Just Be Present

If you’re living in a small town and you want everyone to know something, just tell the person next you.

-Anonymous

Top communicators like Abraham Lincoln, Steve Jobs, and Dale Carnegie capitalized on small opportunities through traditional media. It took years of networking, but they took full advantage. Now, imagine if they had the access we have today.

No longer, can it be said that success is directly correlated to your location. With over 80% of internet users accessing the internet through a mobile device it’s safe to say physical borders play a small factor (Bosomworth) . In 2000, social media and web version 2.0 were born, and sites like Tumblr, YouTube, and Instagram became extremely popular. It has made it easier to share your thoughts, dreams, and passions. Cue in the grumblings of the professional romantics.The cost of entry is nothing; and I love it.

The sports industry is far behind any other industry when it comes to today’s common communication. Great examples are the sporting good stores in my hometown of St. Louis, MO. A high percentage of them still don’t have an online store. They are fantastic at what they do, but they’re missing the easiest way to connect to their consumers. Imagine if they took a proactive approach with social media and try to establish a relationship with their customer. Not just any relationship, but one that is deeply rooted.

A friend of mine, who is the Director of Social Media at a corporate sports merchandising firm, saw a tweet from a dad in North Carolina. He was complaining that he couldn’t find mariner teal colored laces for his sons new black glove. The dad and son are huge Seattle Mariners fans who travel the country to see their team play. My friend saw the opportunity for engagement and asked for his address. She ended up sending him mariner teal laces and two tickets to the next Seattle and Baltimore game at Camden Yards.

The impact of this one interaction will change the outcome of every occurrence when the dad hears my friend’s company’s name. This is just one of many opportunities where a business could provide tremendous value to the market. We are living in a golden age for communication because its the first time where business logos can talk to customers, and customers can interact with their favorite businesses. The opportunities are vast in today’s web version 2.0.

-Spiker Helms- CEO of Tournament Guy

Thank you for taking the time in reading this post. I love hearing your thoughts. I hope to talk to you soon.

Blog Question of the Day: Do you search hashtags? (Y/N)