“Socializing Virus”= committed, loyal, powered customers

Warning:An epidemic outbreak of Socializing Virus

Source: Internet, online Communities, Blogs, WWW groups, forums, Chat Rooms

Symptoms: increased information sharing, brand good will, customer knowledge and loyalty.

Outcome: Sustainable Business

The final outcome of this “Socializing Virus” is what every business entity is trying to achieve. Recently my brother purchased a new house in India and got it from his most desired Construction Company. Interesting fact to note here is my brother searched about the housing facilities online, all his research, feedback, background check and other necessary formalities was done online through social communities (Orkut and Yahoo groups) and Blogs. Hasn’t internet changed our lives, the way we think and act? People have started talking and discussing brands, products, services.

Sources (Mentioned Above) have changed us from Passive listeners to Active Participants. Traditionally it was one way information flow. When I got my first cell phone I was confused about which service provider to enroll with. Only source of information I had was television ads which were bombarded without knowing what actually people with my life style were looking for. But today I can go online, get opinion and feedback from active users and than make a decision. Also, when a mobile service provider was introducing a corporate plan for my company we were given chance to put forth our opinion, discuss options, share information, and ask questions and than respond accordingly. This not only got us reasonable, affordable and most featured plan for the given cost. In return, it gave them customers, like me, who were satisfied, happy and loyal to the provider.

A research done by “Accustream imedia research” shows that there were 22 billion views in 2007 for user generated content and is expected to rise to 34 billion in 2008. Companies are using this power to their advantage. Building relationship –that is, great PR for these companies. Companies are creating blogs inviting users to participate and interact. This in turn draws individuals to think, analyze, and put forth their ideas, views and beliefs helping businesses to understand and learn about its potential market. A research done by SNCR indicates that by 2012 spending on Conversational Marketing will outpace traditionally marketing.

Now look at these figures for social networking sites:

Face Book (2007)

1. 60 Million Active Users
2. 6^th Most trafficked site
3. International Growth: USA, Canada, Australia, turkey, Sweden, France, Hong Kong

MySpace (2007)

1. 110 Million Active Users
2. Country’s Trafficked Site on internet
3. International Growth: U.S., UK, Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy,Spain, Mexico, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, , Latin America, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.

Isn’t it a significant change? It is important for businesses not to ignore this change and take full advantage of it.

Though we can not neglect the power of “Socializing Virus” we need to acknowledge the fact that this virus needs a meaningful environment to grow and flourish. These blogs and discussion forums, created by either companies themselves or their customers, needs to be interesting and significant to us. As in the case of Microsoft (reading from Text) this phenomenon is pulling out inside people to participate and respond. It’s important to have that level of understanding, trust and coordination among us (Customers) and these insiders. Its only when both these USERS(Employees and Customers) harmonize and understand each others world that conversation marketing , in my view, will reap long term and growing kinship.

References:

http://seems2shel.typepad.com/itseemstome/2004/10/conversational_.html

http://www.conversationmarketing.com/

http://www.conversationmarketing.com/2007/09/5_ways_internet_marketing_is_l.htm

http://crm.ittoolbox.com/documents/peer-publishing/conversational-marketing-4328

http://www.web-strategist.com/blog/2008/01/09/social-network-stats-facebook-myspace-reunion-jan-2008/

Informal Networks

I was thrilled, excited and full of energy after being assigned to my dream project. Knowledge transfer sessions went well and just when I thought I was ready to go I was stuck with my first assignment.48 hours in front of the system and no solution. Third day with a cup of tea in my hand I was sitting in the office park when I met my friend , I haven’t seen her in last 4 months in spite of being in the same office location. Small handshake, little chit chat and she suggested me to join JAVAEXPERT group existing in the company Intranet. In less than 20 minutes I was back to my assignment. That’s the power of INFORMAL NETWORKS.

A lot has been written and spoken about informal networks. It’s a powerful concept that is shaping how organizations work and is influencing the effectiveness and efficiency of employees. Informal networks are not governed by organizational rules and philosophy and hence solely dependent on the efforts of individuals who are a part of it. They are a great source of exchange of information and ideas and some times results in great innovative solutions. They are great place to ignite thought process among individuals, shape their opinions and influence them.

But the question is “what makes them work?” In my previous company we had Informal groups like JAVAEXPERT, LearnStruts, Microsoft, Certifications, etc .these comprised of highly skilled professional with experience and knowledge in respective area. As I understood the people with in these groups have to be friendly, extrovert, good communicators, respectful and tolerant. There are no rules, and hence it is very likely that such networks get diverted from the very purpose of why they were created. It becomes more important that group members never loss focus and encourage the same within the network to result in more positive outcomes.

For all the benefits that informal network brings with them it’s important to focus on the following:

1. How to form the network?
2. Who should be the part of network? Should it be people who have the knowledge and experience, or it should also allow individuals who are simply interested in the information?
3. How to grow the network?
4. Is it important to train new joiners?
5. Finally, communication, encourage proactive communication.

“On my honor, all posts on this blog are my own”.

My First Blog Post

Hello All,

Myself Shyamli Rai second year MBA student at American University.
I recently read the book "Who will cry when you Die" by Robin Sharma author of best seller "The Monk who sold his Ferrari".Book highlights very basic and simple techniques to live your life to the fullest and make the best of it.

On my honor, all posts on this blog are my own.

Best,
Shyamli Rai