Is there value in listening to the conversation that is happening online today?
Is anyone out there talking about you, your company or your product? If so, do you honestly believe that the conversation happening online today, could impact your lifestyle or business? Take a moment to think back to high school when your community was small, and think about a rumor you were told. Now think about how fast this rumor spread through the hallways of your school and the impact it had on your perception of the person or event that was the subject of the rumor. Regardless of the accuracy of the information, the rumor, had the power to formulate opinions and tarnish reputations. Fast forward to 2009, and imagine how fast your reputation can be damaged by “opinions” that have been posted on blogs, Facebook and Twitter – just to name a few of the social media channels that are available to the masses. People tend to believe what they read online as fact more than rumor. It only takes one posting from one dissatisfied customer to raise doubt or concern about your reputation or the reputation of your product. According to a Nielsen Global Survey, 66% of participants consider blogs and other customer-generated content as reliable sources, and 78% say they trust personal recommendations. One opinion can shape the opinion of a few which can in turn change the view of many. Protect your reputation by taking action – log on, sign up, listen in and monitor yourself and your business. If you learn there is no conversation taking place then start the conversation – engage with your customer base. If you uncover negative feedback ask more questions, pull back the layers and build upon your mistakes.
So I ask you, is there value in taking the time to listen in on the conversations that are happening online today in regards to your product, your industry or your company? What are the odds that no one is talking about you?
