Aside

The era of social commerce is here

Back in May of 2009 I commented on a video from Jeremiah Owyang about the future of the social web. In the video, he theorizes that the web will go from social relationships (simply connecting with people via facebook, twitter, etc) to social functionality (apps) and onto eras of social colonization and context where your friends will go wherever you go and the messages you receive are tailored to your likes.

In one of the final phases of the social web he talks about social commerce. In that he means that communities will come together to define the products and features they want and companies in turn will bid to fulfill these needs. In essence flipping the current model of a company bringing a product to market and encouraging/hoping that you’ll buy it.

Well, that era of social commerce may be official upon us. Today, Walmart Labs (the digital division of Walmart) is launching an initiative which crowdsources a handfull of the products it will stock on its shelves. Now, it’s just a start, but can you imagine how this could evolve? You could have pop-up stores that only carry items that their followers have requested. Inventories will get smarter based on sentiment and what the crowd wants. You could even eventually see PR agencies representing large groups of people rather than large companies.

I’m sure social commerce will move quickly through various phases and iterations as the web continues to evolve. What comes next though?

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January 18, 2012 Comments Off , ,

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You’re going to use Google+ and like it

But when they use that natural monopoly to start pushing into other verticals, things get gray. Travel, restaurant reviews, etc, etc. We see more of it each year. But this, at first glance, seems decidedly worse. Google is using Search to propel their social network. They might say it’s “not a social network, it’s a part of Google”, but no one is going to buy that. They were late to the game in social and this is the best catchup strategy ever.
MG Siegler

MG Seigler commenting above on Google’s latest announcement to closely integrate Google+ features into search results. Starting now, search results will be more closely tied to your Google+ profile. The rub is that very little of your Facebook, Twitter or other connections or content will be integrated into these results. To me and a lot of other users, this feels like Google is shoving their Google+ social network down your throat and essentially forcing you to use it or suffer with poor search results. As a marketer, that means you better get on the boat now.

January 12, 2012 Comments Off , ,

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Have you been to an Apple store lately?

To discover the real reasons behind the company’s decline, just take this simple test. Walk into one of the company’s retail locations or shop online. And try, really try, not to lose your temper.
Larry Downes

The quote above is from a piece by Larry Downes about the downfall of Best Buy which was also covered by John Gruber of Daring Fireball. Gruber covers Apple related news and gives great insight on the industry. I’m a fan of both Apple and Gruber, but let me ask you this. Have you been to an Apple retail store lately? Recently the experience is not much better than Best Buy in my opinion.

The last few times I’ve tried to go to an Apple retail store, I’ve been met with a barage of customers waiting around for an employee to basically hold their hand reset their iPhone. You’re herded into a queue as soon as you enter and store employees no longer have time to get to know you or ask you about your needs. In my opinion, it’s difficult to experiment and test products anymore because all the popular products and accessories are packed into one main corner and the folks waiting around are usually fiddling on a device just to pass the time. I used to spend hours in their stores, but now I get easily frustrated and walk out.  Maybe I’m just getting old and cranky. Pay attention next time you go to an Apple store and tell me if I’m way off base.

 

January 11, 2012 Comments Off , ,

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Can I pick your brain?

But when you still find yourself lacking answers, then apparently the FREE stuff doesn’t work. You can’t come to a professional and ask them to work for free. In essence, that is what you’re doing when you ask to pick someone’s brain.
Adrienne Graham

It’s flattering to be asked for your advice, but such a let down to know that the other party is just there to suck you of all your hard earned knowledge. If they’re serious about the project, they’ll find something of value to pay you with. Good read in Forbes.

January 9, 2012 Comments Off , ,

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How to raise prices and avoid a social media backlash

This past year saw a number of high profile brands attempt to implement fees or raise prices, only to backpedal and grovel after facing a scathing flood of angry and vocal customers.

Great advice from Experience.

January 6, 2012 Comments Off

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iPhoneography workshop

If you’re interested in the growing field of iPhoneography, Jack Hollingsworth will hold a free online iPhoneography course on Thursday, January 5. The course covers shooting, processing and sharing photos with your iPhone along with must have apps and gear. Sign up here.

PS – All of the photos in my Instagram stream have been shot and edited with an iPhone.

January 3, 2012 Comments Off , , ,

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