Shel Israel’s Twitterville covers the most rapidly adopted communication tool in history, Twitter. This social networking site is turning more into a professional business tool than a simple staying connected tool like Facebook, and is actually making companies more successful and personable in the process.
Zappos is one of the many companies that went to Twitter to reach their businesses customers in a new light. The company created an account and started reaching out to their customers, receiving feedback and giving their customers the outlet to put their name on the Web. Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos, first saw very little benefit in using this tool to promote his business, but after talking with close friends realized that this tool was a great way to keep in touch with people in his life that were far away. This idea then turned into a business idea to not only reach out to the public but also to other employees. By the end of 2008, 435 Zappos employees were on Twitter chatting and having live conversations for their customers to see. They talk with one another and to customers, giving that personal care that other companies lack.
Another company that took a personal interest in their customers was H&R Block. H&R Block found themselves in a pickle when they realized their busiest season was, of course, tax season. They wanted to reach out to their customers and keep their interest year long, so instead they created a Twitter account and are now tweeting with the public and answering their finance and tax questions year long, allowing their customers to know they care even when it’s not tax time.
From Twitter came new inventions. One of these being Seesmic, a Twitter for video lovers. It allows users to record, upload and share brief video clips, comparable to the 140 characters allowed to share on Twitter, and lets other users respond to those videos, much like the ‘reply’ and ‘retweet’ button on Twitter. This Web site is open to users and viewers to share their thoughts and opinions and has the capability of being “much more,” according to Israel.
Seesmic then morphed into Twhirl , which is a desktop Twitter application that combines the two and makes it more user-friendly to upload, etc. This new application is much quicker for those who wish to use it and has the capability to post a video in the time it takes to send a text message.
All of these tools are proof that the internet and even social networking sites are constantly emerging and converging. One turns into another, and as more and more companies see how Twitter can benefit them, you can be sure that even more sites and tools like this will be created.
As a side note, after reading this book I began following Shel Israel on Twitter who is not only comical, but also tweets about current events and other interesting facts about social networking, Twitter, etc. I encourage you all to check out his page at least one if you’re not up to following him. @shelisrael. He also follows someone named @copyblogger who also shares a lot of useful information and social networking, blogging, Twitter, and other things you may not normally think about.
I found your example of H&R Block interesting. A company that does taxes is hard for customers to get excited about. As you said, they are very busy around April 15th but I doubt that people give that company much thought on a day to day basis. Using a Twitter account may provide a "human" component to a business that provides a service, which can be hard to quantify at times can help customers connect more with the company. (Look at Progressive's ads where they have car insurance "boxes" and aisles where people can pick out their insurance) I feel like H&R is doing the same thing by quantifying their business by making what they provide tangible to people. Like you said, the company can answer questions and talk to people year round, which is really an entirely new service they provide: instant feedback on tax questions.
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ReplyDeleteDo you think that corporate world will eventually define our social networking sites? Will we be bombarded by ads like on tv? Let's hope not. However, I have to say that H&R Block having instant feedback shows that they want to be more customer friendly... which isnt bad. There's definitely some positives and negatives occuring...
I would have to agree with this article and what it has to offer! ... You mentioned that these are all proof as to how far social media is coming and where it possibly could go in the near future. It is crazy to take a look and see just where it has come from and started from!! Like mentioned in the examples ... this is one way for companies to remain more "personal" with there customers and it shows that they care and can reach them on a different level. It makes them almost more available and appear to be willing to help people out! It will definitely be interesting to see where it goes!!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to view Twitter as a corporate "marketing tool." I am curious if this is what its creators intended?! It is definately a less personal social media tool; unlike facebook.
ReplyDeleteAnother application much like Twhirl is tweetdeck. This tool connects all your social media to one desktop interface. It is definately something I would recommend people trying!
I found Block example interesting too. For those seasonal business, keep their customers updated on Twitter is really good and efficient idea. It helps people get more interested in their business, and gives company good image because it looks they help customers no only during the season, but through the year.
ReplyDeleteI think that some corporations might dominate social networking sites, but on the other hand I think it will all be in benefit to us. They will be there to aid us and keep us interested in their product so that we keep coming back. Plus, who doesn't like getting immediate updates about their favorite fashion line or deals at their favorite restaurant? I think it will be a positive if this happens. It's for networking, which I guess in a way can be mixed in to advertising, but I personally enjoy it.
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