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Thursday, February 11th, 2010 at 7:06 am

Relationship Marketing for the 21st Century

Quick! To answer this question: What do you think when you hear the term "relationship marketing"? If all that came to mind were his local group of business networks, local chamber of commerce or service clubs, having no knowledge of new marketing strategies regarding 21st century.

There is nothing wrong with any of these organizations, but if your relationship marketing efforts begin and end with them, they operate only in the old rules of marketing relationships, which are trapped in the 20th century. 21st century relationship marketing makes active use of Web 2.0.

Web 2.0 and Social Networks

Only a few years ago, the media was something most people thought that as a tool for teens and college students. That has changed. Facebook already has more than 80 million active users and the group's fastest growing demographic of Facebook users is the over 25 age group.

If that did not make you sit up and take note, it should. Your customers and potential customers, you probably have a computer and probably have access to high-speed Internet. And if you're using social media of some kind, just give it a few months. Going to be.

Do you think you are immune? How to access this article? There is an opportunity that came to him online. The media mogul of the 21st century is the World Wide Web and the tools that make the work has progressed so much in so little time that the rumor is now the web 2.0.

What is Web 2.0? No, it is necessary to reject his years computer or buy new software. Web 2.0 actually refers to the growing trend to make the web more interactive, collaborative and innovative, and social.

If you favor the relational marketing hard sell, then this is good news for you. The growth of social interactive vehicles on the web is compatible with any marketing person who prefers to be personal. Blogs, wikis, sites, business-oriented media and social networking sites allow people-oriented business relationship potentially exponential touch people more than any community event could. Why? Because not only have the power of the World Wide Web and its web of connections behind them, but they are structured to make contact more than a concept virus.

But if you are new to this world of social / media networks business, how to start? Here are three options to enter the fast world of Web 2.0.

Blogging

If you have a product, service or interest on your passion, there can be no easier way to connect with potential customers, colleagues and others who need what you have or know that through blogs.

If the idea of a blog makes your hands sweat, fear not. Not only are blogs easier than ever to create (even an amateur can create a complete in a few minutes these days), but you may not need to create your own, at least not immediately.

Comments on existing blogs

Do an internet search for keywords related to your interest. Say you are an audiologist. Do a search using words like "blogs hearing loss "and go exploring. Read what is being published. Send your comments. If it feels a bit strange to you, think of it exactly as you would if you were at a networking event talking face to face with people. It's actually an online form to do just that. The difference is that you will potentially be in contact with many people, including potential customers. Being a frequent visitor to the sites that are related to their professional experience and you may find every time the person will for those who need that experience.

Create Your Own Blog

Consider starting your own blog, well. It has never been easier to create a blog. Both WordPress (href = "http://www.wordpress.com/"> www.wordpress.com) and Blogger ( www.blogger.com ) Offer free blogs which is easy to install, you can do in less time than you can eat lunch. By creating your own blog, you have the opportunity to present the topics to address the concerns of their customers and potential customers. If you are an audiologist, which may include information on progress in the area of prosthesis implanted hearing, the tools to address hearing loss among baby boomers, hearing screening protocols for infants and children school age ... or virtually any other area of the field.

Consider treating your blog as an interactive newsletter. That is, write a blog entry email your list (customers, colleagues, friends, and others) that a new element has been published. Tell them the theme of the post, give them a link to, to encourage leave a comment, suggesting that let others know about your blog. Keep the discussion when it comes to respond to comments.

What else can do with your blog? Use it as a way to collect customer feedback. Make an informal survey. Add a link to an RSS feed. Include a calendar of events. The possibilities are endless. Keep your focus on building relationships and care will increase its business in an organic way and always, always make sure your blog page sites are linked.

Facebook and its relatives

Facebook is just one of many social networking sites on the Internet. Others are known MySpace Ning, and LinkedIn. Some sites, like Facebook and MySpace, have a comprehensive approach. Others, such as business-focused LinkedIn, are specific in focus. What they have to offer is the opportunity to touch more people than I ever could touch on their own, regardless of the number of networking groups you belong to.

Some sites, Facebook, offer the opportunity to add a custom page that can be used to promote a business. Facebook, Ning, LinkedIn and other sites also allow the creation groups (such as focus groups in the field of audiology). By joining these groups, it connects to a virtual network of colleagues. Also become more visible to potential customers who need their services.

And you do not have to drive to an event

Not only the impact of Web 2.0 opportunities in relationship marketing Century 21, but lets you do from your home or office instead of attending meetings and events. Time is precious, the fuel is expensive, and network options are many. Passing some of that precious time and just enough juice to power your Internet connection, you can put your business, deepen relationships with clients and colleagues and get to potential customers who might never find otherwise.

Of course, like all relationship marketing, you need good will, time, and a large product or service to win customers. However, customers are out there and probably are online now.

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