Good just launched a video piece that examines the impact of Hippo Rollers on one village in South Africa. Check out the video - and while you’re at it, consider a donation to this great cause. Visit the Google-endorsed Hippo Roller Website, which we launched in September of 2008.
Whether you like it or not, there are some big changes happening. In this economic downturn, workforces are being slashed, cash flows are suffering…businesses are scrambling to keep customer service from being impacted. It’s all so seemingly painful. We also believe though, that there is still a silver lining …and it’s called the social media space.
So, how does this economic downturn relate to social media? While some predict more slashes and cuts, we also see no apparent halt in social networking practices and opportunities. In fact, US consumers are still going online to discuss their frustrations and are sharing money-saving tips and strategies for deferring purchases.
Here are a couple of examples of the power and influence of social media.
Q) To what extent do you trust the following forms?
-trust completely / somewhat (Nielson trust advertising Survey)
Here’s more:
42% of people regularly visit social networks.
(Mediascope Survey Nov 07)
The top 25 social networks accounted for more visitors than webmail services
(Hitwise- Experian 2008)
3/4 of consumers rate Word of Mouth as the no.1 influencer of purchase intent.
(Nielsen)
We are not surprised. In fact, we see the current economic landscape against increasing social media habits as a perfect opportunity for those marketers who are willing to initiate a viable dialogue with their consumers. The time is not to wallow in cash flow crunches, but roll with the changes by reaching out to consumers via their preferred social networking platforms.
We’re primed and ready for promoting those dialogues with consumers and have begun planting the seeds for a few of our more high profile clients who understand how to roll with the changes. They – and we - embrace a philosophy which we find very well illustrated by the following quote:
It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change
Charles Darwin
