Brave New World of Marketing

Welcome to issue #4. In last month’s issue we showed you how to use technology to improve your recruitment and optimize your workforce. This month, we discuss using the latest advances in communication for getting your message out.

Podcasting is Easier Than You Think

Did you know you could make a podcast with your telephone? Even if you are a klutz with technical equipment, you can turn your office into a recording studio.

 

More than 6 million adults have downloaded a podcast, which is an audio file distributed over the Internet. The advantage of podcasting is that it reaches only self-selected recipients, so by definition they are interested in what you have to say. Many people, especially the much sought after younger market share, enjoy a break from the overload of visually-driven media and listen to podcasts when they are driving or exercising.

 

Making a podcast can be as simple as reading a prepared statement into your voicemail, especially if you use PodFone, an optional feature offered by FreedomVOICE. PodFone creates unique URLs for your recording, enabling your customers to access it at their convenience. To get PodFone FREE for one month call FreedomVOICE at (800) 477-1477, ext. 2 and mention this newsletter.

 

The voice recording made for the podcast can be repurposed in a variety of media. It can be:

• embedded as a URL in an email
• automatically delivered by Voice Blaster* to a list of phone numbers that you select
• stored on your voice system as a Voice on Demand* recording, an automatic information-dispensing system, which can be accessed 24/7 through an advertised business number

 

 

With a little effort and a lot of imagination, you can transform your virtual office system into an integrated multimedia marketing platform.

 

*To learn more about Voice Blaster and Voice on Demand, contact FreedomVOICE.

 

1. Social Networks are Valuable Business Tools

   No longer just for college kids, online social network websites are being used by small businesses to spread their message, form strategic alliances, and gather critical data.

    

   It seems like everyone from multinationals to garage bands have their own page on the MySpace or Facebook sites. Social networks have over 200 million memberships. There are three main ways you can get the most out of social networks:

    

   Create a Profile - Your company profile works with your offline promotions to reinforce your brand. Be sure to refer to your profile on your brochures, stationary and business cards. Excite interest by posting videos, podcasts and appealing content. Social networking is an interactive medium, so invite comments about your products, offer quizzes, run surveys, collect money for charity, stage contests and encourage debate on relevant topics.

    

   Research - Wouldn’t it be great to know what the other party in a cold call looked like? Wouldn’t you like to walk into an important meeting with strangers and know their interests ahead of time? Social networking creates that possibility. Use networks to mine data on possible employees, employers, strategic partners and clients. Find out what people in your target market are thinking and saying.

    

   Networking - Business-themed networking sites, such as LinkedIn, ecadamey, and Ryze, are quickly gaining popularity. You can seek out contacts, target potential partners and form strategic groups faster and from a far larger base than you can in a traditional business mixer. A personality profile does the online equivalent of handing out your business card on a 24-hour basis. Currently, most business networking sites are free or charge a minimal cost.

    

   However you decide to use social networks, preparation counts. Before you present yourself or your business in an online setting, seek out helpful information from experts. A little elbow grease will turn social networks into an important asset for your business.

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3. Dos and Don’ts of Blogging

   Blogs are an effective way to promote your business. Before you plunge into the blogosphere, however, here’s some advice about what works and what doesn’t.

    

   Don't go for a formal corporate tone. If you are a small business, you may be tempted to project an impersonal image, thinking that it will make you look bigger and more professional. Blogs work best when they have a human face. Corporate giant Microsoft took this strategy seriously by making blogger Robert Scoble its “technical evangelist”. His highly personal, openly pro-Microsoft blog is wildly successful.

    

   Don't ignore other blogs. Your blog will be part of a wider online conversation. Know what other people in your field are saying. Cross-linking with other blogs and websites is a good way to generate traffic. Before you start your blog, establish alliances with other bloggers.

    

   Do invite feedback. Readers’ comments are often the most interesting part of a blog. They give you an opportunity to establish your expertise by intelligently and authoritatively responding to questions. Of course, be sure to monitor for libelous and other inappropriate postings.

    

   Do archive in an orderly fashion. Some blogs are popular because they serve as resource centers. A website about cooking should have an easy-to-search library of recipes. Pay attention to categories; make sure they’re user friendly.

    

   Do research before you launch your blog. Topics you should explore include anti-spam software and optimizing your RSS feed.

    

All the best,

Eric Thomas

Founder & CEO

FreedomVOICE Systems