CardMarketing 2.0

Citizen Marketers: When People Are the Message, by Ben McConnell and Jackie Huba

The days when chat rooms and Quake III were the only way for people to express themselves online are well and truly over. Now, anyone, through a blog, bookmark, pod- or vodcast (or any other form of social media), can publish their thoughts and voice their criticisms. And increasingly these thoughts and criticisms are focusing on companies, from million dollar start-ups to billion dollar conglomerates.

The result? The ability of companies to control their messaging, to manage their reputations and brands, is a thing of the past. Their messaging, products and brands are now in the hands of the public, people all around the world, alone or in their respective online communities, who publish content and forward it to friends, family and online buddies. This book helps companies understand how to work with these people, control chaos and, importantly, thrive within it. If there’s one message that stands out, it’s that honesty and transparency are key, and participation – involving people in your marketing – paramount.

Got a feeling that social media might just play a role in your company’s future? Then get this book.