Dick Raman, CEO of BrandReact, Inc., discusses how social media has fundamentally shifted business and consumer power. Consumers can now mobilize and damage companies through social media. Companies must listen to what is said about their brand on social media and engage in meaningful conversations with customers, staff, and prospects. Old marketing methods are no longer effective and buyers are empowered with information, so companies must use social media to retain and acquire customers, manage their reputation, and provide customer service publicly.

1. Dick Raman,
CEO,
BrandReact, Inc.

2. ! Governments overthrown
! Every part of our life affected
! Not just for kids
! Fundamental Shift in Business
! Consumer Power
! B2C and B2B

3. ! Consumer always had a voice
! Consumer Advocate Groups
! TV Shows
! With Social Media
! The Masses can be mobilized
! Instantly
! Consumers can damage or break
your Company

6. ! Companies need to Listen!
! Listen to what is said about their Brand
! And React appropriately!
! Engage in Meaningful Conversation
! Really Interact and Build
a relationship with:
! Customers
! Staff
! Prospects

7. ! Board Level Position
! Enforce Policy
! Top Level involvement
! Actively Promote ‘Listening’
! Develop Social Media Policy
! Involving the whole company
! Implement Policy

8. ! Old methods are no longer effective
! Don’t Target and Convince
! Engage to drive preference and loyalty
! eMail is ‘out’
! Print is disappearing (moving to the
iPad)
! Direct Mail is not ‘Green’
! Coupon Clipping is online

9. ! Buyers are Empowered
! They know they can get the best deal
! The market is getting more transparent
! Buyers are Skeptical
! They only trust third-party advise
! Buyers are Frugal
! The want the lowest price
! And they want to know
the ROI and TCO

10. ! It used to be ‘Clicks or Bricks’
Now it is Mobile: ‘Clicks in Bricks’
! RedLaser
! Scan Barcode and instantly find all the
online prices
! QR-codes
! Scan the code and
go to a webpage

12. ! Retain Customers
! Acquire Customers
! Reputation Management
! Customer Service (in Public)
! Public Relations
! Exceed Expectations

15. ! Stream of Information (Real-Time)
! Dip in and Take what you want
! Great search capabilities
! Live event commenting
! Get your Username Now
! Enter Profile Info
! Upload an Avatar
! Customize Background
! Set Notifications

16. ! Business Networking (100m+ Users)
! Resumes + Accomplishments +
Skills + Recommendations
! Answers
! Company Profiles
! Groups (Discussions)
! Events

18. ! 3rd Largest Country
! 1st in knowing its Citizens
! No Democracy
! People are Narcissistic and Voyeurs
! Privacy or Transparency?
! National Social Networks
will fade away
! The web gets pulled in
! Social Logins
! ‘Like’ anything
! Comment on anything
! Great Targeted Ads

20. ! 93% of Americans believe a
company should have a social media
presence
! 85% believe a company should be
active with customers in social
media
! 56% feel a stronger connection with
companies they interact with in
social media
Cone Business, Sept 2008

22. ! Blockbuster did not see it coming?
! Borders? Fye?
! Retail as we know it is changing…
forever!
! Social Media speeds it up
! Don’t ignore it!
! Jump in!

23. ! Add Value
! Share
! Be Personal
! Ask
! Show your Expertise
! Be Transparent
! Listen
! Be Active