Bryan Landaburu (aka Reno Bryan, Willie Vega, and Fuze) | Dont call me a blogger

But, what if customers say something bad about us? Intel wants to know.

I came across this post from David Griner that is a-buzz in the Social space because it outlines what Intel's Social Media Strategy/Policy is.  Suffice it to say, its pretty awesome and very ballzie.  When we talk to clients about developing a strategy, even a simple one, they often push back with comments like:

"What if people oppose us, or worse, say something nasty? How will we deal with that? What will people think? What if our customers/competitors/my aunt Peg/etc. see what people are saying? Cant they use it against us?"

While this apprehension is understandable, the answer to all these questions is...so what! Transparency and authenticity are all that matter in business and life. Davids post about Intel shows a truly forward thinking company embracing the new rules and giving their employees liberty and procedures for getting involved.  Its actually amazing, really amazing.

Here are a couple of my favorite elements (or you can read the entire post here):

On transparency:
If you are blogging about your work at Intel, use your real name, identify that you work for Intel, and be clear about your role. If you have a vested interest in something you are discussing, be the first to point it out.

On perception:
In online social networks, the lines between public and private, personal and professional are blurred. Just by identifying yourself as an Intel employee, you are creating perceptions about Intel by our shareholders, customers, and the general public—and perceptions about you by your colleagues and managers. Do us all proud. Be sure that all content associated with you is consistent with your work and with Intel's values and professional standards.

On starting conversations:
Don't be afraid to bring in your own personality and say what's on your mind. Consider content that's open-ended and invites response. Encourage comments.

There are a lot of examples of businesses embrasing this. I have had direct conversations with people (even executives) with Zappos, BestBuy, Crutchfield, and many others.  These big and agressive companies are realizing what power in the hands of few mean.  They monitor things being said, and dont try to control a conversation...rather they participate, interact.  That's what it's all about right?  For instance, over Twitter, I gave Tony (Zappos CEO) feedback on his new iPhone interface for the Zappos site. He sent out a note for folks to test the new iphone.zappos.com and I, much like many of his followers, provided him instant feedback. Here it is:

Tony can take this feedback, along with the surely hoards of others from consumers, geeks, UI folks, etc. and give it to his developers.  He also, replied to me here:

If big companies can do this, why then, if you work for a small/medium business would you not follow suit?  No time? No talent? No interest?  I'm telling you, everyone, every business, if you don't participate in this new game, you can turn in your iron, shoe, and race car, not pass Go, and not collect your $200.

Live social.

B

PS
instead of copying this post, how about commenting on it. pricks. you know who you are.

Merry F---ing Christmas - sharing a story

The following photo and conversation exchange were sent to me this morning by our Creative Director Calder Chism and were between he and his son. Calder has been married for a long time so he is fully prepared to decorate the day after Thanksgiving, much like my father, and many of our assimilated fathers and grandfathers are. Its a crappy [cyber]Monday for me and this made me laugh so I just had to pass it along.

(the chism festivus house)

Will: "Daddy, why are the Christmas lights off in some parts?"
Calder: "Because God hates me."
Will: "God doesn't hate you. He loves you because you're so tall."

I just love the minds of children. Thanks for the chuckle Calder. 

Bry