NOTE: Original post date: 10/11/2009
This past weekend has been a time of focused reflection. I love to read and if you saw my office area you’d probably wonder how I ever get anything done with all of the ebooks, reports, magazines and hard copy books that I keep in plain view all around me.
It wasn’t always this way — my past mentor taught me the importance of reading and ‘staying abreast’ of the current and changing trends. It’s a good habit to know what’s happening at all times – it keeps you up to date.
What I’ve noticed however, is that there are not a lot of people who choose to devote some time to keeping current. People aren’t ready to sacrifice time in order to not only gain knowledge but to make ‘wisdom choices’ when necessary.
The internet is a big playing field. It’s almost like a big electronic flea market! I tweeted about this on Twitter, October 1, 2009:
Some people might wonder whether or not I was being sarcastic. The answer… no.
Apparently somebody was listening (or should I say tweeting at the same time) because I received two replies:
My reason for posting the tweet was to simply find out how people really see it like I do AND how many people keep up with what’s going on when it comes to Internet Marketing.
So what does that have to do with the Internet being a big electronic flea market? I’ll tell you.
Unless you live on another planet, you’ve heard a lot about the economy, a recession, stimulus plans and the like. While I choose not to succumb to scare tactics, I am fully aware of how it’s effecting others. Whether we like it or not, a huge percentage of people latch on to fear (and the media makes it just that more difficult) when it comes to buying — the purse strings are tighter, unlike before with an abundance of impulse buying.
Consumers are now doing their own due diligence a little bit more. They pay attention to the value of a purchase as well as how they are treated during the purchase and via customer service — after the purchase. If you’re treating them as though they’re at a flea market with a take it or leave it attitude OR not responding to their questions and concerns – then you’re probably one of the vendors of the Internet Online Flea Market – i.e., selling junk — making a sale here or there – never amounting to much and definitely without repeat customers.
Now more than ever, is the time to research what consumers want. Be proactive in learning and getting feedback from your target market. Also, consider adding additional products and or services that they want, need and can afford — for a long lasting, win-win relationship.
If you have a list of potential as well as existing customers, learn how to communicate with them. If you’re not familiar with email marketing – then learn! Stop treating them as though they’re just another buck in the bank or you’ll find yourself trying to get rid of what you do have at a real (offline) flea market – outside of your target market.
Keeping It Real 
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice post, Regina. It does appear that there is an abundance of junk being offered…as indicated by the amount of spam I get each day in my inbox. What is has done for me, however, is made me a more discerning consumer and hopefully,a better marketer. BTW, I like your new look!!!
.-= Brena´s last blog ..Can Just Watching a 2 Minute Video Change Your Life?? =-.
Hey Brena! Thank you. As marketers we should keep a keen eye on what consumers are looking for and provide them with compelling material, support, coaching and consulting. I know you and I are on the same page, simply because of the awesome phone calls we’ve shared. It’s all about providing the ‘real deal’!