The Social CRM Debate: What is it? And are the Two Terms Really Compatible?
I am not a CRM expert but a social media consultant, so I will treat myself kindly and say that I have an unbiased view on CRM (sounds better than saying I’m inexperienced). However, I do know enough to know that – using the broadest definition of the term – customer relationship management is not a bad thing. If we all managed our relationships better, everyone would be happier.
New FTC Ruling on Blogger Disclosure is a Defining Moment for Social Media
The FTC has made what some may see as a controversial ruling – that bloggers must disclose if they are getting paid by or are receiving free goods from companies whose product they have reviewed. These rulings are meant to protect consumers, but they also protect the overwhelming majority of companies that are using the social media honestly. Transparency in the social media is the only way to gain trust. If a relationship is based on manipulation it will ultimately fail. As it has often been said, it is not a matter of if you will be exposed but when you will be exposed. Not only is there –ultimately – no place to hide, but the news of your transgressions will fly fast over the internet.
With the Demise of Gourmet Magazine, Radical Thinking is Required for Publishers
The closing of Gourmet and Modern Bride magazines just hit the newswires today. Two more publications that have a clearly-defined audience but weren’t able to provide enough ad revenue. (Some reports say that Gourmet’s ad revenue was down 50% over last year.) Gourmet’s editor, Ruth Reichl had moved the publication beyond just the print media to websites and a television series, but that wasn’t enough to save it.
Is Social Media the Latest Iteration of CRM?
I had a recent conversation with a colleague who has been in the CRM business for many years and began to think about the relationship between social media and the art and science of CRM. When I first got involved in social media it occurred to me that social media is CRM in its purest form. Going back a few years ago, all you could do was “manage” customers through outbound email, mail or phone contact. It was systematic, but – on balance – you were doing more “talking at” than “talking with” customers.
