flashy splash of color and imagery on my landing page. Start reading a bit more and then you’ll see yours truly! It’s not about ego. Not TOTALLY about ego anyways…
It’s honestly about people knowing my smile, knowing I’m a real person and knowing who Tony Zazza is and what they can expect. For any type of media you need to be seen. Either just your logo, your name or the easiest way to contact you. But when someone visits your online media headquarters – they need to have that impersonal barrier broken down as soon as possible. Don’t use stock images or faces of people frolicking in a gorgeous grassy field. Use your most important strength: you and your team.
Just don’t use anyone that might be camera shy or any incriminating photos. LOL
Keep up your great work, Friday is just around the corner!
Tell a Friend,
TZ
Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising expert, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in growing small to medium sized businesses to their fullest potential.
Amazing Confections (Chocolates)! Strategy starts with quality.
I can’t believe I’m admitting this. I will take all of the heckling in a bit so promise not to laugh TOO much! My good friend Carla just left for South Africa and stopped by to drop off a box of chocolates. I’d never heard of the chocolate company before. I honestly didn’t know what to think.
They were in a green box and didn’t say they were ‘chocolates’. The box said ‘confections’. I was TOTALLY thrown off. I wasn’t used to thinking of chocolates as confections. When I opened the very classy box I saw twelve gorgeous truffles. They didn’t look like typical truffles – they had swirls and looked like art. I was totally impressed.
But finally I came to the best part – and the part I’m not so proud of at all. Each of those truffles was DELICIOUS. Great taste, great quality and I couldn’t stop at just one. That’s right – I ate ALL twelve. It sounded like the logical choice at the time. I didn’t feel bloated but twelve truffles can NOT be the best thing when you’re committed to a diet. LOL
When I was done with all of the chocolates I sat back and realized that this company had done a few things amazingly. First, the box looks great. Second, the chocolates looked amazing. Third, the chocolates were incredible!
This company also has a few things against it. First, what are confections? Why not just say chocolates? Second, the box said they were from Florida. I don’t imagine Florida when I think of great chocolates. Third, they were not a recognizable name. Now I do not hold prejudice against a company that doesn’t have a recognizable name but when it comes to business – it’s best to be recognizable.
Now in the day of social networking, text messages and emails you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a lot of exposure (I should know, that’s what my company specializes in!). But my strategy tip of the day is to focus on quality. Most of the top brands built their name on quality, not price points.
Sometimes the best strategy is simply quality. Doing at least three things better than anyone sets you apart from any competitor. It also makes marketing a lot easier and cost-effective. Most people in business are in business with a product or service they believe in. But when you find no amount of dollar spent bringing business your way – focus on quality. Or you can just send me a really delicious box of chocolates!
Have a great start to your week! I’ll see you again Wednesday, make sure to share the name of your favorite chocolates!
Tell a Friend,
TZ
Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising expert, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in growing small to medium sized businesses to their fullest potential.