If you are a lot like me and think that Federal, Provincial or Municipal governments lack marketing expertise, all one needs to do is look at the recent Ontario Government communications fiasco in launching the new Eco Tax in Ontario. The Eco tax is being called a levy by the Provincial government when in reality it’s a surcharge on a purchase that looks a lot like a tax. The government launched this program July 1st and has already had major complaints from both the consumer and retailers.
One of Canada’s major retailers Canadian Tire has already told the government it will not be charging the tax because it’s too confusing, complicated, does not provide a service to its customers and is hard to administer. On top of that, the provincial government actually lied to its residents saying that it will cost other $5million dollars for pulling the tax when it has over $73 million taxpayer dollars tied up in investments inside the ad hoc government department that is acting at the custodian of the funds.
The bottom-line for the Provincial Government of Ontario, a major marketing and communications blunder. So why is it that government organizations stumble, when it comes to giving constitutes the right information in a timely manner?
All you need to do is as Jim Mintz from the Centre of Excellence for Marketing in the Public Sector. Jim has dedicated his life to marketing, primarily in the public sector with Health Canada where he launched some of Canada’s most successful health campaigns. When it came time to retire, Jim left the government and setup of the Centre. CEPSM as it is called helps all kinds of public sector clients learn the ins and outs of marketing to Canadians. Jim’s group now consists of 17 associates many who had notable public sector careers in marketing, communications and advertising along with a team of younger associates that run the Centre’s Social Media, Web and advertising divisions.
Jim also taught marketing at Carleton University up until last year and regularly gives seminars and workshops on New and Social Media and Social Marketing which includes modifications of habits, beliefs, actions and views about many of the country’s major social and health issues. Jim eats, sleeps and talks marketing. He has developed strategies and launched campaigns for health, public safety, and has taught clients from almost every level of government on how to market their programs and services.
The Centre also has affiliated offices in Regina, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa. So the next time you see a public figure, group or organization needing help in marketing or communicating, give The Centre of Excellence for Public Sector Marketing a call. They can be found on the web at www.publicsectormarketing.ca or contact Jim directly at jim.mintz@publicsectormarketing.ca
Friday, September 3, 2010
Canada Is Rebounding While the U.S. Falters
It’s the dog days of summer and I was reviewing the difference in attitudes in between Canada and the U.S. in business. The Canadian market is holding its own. I recently tried to do a joint-venture partnership with a company in the U.S.
I was surprised that the people I was trying to work with were negative and down on the economy in the U.S. and I was also surprised how fragile they were in taking risks. As a business person who has consistently worked throughout North America for the past 30 years I was surprised that Americans were sounding like Canadians in the 70’s and Canadians were sounding like Americans in the 80’s. Canada is on the rebound and there are a number of reasons.
Canada's economy has consistently outperformed that of the United States since the beginning of the financial crisis. And while it's showing signs of slowing down, Canada's pending decline will be far shallower than that of the United States, and its rebound more dynamic.
Canada's gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 6.1% in the first quarter of the year - the highest rate of growth among developed nations - and the country is expected to lead Group Seven (G7) nations in economic growth for at least the next two years; why ? Well there are many reasons.
Canada’s banking system is sound, banks stayed out of the mortgage business and while granting credit made it flexible for Canadians to get into the mortgage business but did not get that involved in the sub-prime game. Canadians look at the word market and not just at their own market. This has allowed them to make huge gains in Far East, North and South America and Europe. The country has bountiful resources including: lumber, oil, raw materials, water and land, much of it undeveloped.
Canada’s economy is moving into a service-based economy more that it’s been in the past. Health Care, education, knowledge and a highly educated work force also have an impact. Compared to the U.S. corporate interests have less influence over government policy and we have far less government debt.
The Canadian economy grew at a 2.0% annualized pace in the second quarter of 2010, shy of the 2.5% gain expected by forecasters. The increase was slower than in the previous two quarters in large part due to a 3.0 percentage point (ppt) net export drag. Inventory rebuilding and increasing domestic demand offset the weight from trade. The first-quarter growth rate was revised to show a 5.8% annualized gain from 6.1% previously.
Both consumer spending and business fixed investment rose in the second quarter although consumption slowed to a 2.6% annualized pace from the strong 4.3% rise recorded in the first quarter. Investment spending posted a healthy 9.1% annualized gain with spending on machinery and equipment rising by a solid 29.7% annualized pace. Residential investment slowed in the quarter, rising 1.2% although this followed two quarters of very strong increases. Spending on non-residential structures eked out a mild 1.0% increase, contrary to expectations for another decline.
Gains in these areas contributed to decent growth in the final domestic demand of 3.5% building on three quarters of very strong gains. The contribution from inventories was smaller than expected in the second quarter, adding 1.8 ppt and matching the first-quarter's revised contribution. The rise in domestic demand in recent quarters suggests that this inventory rebuilding in large part was desired.
The strength in domestic spending also contributed to imports rising at a rapid 16.4%annualized pace. Export growth was milder at 6.0% resulting in net exports subtracting 3.0 ppt in the quarter. Our expectation was that this component would cut 3.8 ppt off the quarterly growth rate.
While the overall growth rate disappointed forecasters, this report confirms that domestic conditions in the economy remained strong.
Let’s hope our friends to the south will start spending money, investing in real assets and remember that they are still one of strongest countries and economies in the world.
You just need to get Americans to start thinking like Canadians – for years we had to do it the hard way and with 1/10th of the population of the U.S. it should be easier for the U.S. to rebound. As good neighbours I hope things will improve for our southern cousins soon. We are beside you in Afghanistan, terrorism and we will be behind you as well in helping your economy rebound.
Kensel Tracy is a business coach and Senior Partner with the Corporate Coachworkz in Chelsea, Quebec Canada.
I was surprised that the people I was trying to work with were negative and down on the economy in the U.S. and I was also surprised how fragile they were in taking risks. As a business person who has consistently worked throughout North America for the past 30 years I was surprised that Americans were sounding like Canadians in the 70’s and Canadians were sounding like Americans in the 80’s. Canada is on the rebound and there are a number of reasons.
Canada's economy has consistently outperformed that of the United States since the beginning of the financial crisis. And while it's showing signs of slowing down, Canada's pending decline will be far shallower than that of the United States, and its rebound more dynamic.
Canada's gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 6.1% in the first quarter of the year - the highest rate of growth among developed nations - and the country is expected to lead Group Seven (G7) nations in economic growth for at least the next two years; why ? Well there are many reasons.
Canada’s banking system is sound, banks stayed out of the mortgage business and while granting credit made it flexible for Canadians to get into the mortgage business but did not get that involved in the sub-prime game. Canadians look at the word market and not just at their own market. This has allowed them to make huge gains in Far East, North and South America and Europe. The country has bountiful resources including: lumber, oil, raw materials, water and land, much of it undeveloped.
Canada’s economy is moving into a service-based economy more that it’s been in the past. Health Care, education, knowledge and a highly educated work force also have an impact. Compared to the U.S. corporate interests have less influence over government policy and we have far less government debt.
The Canadian economy grew at a 2.0% annualized pace in the second quarter of 2010, shy of the 2.5% gain expected by forecasters. The increase was slower than in the previous two quarters in large part due to a 3.0 percentage point (ppt) net export drag. Inventory rebuilding and increasing domestic demand offset the weight from trade. The first-quarter growth rate was revised to show a 5.8% annualized gain from 6.1% previously.
Both consumer spending and business fixed investment rose in the second quarter although consumption slowed to a 2.6% annualized pace from the strong 4.3% rise recorded in the first quarter. Investment spending posted a healthy 9.1% annualized gain with spending on machinery and equipment rising by a solid 29.7% annualized pace. Residential investment slowed in the quarter, rising 1.2% although this followed two quarters of very strong increases. Spending on non-residential structures eked out a mild 1.0% increase, contrary to expectations for another decline.
Gains in these areas contributed to decent growth in the final domestic demand of 3.5% building on three quarters of very strong gains. The contribution from inventories was smaller than expected in the second quarter, adding 1.8 ppt and matching the first-quarter's revised contribution. The rise in domestic demand in recent quarters suggests that this inventory rebuilding in large part was desired.
The strength in domestic spending also contributed to imports rising at a rapid 16.4%annualized pace. Export growth was milder at 6.0% resulting in net exports subtracting 3.0 ppt in the quarter. Our expectation was that this component would cut 3.8 ppt off the quarterly growth rate.
While the overall growth rate disappointed forecasters, this report confirms that domestic conditions in the economy remained strong.
Let’s hope our friends to the south will start spending money, investing in real assets and remember that they are still one of strongest countries and economies in the world.
You just need to get Americans to start thinking like Canadians – for years we had to do it the hard way and with 1/10th of the population of the U.S. it should be easier for the U.S. to rebound. As good neighbours I hope things will improve for our southern cousins soon. We are beside you in Afghanistan, terrorism and we will be behind you as well in helping your economy rebound.
Kensel Tracy is a business coach and Senior Partner with the Corporate Coachworkz in Chelsea, Quebec Canada.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
The Olympics Have Come and Gone In Vancouver, But Networking Contiues On
Canada’s Olympic host city Vancouver is once again on the networking agenda this month. In keeping with the trend in writing stories about Western Canada, this month’s column focuses on Vancouver and the Vancouver Business Network Forum. The Vancouver Business Network Forum (VBNF) is a dynamic, fast growing multi-cultural Business Networking Group based in Burnaby, B.C.
Its primary goal is to enable business people to benefit from the mutual sharing of valuable information and experience, gained through VBNF connections, working together to achieve the maximum degree of success possible, and at the same time to provide shared, and effective, cost-saving services.
Since its inception in January 2005, the VBNF has expanded its membership to three active chapters, namely: VBNF - Vancouver, VBNF – Burnaby and the VBNF – Chinese which focuses exclusively on Vancouver’s Chinese business community
The VBNF is also in the process of exploring and developing potential business connections with world-wide trading partners, enabling the organization to create new commerce and employment opportunities in B.C. and Canada
The purpose of the forum is to provide an equal opportunity for all participants of the network to promote their products and services regardless of their origin and race. This is truly reflective of the new attitude in Canada where many of Canada’s newest business people are from throughout the world and the far east and have gravitated to Canada to open shop in one of the world’s truly great democracies.
In Canada we have a cultural melting pot where business people of all backgrounds try to work together. This multicultural approach is truly reflected with the VBNF. The VBNF sees itself as the most effective and fun focused business networking group in Vancouver. Members and guests can attend free business seminars, networking meetings and a variety of community and business building and networking events. Meetings are held monthly and rotate throughout the three chapters.
Member services include business consultation, web development, web hosting, and assistance with payment systems, advertising in online and printed member’s directories, networking and business building both locally and internationally. For those interested in starting a business in Vancouver or moving your business there this may be a great networking group to get started with.
If you would like more information on the Vancouver Business Network Forum you can reach them virtually at http://www.vbnf.com.
Kensel Tracy is a Senior Partner and the Marketing Coach at the Corporate Coachworkz Inc. located in Chelsea, Quebec and is President of Business Over Breakfast Clubs of North America opening up Networking Clubs in every City in Canada and the USA. If you have a story of interest please contact him at kenselt@sympatico.ca
Its primary goal is to enable business people to benefit from the mutual sharing of valuable information and experience, gained through VBNF connections, working together to achieve the maximum degree of success possible, and at the same time to provide shared, and effective, cost-saving services.
Since its inception in January 2005, the VBNF has expanded its membership to three active chapters, namely: VBNF - Vancouver, VBNF – Burnaby and the VBNF – Chinese which focuses exclusively on Vancouver’s Chinese business community
The VBNF is also in the process of exploring and developing potential business connections with world-wide trading partners, enabling the organization to create new commerce and employment opportunities in B.C. and Canada
The purpose of the forum is to provide an equal opportunity for all participants of the network to promote their products and services regardless of their origin and race. This is truly reflective of the new attitude in Canada where many of Canada’s newest business people are from throughout the world and the far east and have gravitated to Canada to open shop in one of the world’s truly great democracies.
In Canada we have a cultural melting pot where business people of all backgrounds try to work together. This multicultural approach is truly reflected with the VBNF. The VBNF sees itself as the most effective and fun focused business networking group in Vancouver. Members and guests can attend free business seminars, networking meetings and a variety of community and business building and networking events. Meetings are held monthly and rotate throughout the three chapters.
Member services include business consultation, web development, web hosting, and assistance with payment systems, advertising in online and printed member’s directories, networking and business building both locally and internationally. For those interested in starting a business in Vancouver or moving your business there this may be a great networking group to get started with.
If you would like more information on the Vancouver Business Network Forum you can reach them virtually at http://www.vbnf.com.
Kensel Tracy is a Senior Partner and the Marketing Coach at the Corporate Coachworkz Inc. located in Chelsea, Quebec and is President of Business Over Breakfast Clubs of North America opening up Networking Clubs in every City in Canada and the USA. If you have a story of interest please contact him at kenselt@sympatico.ca
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Non Profits Find New Path with New Networking Group
Formed by Alex Sirota, NewPath is a virtual consultancy based in Toronto, Canada comprised of a geographically disperse network of highly qualified information and knowledge consultants.
The group’s outward focus and marketing efforts are directed toward the Not-For-Profit and Social Enterprise sectors, and a significant proportion of its members have extensive experience with these client segments. The goal is to conceive, develop and implement technology initiatives that empower these organizations to reach their social mission objectives in a completely self-sustaining manner.
The group believes that highly effective, sustainable technology strategies can deliver high returns to the Not-for-Profit client to keep the social mission moving forward. The organization consist of a group of consultants that have wide ranging experience with a deep understanding of Not-for-Profit technology mandates.
New Path’s talent pool of freelance professionals ranges from hard core programmers, web developers and project managers to graphic designers, communication specialists, fund raising strategists, product managers and business development specialists. As a highly networked virtual consultancy, they can deploy projects with extreme flexibility and deliver affordable solutions.
New Path has a structured framework for each meeting consisting of a “Welcome and new business”, round-table 60 second introductions, a Professional Development Segment and a free-form networking session at the end of each meeting with light food and cocktails. For the Professional Development segments, the group invites speakers from both inside and outside the NewPath network to present on real issues that touch its members as freelance and independent business people. On occasion, the group brings in business celebrities and leading authorities.
Meet them virtually at our LinkedIn group or at www.newpathconsulting.com
Kensel Tracy is the Marketing Coach at the Corporate Coachworkz Inc. in Chelsea, Quebec and the President of Business Over Breakfast ( BoB Clubs) Clubs in North America. If you have an interesting networking story about anyone or anything in Canada, he can be contacted at kenselt@bobclubs.com.
The group’s outward focus and marketing efforts are directed toward the Not-For-Profit and Social Enterprise sectors, and a significant proportion of its members have extensive experience with these client segments. The goal is to conceive, develop and implement technology initiatives that empower these organizations to reach their social mission objectives in a completely self-sustaining manner.
The group believes that highly effective, sustainable technology strategies can deliver high returns to the Not-for-Profit client to keep the social mission moving forward. The organization consist of a group of consultants that have wide ranging experience with a deep understanding of Not-for-Profit technology mandates.
New Path’s talent pool of freelance professionals ranges from hard core programmers, web developers and project managers to graphic designers, communication specialists, fund raising strategists, product managers and business development specialists. As a highly networked virtual consultancy, they can deploy projects with extreme flexibility and deliver affordable solutions.
New Path has a structured framework for each meeting consisting of a “Welcome and new business”, round-table 60 second introductions, a Professional Development Segment and a free-form networking session at the end of each meeting with light food and cocktails. For the Professional Development segments, the group invites speakers from both inside and outside the NewPath network to present on real issues that touch its members as freelance and independent business people. On occasion, the group brings in business celebrities and leading authorities.
Meet them virtually at our LinkedIn group or at www.newpathconsulting.com
Kensel Tracy is the Marketing Coach at the Corporate Coachworkz Inc. in Chelsea, Quebec and the President of Business Over Breakfast ( BoB Clubs) Clubs in North America. If you have an interesting networking story about anyone or anything in Canada, he can be contacted at kenselt@bobclubs.com.
Welcome to a World of Extremely Wired Woman
It’s a crazy tough world out there and women networkers in the technology field in Canada now have a new group to network with. Called Wired Women, the organization is a new networking group that focuses in on helping women in the technology field grow their business, their networks or their careers and it has now has branches open now in Toronto and Vancouver.
Network, educate and mentor are three words that have guided the volunteer networking group Wired Woman since its inception and symbolize and remain the pillars of the organization.
Wired Woman’s mission is to create an environment that encourages women to explore opportunities in technology, science and new media and to build successful careers that will allow them to become a driving force in these expanding sectors.
If you are finding it a challenge to meet people in the technology, science and new media sector then Wired Women helps you network. The group’s intention is to attract as many talented, interesting women in technology as possible, to grow our community and to provide forums for everyone to interact without the barrier of an annual fee.
At regular events, seminars and social functions Wired Women provides members and volunteers with real opportunities to gain exposure to an industry that otherwise can seem intimidating and confusing. It helps women to grow their network, meet interesting people and make lifelong connections.
Wired Woman also runs regular workshops, seminars and events to educate and empower women in the technology sector. We also provide training, support and resources to help our members learn more about the many opportunities available. Volunteering for Wired Woman also provides an opportunity for members to gain hands on experience, add to their resumes and to learn more about their industry.
The mentoring comes in when you need help crafting your career path or for someone to talk to who is in the industry? Wired Woman members are invited to apply to join a 6-month mentorship program. Aimed at women entering or re-entering the work-force, it is designed to help women who need career guidance.
Mentors meet with mentees at least one hour, monthly, for the duration of the mentoring relationship. This career mentorship experience is enhanced with networking events and education workshops.
You can follow Wired Women on Twitter, and join the Wired Woman groups on Facebook (Wired Woman Society) and LinkedIn (Wired Woman).For more information on Wired Women check out their website at www.wiredwomen.com
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Kensel Tracy is the Marketing Coach with the Corporate Coachworkz Inc. in Chelsea Quebec and is President of Business Over Breakfast Clubs (BoB Clubs) of North America. If you have an interesting story contact him at Kenselt@sympatico.ca
Network, educate and mentor are three words that have guided the volunteer networking group Wired Woman since its inception and symbolize and remain the pillars of the organization.
Wired Woman’s mission is to create an environment that encourages women to explore opportunities in technology, science and new media and to build successful careers that will allow them to become a driving force in these expanding sectors.
If you are finding it a challenge to meet people in the technology, science and new media sector then Wired Women helps you network. The group’s intention is to attract as many talented, interesting women in technology as possible, to grow our community and to provide forums for everyone to interact without the barrier of an annual fee.
At regular events, seminars and social functions Wired Women provides members and volunteers with real opportunities to gain exposure to an industry that otherwise can seem intimidating and confusing. It helps women to grow their network, meet interesting people and make lifelong connections.
Wired Woman also runs regular workshops, seminars and events to educate and empower women in the technology sector. We also provide training, support and resources to help our members learn more about the many opportunities available. Volunteering for Wired Woman also provides an opportunity for members to gain hands on experience, add to their resumes and to learn more about their industry.
The mentoring comes in when you need help crafting your career path or for someone to talk to who is in the industry? Wired Woman members are invited to apply to join a 6-month mentorship program. Aimed at women entering or re-entering the work-force, it is designed to help women who need career guidance.
Mentors meet with mentees at least one hour, monthly, for the duration of the mentoring relationship. This career mentorship experience is enhanced with networking events and education workshops.
You can follow Wired Women on Twitter, and join the Wired Woman groups on Facebook (Wired Woman Society) and LinkedIn (Wired Woman).For more information on Wired Women check out their website at www.wiredwomen.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kensel Tracy is the Marketing Coach with the Corporate Coachworkz Inc. in Chelsea Quebec and is President of Business Over Breakfast Clubs (BoB Clubs) of North America. If you have an interesting story contact him at Kenselt@sympatico.ca
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Is Traditional Media In Canada Dead?
My topic this month is something that is being hotly debated by almost every media outlet in the country and all across North America. Its a question that is on everyone's mind. Is traditional media dying an untimely death?
I personally don’t think so. Just like the telegraph and the morning newspaper media is always in a state of change and the impact of new media on traditional advertising and communications is no different. Let’s just say the amount of attention that new media is getting is making us feel as if traditional media can no longer compete. So in some ways there may be a collective thinking that traditional media is dead. Lets look a some of the facts.
In Canada is safe to say that ad revenues from traditional media are down across the board and online media is definitely on the increase. Newspapers are having the biggest problem securing advertisers since their daily news is reported well in advance on any of the major websites like Canada.com, Sympatico.ca. MSN Canada, Yahoo Canada and Google. For instance as a dedicated newspaper reader, I now only buy the weekend papers and no long subscribe at the office.
The key area that seems to really be taking a hit is the classified ad sections of most newspapers. With free ad sites like Craig’s List, Kijji and any number of local online and employment sites offering free ads and amazing search options, traditional classified and employment ads are also generating the lowest revenues in years.
National television is also suffering not only from the loss of local ad revenues but from the ever changing role played by cable and satellite in Canada. The two national commercial networks are fighting it out with the cable companies promoting the value of local television as cable and satellite companies now want to charge subscribers extra for the right to watch local news in their areas on their local cable or satellite station. The local news represents the largest number of concentrated local viewers and the most revenues since these local stations retain the rights to sell local advertisers into a well watched local program with a highly consistent and dedicated audience.
The main media that seems to remain stable through all of this is radio. With the advent of television in the 1950’s there was much discussion that the radio was dead or would over time die out. As we can see this did not happen. Every local radio station has a bevy of local listeners who continue to support them regardless of the role new media plays. Everyone has a local favourite radio station for local news and sports and local activities. Satellite radio continues to gain popularity; however local news and weather can only be garnered from stations in the local market. So radio's demise is not going to happen anytime soon. However the Ipod is having a major impact on what individuals listen too and when so the jury is still out.
So what does this mean for the individual or the business organization that has a mission to promote an event, sell a product, promote a new service and meet new customers? In my last column I felt that new media such as Facebook, Tweeting, My Space and blogging all help to build profile and help to create new contacts and some new business opportunities as well.
For me personally however, being active in your local community be it online or offline is still one of most important things a person or a company can do. An online community is great to make contacts if you have product that is national in scope and can be sold over great distances. A local community made up of local businesses, events and organizations are still valuable if you get personal service referrals, provide a local service or need to deal with individuals that in your own back yard.
The key point is traditional media is just changing and as they say on Monty Python it’s not time to "bring out yer dead yet".
The local media revolution is no different than any other media revolution that came along throughout history. These included the printing press changing town hall meetings, the telegraph was replaced by the telephone, couriers were replaced by fax machines and typewriters were replaced by computers and radio was changed immensely by the advent of television. So media and communications is always evolving
The key ingredient for change however is that information will always be required and requested by human beings and will be required in selective ways that still include a great deal of personal activity.
People still buy from people and personal relationships are still the most important thing. Regardless of what happens with traditional ways of communicating there will always be something that is just around the corner that will make it easier and more efficient to get the information you require. So traditional media my be dying as we know it, however most organizations are scrambling to reinvent themselves just like my grand father did when upon graduating from telegraph school he found that the telegraph was about to not exist anymore. Just like him, media and advertising will also make shifts that will include reinventing and becoming more resiliant to change.
I personally don’t think so. Just like the telegraph and the morning newspaper media is always in a state of change and the impact of new media on traditional advertising and communications is no different. Let’s just say the amount of attention that new media is getting is making us feel as if traditional media can no longer compete. So in some ways there may be a collective thinking that traditional media is dead. Lets look a some of the facts.
In Canada is safe to say that ad revenues from traditional media are down across the board and online media is definitely on the increase. Newspapers are having the biggest problem securing advertisers since their daily news is reported well in advance on any of the major websites like Canada.com, Sympatico.ca. MSN Canada, Yahoo Canada and Google. For instance as a dedicated newspaper reader, I now only buy the weekend papers and no long subscribe at the office.
The key area that seems to really be taking a hit is the classified ad sections of most newspapers. With free ad sites like Craig’s List, Kijji and any number of local online and employment sites offering free ads and amazing search options, traditional classified and employment ads are also generating the lowest revenues in years.
National television is also suffering not only from the loss of local ad revenues but from the ever changing role played by cable and satellite in Canada. The two national commercial networks are fighting it out with the cable companies promoting the value of local television as cable and satellite companies now want to charge subscribers extra for the right to watch local news in their areas on their local cable or satellite station. The local news represents the largest number of concentrated local viewers and the most revenues since these local stations retain the rights to sell local advertisers into a well watched local program with a highly consistent and dedicated audience.
The main media that seems to remain stable through all of this is radio. With the advent of television in the 1950’s there was much discussion that the radio was dead or would over time die out. As we can see this did not happen. Every local radio station has a bevy of local listeners who continue to support them regardless of the role new media plays. Everyone has a local favourite radio station for local news and sports and local activities. Satellite radio continues to gain popularity; however local news and weather can only be garnered from stations in the local market. So radio's demise is not going to happen anytime soon. However the Ipod is having a major impact on what individuals listen too and when so the jury is still out.
So what does this mean for the individual or the business organization that has a mission to promote an event, sell a product, promote a new service and meet new customers? In my last column I felt that new media such as Facebook, Tweeting, My Space and blogging all help to build profile and help to create new contacts and some new business opportunities as well.
For me personally however, being active in your local community be it online or offline is still one of most important things a person or a company can do. An online community is great to make contacts if you have product that is national in scope and can be sold over great distances. A local community made up of local businesses, events and organizations are still valuable if you get personal service referrals, provide a local service or need to deal with individuals that in your own back yard.
The key point is traditional media is just changing and as they say on Monty Python it’s not time to "bring out yer dead yet".
The local media revolution is no different than any other media revolution that came along throughout history. These included the printing press changing town hall meetings, the telegraph was replaced by the telephone, couriers were replaced by fax machines and typewriters were replaced by computers and radio was changed immensely by the advent of television. So media and communications is always evolving
The key ingredient for change however is that information will always be required and requested by human beings and will be required in selective ways that still include a great deal of personal activity.
People still buy from people and personal relationships are still the most important thing. Regardless of what happens with traditional ways of communicating there will always be something that is just around the corner that will make it easier and more efficient to get the information you require. So traditional media my be dying as we know it, however most organizations are scrambling to reinvent themselves just like my grand father did when upon graduating from telegraph school he found that the telegraph was about to not exist anymore. Just like him, media and advertising will also make shifts that will include reinventing and becoming more resiliant to change.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Does Face to Face Networking Still Work in the Modern Era of Tweeting and Twittering?
A few weeks ago, this question was asked by a Canadian Business coach at a recent event I attended in Ottawa. I was going on about the value of business referral clubs and how they can help small and medium sized businesses to build business through one to one referrals. This coach suggested that the business club was dead and that in the modern era all one needed to do was reach out through any of the local online networks and he or she could have all the contacts they wanted.
I posed that question to members of my Likened group a few weeks back only to get a barrage of answers that supported the question and a lot more that didn’t. Most of the respondents said that it was still important to have personal contact with customers or prospective customers in order to build that personal contact. Most felt that it was all right after the fact to contact people online but the initial contact should be in person.
At that point, I started researching business clubs in Canada. I came upon the usual suspects. The Chambers, Rotary, Kinsmen and Kinettes, BNI, BoB Clubs, and quite a few smaller lesser known local breakfast clubs. There were a number of online networking clubs mostly of regional nature and a number of business clubs that were part of other organizations. I realized that business referral or networking clubs are still alive, are well, and thriving in Canada.
There are also a large number of business networking websites, many which I have written about over the past year in this column, actually are growing and so are the lists of local meetings dedicated to the art of business and business networking. Based on my rough survey, I could say that in Canada the art of Face to Face networking is still a going and growing business. I can also say that in the era of tweets, Face book, Likened, Eecademy and number of other online sites, that both still have merit for promoting one’s business and making business contacts.
As the century unfolds, online networking will get bigger and more active and offline face to face networking will still be needed to build the relationship. It’s a much closer world today and as the online world continues to get stronger, the world will become even a smaller place. So in my mind, tweeting, and tweets are only the beginning of a good solid networking relationship. Its still up to two human beings regardless of where they live to find something in common, reach out, communicate and then see what happens.
Kensel Tracy is the Marketing Coach with the Corporate Coachworkz Inc. in Chelsea, Quebec and is the Presidents of Business over Breakfast (BoB Clubs) of North America.
I posed that question to members of my Likened group a few weeks back only to get a barrage of answers that supported the question and a lot more that didn’t. Most of the respondents said that it was still important to have personal contact with customers or prospective customers in order to build that personal contact. Most felt that it was all right after the fact to contact people online but the initial contact should be in person.
At that point, I started researching business clubs in Canada. I came upon the usual suspects. The Chambers, Rotary, Kinsmen and Kinettes, BNI, BoB Clubs, and quite a few smaller lesser known local breakfast clubs. There were a number of online networking clubs mostly of regional nature and a number of business clubs that were part of other organizations. I realized that business referral or networking clubs are still alive, are well, and thriving in Canada.
There are also a large number of business networking websites, many which I have written about over the past year in this column, actually are growing and so are the lists of local meetings dedicated to the art of business and business networking. Based on my rough survey, I could say that in Canada the art of Face to Face networking is still a going and growing business. I can also say that in the era of tweets, Face book, Likened, Eecademy and number of other online sites, that both still have merit for promoting one’s business and making business contacts.
As the century unfolds, online networking will get bigger and more active and offline face to face networking will still be needed to build the relationship. It’s a much closer world today and as the online world continues to get stronger, the world will become even a smaller place. So in my mind, tweeting, and tweets are only the beginning of a good solid networking relationship. Its still up to two human beings regardless of where they live to find something in common, reach out, communicate and then see what happens.
Kensel Tracy is the Marketing Coach with the Corporate Coachworkz Inc. in Chelsea, Quebec and is the Presidents of Business over Breakfast (BoB Clubs) of North America.
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