Dave is CEO and Co-Founder of Likeable Media (formerly theKbuzz). Recently, they were recognized as a Facebook Preferred Developer Consultant. Likeable Media’s blog is also a great resource for social media insights.
In Likeable Media’s Mission Statement, you state that WOM and social media go beyond marketing. What changes will they bring to business in general?
Social media is nothing short of transformational in changing the way organizations are run, not just businesses, but also nonprofits and gov’t agencies. Marketing is just the beginning. There is no longer a line between marketing and customer service. Customer service, internal operations, hiring & HR, sales, PR, marketing; these are all areas affected by WOM and social media. And they will continue to revolutionize the way companies do business.
Many companies need social savvy staff, but a lot of them don’t know what to look for. What do you look for when hiring for your team?
They have to be my Facebook friends. There are probably not a lot of companies that require Facebook friendship, but I really want in my team, and frankly in our clients, a sense that we’re helping people who embrace openness, transparency and responsiveness - Three core values that, I believe, not only Likeable has, but the entire internet and global business should embrace.
I’d rather hire somebody who shares pictures of themselves getting drunk on Facebook than somebody with a closed profile.
What are the changes that you have seen since Facebook went from Fan to Like?
People are more comfortable Like-ing things than Fan-ing them. So it helped a lot of our clients and other organizations get more people connected to them. People are comfortable being fans of sports teams, but they aren’t necessarily comfortable being fans of restaurants, clothing stores or skin care products. They feel more comfortable liking those.
What do you keep top-of-mind when designing Facebook pages and how have you seen that benefit your clients’ communities?
When we build Facebook pages and strategies for clients, we really try to think about their most passionate customers and meeting the needs of those people, not necessarily showcasing the brand.
One client I’m particularly proud of is our stride rite Community because it’s moms talking about their kids and babies, posting pictures. It’s not about stride rite the shoe. It’s about moms of young kids connecting with each other.
That’s an example of what’s possible using Facebook and Social Media. It’s really empowering your customers and target audience instead of marketing to them.
Another example would be Our Jewish Community, where we live stream religious services each Friday on Facebook. While to some that would seem blasphamous, to many thousands of people all over the world, they’ve been able to be connected to a religion or belief through Facebook. I think that’s something that’s pretty incredible.
So what’s the next big thing that everyone is going to be talking about in six months?
Location is going to continue to grow. It’s the hottest trend right now, but it will continue to grow to the point where it will be ubiquitous in 6 months. Once Facebook roles out its location product, everyone will be checking it and sharing their location. You’ll remember fondly those quaint early days of Foursquare where that was the only game in town.
Any closing thoughts?
The space is still confusing to many, so I would urge any WOMMA Word readers to inquire about joining WOMMA. Obviously we’re a member, but I’m not being paid to suggest you investigate joining WOMMA. It’s a terrific organization.
Thanks Dave. You’re the best :)
——————————————
Did you know Exclusive Interviews are a governing member benefit? Contact Tarah@WOMMA.org to discuss this and the many other benefits of governing membership.
