How can we do better business?

www.flickr.com: weaselmcfee

Eist le fuaim na habhann agus gheobhaidh tú breacListen to the sound of the river and you will catch a fish - declining trust of businesses is presenting opportunities to connect with customers in new ways - through conversations

www.flickr.com: weaselmcfee

Eist le fuaim na habhann agus gheobhaidh tú breacListen to the sound of the river and you will catch a fish - declining trust of businesses is presenting opportunities to connect with customers in new ways - through conversations

The past few decades dominated by market growth - chasing ever improving profitability and growth - with market pressures on corporations - excessive growth in property valuations

Cc: theimpressionist10@co.uk

But things have changed - with a rapid decline in trust (ref. Edelman Trust Barometer)

Declining trust ....

Cc: megapiksel

.... of banks and business

.... and Government

Cc:art crimes

At the same time, we’ve lost much of what was valued and trusted - the demise fuelled by scaling businesses, chasing economies of scale and growth

!jonrawlinson

Dealing with customers, has become another cost to be contained through use of technology, sometimes at the expense of customer experience

But we do still trust our friends and peers and will increasingly turn to them for recommendation and referral

But people are inherently sociable and continue to spread the word...

www.flickr.com: bovinity

....to recommend and voice opinion

..they are more informed and can be demanding

Media is changing, with huge fragmentation and reduced attention

And newspapers get less audience

www.flickr.com: brymo

Consumer can be less receptive and believing of marketing messages

So what will happen to advertising?

www.flickr.com: 708718

The internet has enabled people to become informed and keep in touch across the globe

www.flickr.com: macieklew

Local commuities rely less on the church and the pub, but don’t make the most of the Internet to help keep in touch and build their community

Peoples concern about the planet...

www.flickr.com: mike138

..and the environment, does not get the attention and commitment of Government

.But social media offers business a new way of engaging customer - through conversations

Cc: keylosa

The starting point is to set their goals... to sell, support, listen or build reputation

Cc: g-hat

Start with designing the approach ... (long story stole from Tom Peters, about the naturally designed efficiency of the termite mound)

with a splash of creativity

www.flickr.com: sfllaw

The internet offers a rich means of listening to consumers needs, attitudes and concerns

Cc:cleverdame107

or a way to promote and sell

Cc:eco-photography

offer great, personable support

Cc: Tim Bradshaw

whilst building credibility and reputation

So can we re-create the openess of the marketplace?

Cc:jaqian

With the intimacy and trust of the local shopkeeper?

By having lots of conversations?

Cc: Thai Jasmine

to do better business!

@campbellscottcampbell@igopeople.com