Each Tuesday, we’re happy to turn over our blog space to a Guest Genius, someone who can give a fantastic and fascinating perspective about making word of mouth work.
This week’s guest genius:
Spike Jones
Firestarter, Brains on Fire
“Tell me, and I’ll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I’ll understand.”
– Native American Proverb
I recently stumbled across this great little gem of a quote … and boy oh boy, does it ring true with the difference between traditional advertising and actively involving your customers in your brand.
In other words:
Tell me: When we do all the talking, it’s a monologue and we’re mixed in with all the other brands out there blathering away. So people forget you very easily.
Show me: Sometimes demos work. But, again, demos are everywhere – from test-drives to free samples in the mail. Unless you make that demo experience VERY remarkable, you’re not going to be remembered.
Involve me: People look at things differently when you involve them. Maybe it’s because now they have a chance to invest themselves in something. Involvement = ownership. And ownership is powerful.
So how can you involve customers in your company? Start small and then ask them (and then listen – there are SO many companies out there right now that are asking and not listening). If you’re doing it the right way, before long they’ll give you ideas for involvement that you and your marketing department wouldn’t think of in a million years.
Learn more from this Genius:
- Spike’s blog: Brains on Fire Blog
- Spike’s also contributes at: MarketingProfs Daily Fix
- Spike’s employer: Brains on Fire
