Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Embracing what you have.
Many business are struggling to stay afloat and are cutting back on budgets and halting all marketing efforts.
I've written and spoken about this many times before - your marketing budget should be the last thing you cut out.
Instead, shift your focus to innovative techniques and new methods such as social media, customer appreciation and embracing what you already have.
So I have decided to shift my focus to help you shift yours.
Embrace what you have, is taking what you have - such as your existing customers and focusing on making sure your relationship with them is strong
and successful. After all, a large percentage of business survive through referrals and repeat business.
Your customers are the ones that are keeping you alive and afloat - so show them that you appreciate them by giving them the products, service and
attention they deserve.
Internet is another item accessible to most businesses. Shifting your funds and focus to social media strategies will allow you to lower your budget but not your
results. Most people, especially in challenging times turn to online, to shop, search and learn. So why not embrace the new movement and create
a campaign that focuses on social media, building relationships and online exposure.
Innovation is the key to continued success. Using innovative concepts are sure to make you stand out and continue to grow.
For more information on how I can help, feel free to contact me at:
Rachel Azagury
647.886.5323
rachel@creatingabuzz.ca
Monday, April 27, 2009
Why Everyone Needs a Community Manager
Let me begin with my definition of a Community Manager...
A Community Manager is someone who assists the company or organization communicate with it's community and users. At the same time the CM allows the community to have a voice within the company. The role of a CM is customer service at it's finest. Listening, engaging and participating in the customers conversations and allowing them to feel open and connected to the brand.
Think of a Community Manager as a company spokesperson merged with a super savvy customer service representative. A person who represents your products and/or services to the public and a spokesperson that welcomes audience participation, questions and discussions.
With social networks growing at a rapid speed, your brand is being discussed whether you like it or not. Social media allows everyone to have a voice and megaphone over a crowd of millions of people.
They are happening 24 hours of the day and although it is nearly impossible to keep up with every conversation, ignoring them is not the answer.
So you have a choice, you can let these conversations happen and not participate, which can result in negative reviews, attacks or feedback. Or hire someone to take part, monitor and embrace them.
So, do start up companies require Community Managers when they have yet to build communities.
My answer? Yes.
Hiring a person specifically to engage your customers is what helps build a community. Showing your existing clients and potential clients from the start that you are open and willing to participate in their conversations and appreciate their thoughts and opinions will build a strong following, quickly.
How about the larger brand? They're already well established, do they need a Community Manager?
In some cases, I believe even more so than a start up. A brand that relies on it's name and doesn't accept the changes in customer service will be left behind and hung out to dry.
Every brand needs a face that people can recognize, rely on and respect. Someone to build relationships, be a community advocate and create internal community input.
After all, the most integral part to any business are their customers, without them they would not exist.
So if you could build relationships with your customers which allowed you to grow as a brand and understand their needs and wants and cater specifically to your market - would you do it?
Monday, April 13, 2009
I will be happier.
Every morning I wake up, promising myself that I will take on this day and whatever challenges it has to offer. I will be excited, happy and positive. Obviously everyday is different and there are days I'd like to just crawl into my bed and stay there - but being negative and unhappy doesn't help that.
So today, I'll be happier than a bird with a french fry, no matter what.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Inspiration in Social Media
I was asked/offered to be one of the ignite speakers at the Refresh Events Ignite event last night. Let me start off by sharing a lesson I learned. When presenting DO NOT try to memorize a speech, I tried to memorize my speech and ended up not being able to "wing" it because all that kept popping into my head was paragraphs from my speech. Be confident in yourself and pick a topic you're interested and use notes as reference points!
In any case, you learn from everything you do. So lesson learned.
With that being said, before my presentation I was delivered some discouraging news. Just a decision that did not go my way. It definitely delivered a blow to my confidence and it was quite hard standing up in front of a crowd (attempting to be confident) after that. But as they say, the show must go on. I finished my speech and sat down to listen to the rest, that's when my frown turned upside down. ;) I was inspired. By the people I met, the speakers I heard and the amount of talent we have in this city. Amazing ideas, passionate individuals and such accomplishments. It was so inspiring and yes, refreshing to be amongst a crowd of people who were excited about the future and who were full of positive vibes, especially with all the negativity in the world today.
I spoke about whether or not social media was making us anti-social. I don't think I even needed to present - I think that last night was proof in itself how social media is forming our future and allowing us to reach a whole new level of 'social'. The social experiences that I've, well, experienced have been nothing short of incredible. Not only have I made new, wonderful, supportive friends - I am inspired on a daily basis by YOU.
So a big thank you to Justin and Elaine at Refresh Events for putting together such an exciting evening. And to the presenters, Erin Bury from Red Wire, Saul Colt from Freshbooks, Kieran Huggins from MyTTC, Noah Godfrey from GigPark, Leila Boujnane from Idee Inc and Peter Flaschner for his passionate presentation on PASSION!
Off to discover and develop my passion!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Get Creative!
1. Start with a paper & pen, computer, white board, magazine and scissors - whatever is most natural to you. You're about to get creative.
2. Clear your mind of everything else, turn off music and other distractions and allow yourself 20-30 minutes of creative and fun brainstorming!
3. Write, cut, draw, list. Anything that comes to mind. It could be words, sentences, ideas, people, examples, colours, inspiration - nothing is a silly idea. All are valid, smart and encouraging ideas when you're creating your board.
4. Now that you've set yourself free and completed your board, step away for a few minutes.
5. Return to your board with a new sense of excitement and begin looking through everything you put down. Divide them into groups or clusters. It's up to you to define those clusters. I like using two clusters A+ and A. (Yes, none of my ideas are bad. :D)
What you have now is two lists filled with exciting, new ideas. Before analyzing your clusters, go over your needs and wants. Were you trying to come up with a business name? A colour scheme? Start to cross off all those that don't fall under your criteria and circle those that do.
Remember, this exercise is a creative outlet. I know how hard it can be placing your thoughts and ideas on paper and bringing them to life. Have fun doing this! Get creative and the ideas WILL COME!
HAVE FUN!
As a side note, I'd love to hear you guys set your creative mind free. Let me know! Always looking for new ways!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
5 Simple Networking Tips
Friday, January 23, 2009
Help!
Maybe someone can help me? I have writers block.
I’ve been chirping about this for over a week now. I’ve tried reading, looking for tips online about “how to get out of writers block.” And nothing. Nada. Zip.
It’s even taken me a few minutes to get this out.
I’ve been asked to write a few guest post – and I’m honoured (yes, I’m Canadian) and flattered that they would want lil’ ol’ me to write something. By the way…Shh… don’t tell them I’m not a writer.
Thing is, I’ve been given two topics and that’s where my problem always seem to be. I can write away about my feelings, my day, my thoughts, I can make lists! I’m great at lists. Steps “How to blah blah in 10 steps!” I’m great at that.
Maybe I’ll specialize in lists and steps, can you do that?
I’ve been able to write a few articles and pieces over the past couple years and they’ve been good. But for some reason I can not get down what I’m thinking on paper. I start typing and words come out, not sentences. It’s beyond frustrating and I DON’T KNOW HOW TO STOP IT.
Can anyone help me with this?