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Secrets to Success
Deborah Cole Micek
and John-Paul Micek
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Be aware or beware of the new-media consumer
New-media consumers notice inconsistencies.
The World LIVE Web is so active and instant that inconsistencies and overconsistencies in the business or political arena are brought to light in hours. More people realize there is a source out there for them to get their voices heard by thousands of other people who think just like them.
That source is the new-media marketplace.
Anytime inconsistencies and overconsistencies are not addressed on TV and/or magazines -- where they seem to only get drive-by sound bites -- the new-media consumer base grows. Inconsistencies are easy to recognize since there is a misalignment of "facts" being given as reality.
Overconsistencies occur when you look at all the popular news outlets, and they are all giving you basically the same news from the same angle. People, in general, are not that agreeable.
Inconsistencies and overconsistencies raise people's antennae and they're beginning to feel manipulated. With the World LIVE Web, new-media consumers can quickly find the source of facts that will either bolster or bust a story.
When you're using the new media for business, share your opinions from your heart. That will help people connect with you and allow you to build relationships quicker with like-minded individuals.
New-media consumers are independent thinkers.
Independent thought is another major driver of the new-media marketplace. Many people are not very independent in their thinking. They're more comfortable following. But that doesn't mean they think of themselves as followers.
On the contrary, most people think of themselves as independent thinkers.
This feeling of independence and control is a critical, psychological need. If you fulfill this need for your customers through your products and/or services, you'll have a big advantage over your competitors.
New-media consumers are loyal to people not brands.
Connections are being made on a personal level with the new media. New-media consumers will bypass others to buy from you because of loyalty. If they believe in you, what your product delivers, and the quality of your product, there will be a much stronger linkage between you, your product, and your customer.
If they're treated properly, customers will not only buy your products, but they'll also spread the word through word-of-mouth marketing all across town, and all around the world using new-media methods of communication.
Treated improperly, customers will stop buying your products, and they'll spread the negative word through word-of-mouth marketing all across town, and all around the world using new-media methods of communication.
This alone should make you be aware, or beware of the new-media consumer.
John-Paul Micek is the lead business coach at RPM Success Group Inc. Reach him at
JPM@RPMsuccess.com or toll-free at (888) 334-8151.
Deborah Cole Micek, chief executive officer of RPM Success Group, is a business success coach and life strategist. Reach her at
DCM@RPMsuccess.com or toll-free at (888) 334-8151.