The folks at 12seconds.TV are close friends to the ActivatingWOM team. We have mad love and respect for the family over there. When we see authentic word of mouth happen to friends we love, we often take note. Here is a great shout out by Shawne Merriman:
Link to the specific mentions of 12seconds here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1712613/highlight/7011
David Berkowitz wrote an article yesterday discussing the fact that the one word you can not mention in a social media conference is “campaign.”
If you approach word of mouth advertising as a traditional media campaign, you will fail and do damage to your brand. Social networks are for social engagement, not for you to spam users. Don’t get confused by the technology, social networks are gatherings of individuals… much like a cocktail party. If you approach these networks as such you will succeed.
Here is a video about Whuffie and Tara Hunt. Take a moment and listen to her background at the end:
Our firm identifies authentic influencers on the social web and engage them with quality brands that are interesting to those individuals.
Again, thinking of the cocktail scenario, your impressions of various people at that cocktail party is defined by honesty, influence, your history with them, and their background. The same thing is true about social interaction on the web. These influencers have the same variables. Authentic word of mouth comes from these relationships and influencers; not a campaign, pure visibility, and traditional marketing strategies.
In Activating Word of Mouth we determine the influences for your brand and develop strong relationships with these individuals. Their mentions and marketing of your brand is authentic.
