I bet you're busy making your gift list and checking it twice. I also bet that I'm not on your list. But I'd like to be. Let me explain.
Changing playing fieldI was interviewed recently by someone who is considering
marketing communications as a career. At one point, my caller asked me for
predictions of winners and losers in the current battle for dominance in the field.
Instead of answering directly, I said this: "It's too soon to even consider winners and losers.
We need to ask fundamental questions about the playing field itself--and the nature of the games. We are at a time of major change in the field."
I don't have a complete understanding yet of what's going to happen, but I do know that
reviews and recommendations are key to buying decisions in this new world. Just back from vacation, I didn't take a step without checking online to get the views of other travelers. I ruled out some venues and eateries, just based on what people said. And I'm not alone.
I recently visited my write-up on
MarketPlace,
Constant Contact's online provider referral page. The text was OK, but OMG
I didn't have any reviews. Other consultants had five stars. I didn't have any. I solicited a review from
Phoebe Williams, whom I wrote about in the
October issue. And literally in days, my phone started ringing. I got a new client from the effort!
What I wantI have two articles in
the current issue of Berkshire Magazine.
My Christmas present would be that you read the articles and, if you like them, comment. You can post to the
Berkshire Magazine Facebook page, the
Shawenon Facebook page or Tweet to the magazine
@BerkshireMag. Or you can mention the articles on
LinkedIn or any one of your own favorite places. I'm just curious to see if I can stir up a little buzz about my writing.
Many thanks in advance. I'll let you know about how it turns out in the January issue.