Why is the Customer Out of Focus?

If you've been paying attention to the people that are in the trenches that are "doing" Social Media and not just preaching it, then hopefully you're finding the ones that are doing it right.  Unfortunately, many people can't turn the corner without hearing about the latest @feed_my_ego or being asked to join the next facebook fan club. 

Everyone gets so enamored with the bright shiny objects, they lose sight of the business goals and objectives.  The tools are very powerful channels of communication.  In the right hands they become very effective platforms for creating dialogues with partners and customers.  In the wrong hands, you end up getting spam all over your shirt.

So where should a small business start to plan their online/social media efforts?  Hint: It's always about the people.

Sphere of Social Engagement

 

The Sphere of Social Engagement is a simple way to think about how conversations, strategies and messaging can be targeted to bring people closer to the center.  Ultimately, a business that best communicates with the core can reap the rewards of having those people reach back out through the sphere.

In the next Part of this series we'll discuss each sphere and start thinking about how to transition people between the rings.

As always, thoughts, insights and comments are always welcome.  It takes a village to make one.

Comments

[twitter.com/mmangen]

I look forward to your next entry as although I have a nice "base" of people in the green circle I am looking to add more to it.