We all know that customers today are increasingly doing their own research on the Internet and letting the testimony of others shape their buying decisions. That's exactly what I did recently in purchasing a new car and a new laptop.
So how are companies doing in figuring out how social tools can be used most effectively to meet the needs of this new online consumer? More importantly, what should they be doing to ensure they are leveraging social media to the fullest?
Here's a great opportunity to learn about building an effective social media policy and sales strategy. Next Wednesday, July 20, The Customer Collective is presenting an exclusive, live webinar in which two top leaders at IBM and Microsoft will share how they got started with social media and what sales results they are achieving. They'll cover:
- Setting appropriate social sales goals
- Using Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook to cultivate client relationships
- Establishing a compelling, personal brand on social media
- Avoiding common mistakes
This event, Can Social Media Boost Sales?, begins at 2 p.m. EST/11 a.m. PST. You can submit your questions through the GoToWebinar platform or follow along on Twitter and ask questions using the hashtag #TCCWebcast.
The event is appropriately subtitled "Lessons from IBM and Microsoft." One panelist is Bill Patterson, product planning and strategy lead for Microsoft dynamics CRM for the Microsoft Business Solutions Group. The other panelist is Doug Hannan, who is responsible for ibm.com marketing in North America for direct channel sales enablement and Web marketing. Moderator is Anneke Seley, the CEO and founder of Phone Works who previously designed OracleDirect at Oracle.
All three have heady credentials and all three are well-positioned thought leaders with a lot to share. I recommend registering now for a seat at what promises to be a very educational virtual seminar.