“People complain they can’t get it- call your government! I can’t help”

Engaging.

Not the diamond ring type, although a few carats are always appreciated. But relationships are a good model for companies to study. Honesty, the ability to listen, to randomly do nice things just because (Cliff, I want flowers! I will consider them super nice.), to not get mad when nice things aren’t done randomly (the last 4.5 years sans flowers). These are just a few things that make a good relationship.

Engaging.

If companies don’t do anything with their “fans” on Facebook, they are wasting their presence on the largest social network in the world. This thought from “Putting the Public Back in Public Relations” clicked with the idea from Stan Lee that conversations are wonderful, but useless if they don’t engage the second party. Just like any relationship would be doomed after the first date.

“Hi, I like you but I’m terribly dull.”

“Cool, I think you’re swell, but I’ll probably forget about you tomorrow since you are so yawn-inducing.”

Engaging!

It’s interacting with the people who already want to interact with you. I personally don’t have the best solution for the Facebook “fan” situation, other than offering coupons and freebies occasionally. However to leverage the social media phenomena companies must find a way, and soon. Sitting idly by and creating pages, twitters and even blogs but then doing nothing with the people is wasteful.

Enraging.

Naturally, one can engage in a terrible manner. Johnson and Johnson- I’m looking at you. Mommy bloggers are often the most sought after demographic according to marketers. These bloggers are invested in so many aspects of life that their subculture holds the purse, literally, for companies. So J&J wanted to chat with them and get their perspective naturally.

They invited these bloggers to an event. Then told them they couldn’t bring their babies. Moms and babies. They kinda go together thanks to biology, but J&J wanted none of that baby-sitting expense. Then J&J scheduled their event at the time of another major mommy blogging event. And went so far as to uninvited mom’s scheduled to speak at the conflicting event. Nothing like being hospitable.

(If I was word savvy enough, I would hyperlink this. But I’m not. http://scobleizer.com/2008/03/19/johnson-and-johnson-breaks-into-jail-with-babycamp/)

J&J got jealous of the extra attention that might take the mom’s away from them. Paying attention to their babies and to another event. Jealousy is not attractive J&J!

So, we’re back to being nice to those you love. Turns out, it’s easy and a good PR practice.