This insightful post is contributed by Ron Ploof. As a New Media Evangelist and founder of OC New Media, L.L.C. his firm helps businesses combine RonAmok’s 7 principles with New Media technologies in order to have better conversations with their customers.
In his post, Consummate Communicator, Rob spoke about various prospect/client communication channels such as Skype, Twitter, or Facebook.
I found the comments even more interesting, as readers wrestled with the appropriateness and professionalism of these various channels. For example, one reader received coaching that he “… should not use these vehicles because it will come off as unprofessional.” Another suggested that “…sites like Twitter and Facebook, etc haven’t evolved enough to be considered for professional correspondence.” And lastly, it was also noted that “…the part that would prevent me from using these services would be compliance.”
All three of these comments are valid. Anyone looking to use New Media technologies should think before using them. However, for me, the most interesting part of these comments was that they only focused on one-half of the word “communicating” — the TALKING half.
New Media technologies fall into three categories:
1) Listening Technologies: RSS, following people on Twitter, reading blogs, etc…
2) Talking Technologies: Blogging, Podcasting, Online Video, Twittering, etc…
3) Sharing/Collaboration Technologies: MySPace, FaceBook, Wikis, etc…
All of the concerns mentioned above can be eliminated by just engaging in listening activities. For example:
• If a prospect is Twittering: just follow them
• If they are blogging, just subscribe to them
• If their Facebook Profile is public, just view it.
Rob always asks us “What’s your Memorability Quotient?” I’d be remiss if I didn’t tie my guest post back to his patented question.
Do you wanna multiply your MQ using New Media?
The next time you run into a client, tell them that you read their blog posting on “XYZ” and you really liked the part about “ABC.” Let them know that you read one of their favorite books or tell them that you took your spouse to that new Thai Restaurant because of their glowing Twitter review.
People who share information about themselves online are ALWAYS flattered when a reader/listener/viewer mentions their content.
It shows you care.
It shows that you’ve done your homework.
And it’s always memorable!
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