There's Always a Better Way

I found a better way today. Now, this is just a better way for me, but you may find a use for this as well.

I flip flop from IE, Flock, and Firefox for my browsers. Today I used Firefox and discovered what I've been looking for for a couple months. I've been trying to discover a way that I can write just one post but publish it to multiple blogs. Syndication via RSS feed just wasn't the same as doing the actual post. So, I stumbled across www.scribefire.com. YES!

Go ahead, check it out. It is so easy to add multiple blog accounts to the interface, then just type your post and publish the same content to all those blogs. Enjoy!

Is Social Media Marketing Just the Evolution of Word of Mouth Marketing?

Yesterday I commented on a blog post from Kyle Lacy about Controlling Word of Mouth Marketing Using Social Media. I'll share again here what I had to say:

Kyle,

I like to think that WOM and Social Media are one and the same. As I have dived into social media over the past few months I’ve come to realize that from a marketing perspective social media marketing is basically just an evolution of WOM. While there can be good old interruption “marketing” with banner ads and such on blogs, facebook, etc., what we’re seeing with users leaving reviews on Yelp!, becoming a fan of a product on Facebook, or blogging about their best or worst experiences with a brand or product is the evolution of WOM.

Now more than ever companies need to focus on WOM marketing in my opinion. This includes social media and the conversations about your brand online.

Thanks for sharing Kyle. Enjoy your day.

Mj

I'm curious if anyone else shares this opinion, and look forward to reading your thoughts.

Thanks and as always, enjoy your day.

Mj

Leading Loyalty - Marketing Professionals

Over the past few months I have noticed the activity of groups on Linkedin increase. One that has grabbed my attention is called Leading Loyalty - Marketing Professionals. I encourage you to check them out. There are a number of theories flying around for how to market in a difficult economy, and customer service and loyalty seems to be getting some good attention. I'd also like to share an article from MulthousingPro.com that touches on the subject as well. Please feel free to share you thoughts on the topic. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day.

Mark

How Many "Cast Members" Are Best?

Just one more Disney post and I'll let it be. I was blown away by the number of people that work at the hotels, parks, and restaurants at Disney World. There was not one moment I felt I could not turn around or turn a corner and find someone that could help me. At some points it was kind of creepy and even seemed a bit much.

After thinking about it a bit, seeing more news about layoffs, and reading a blog comment about reducing employee costs I had to write another post. So, what's your thought on over-staffing? Apparently Disney finds a way to justify it, and they don't appear to be reducing their prices anytime soon (trust me).

Is there a secret to having plenty of people? In the world of technology so many processes and people can be reduced or eliminated. Why does Disney implement the technology, but also continue to employ more than enough people? Can more people help to enhance the customer's experience, or does it just add more expenses? Is there a magic formula? Do you think your company has enough people to help create a Disneylike experience?

Thanks and enjoy your day!

Mark

The Disney Experience of Today

As I indicated about a week ago, I made a trip to the marketing mecca of Walt Disney World. Again, I was amazed at the details and the constant marketing. To the right is a photo of my daughter's hairdo courtesy of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (complete with Pixie dust, mini tiara, and Mickey ears barrette). For about $60 your little princess can be even more of a princess.

While some of these extras may be a bit much for many Disneygoers, many are sucked into these extra experiences. In general, visiting Disney World seems to be pretty straight forward. Resort hotels, amusement parks, restaurants/dining, and all the characters associated with Disney and Disney movies. That's pretty much a general overview of what to expect. I discovered on my trip that Disney World can be even more. Here's a list of extras during my trip, and this just scratches the surface.

- Dinner with 5 Princesses, Breakfast with Winnie the Pooh, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Breakfast with Chef Mickey, Dinner a Cinderella's Castle, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Breakfast with 5 Princesses

A majority of this was great for a 4 year old, and I can't imagine missing any of these extras looking back. Disney continues to raise the bar. Each time you go back you can have a different experience because there is always something new. They are constantly redesigning, adding, and enhancing. Just before we left the Grand Floridian Hotel the bellman told me how they plan to completely redecorate and rehab the entire lobby of the hotel. And that's just one hotel.

Now I will stop and pose my questions for the post. The concept of kaizen is alive and well at Disney. That being said, if they are constantly enhancing the experience for their guests, what are you doing to enhance the experience of your guests/customers? How often are you implementing these enhancements? What is holding you back?

Thanks and enjoy your day.

Mark

How Big of a Marketing Nerd Do You Have to Be ...

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