Tag Archives: connection economy

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making connections

Making Connections in the Connection Economy

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Many have labeled our current economic climate as a connection economy. Considering that is a fair label, are you making connections?

So often we are focused on the product, the service, or other tangible aspects of our business. Build the best product. Have the best quality. Deliver the best service.

We do it in our careers too. Get more education. Have the most credentials. Achieve the best title. Make lots of money.

Business or personal, all these things are important. Yet, many businesses and people struggle to close the sale, struggle to get recognized for superior service, or struggle to find a new job or get that all-important promotion.

Questions to Ask

The questions may become:

“In a connection economy what makes growing companies grow?”

“In a connection economy what is important for the new job, career change, or advancement?”

The best answers may be as simple as it seems. Connections.

Many people suggest that society is shifting. Heads down, many stare at a small device held in the palm of their hand. A technology prayer.

Yet, humanity still seeks connections. In-person, or through technology, the social interaction often drives what happens next.

Making Connections

It becomes about who we think of when we need a new employee. It becomes about the brands and products we choose in a sea of possible selections.

The fastest growing companies on the planet are doing more than making things, selling stuff, or delivering exceptional service. Again, all those things matter but what matters in a connection economy is building strong connections.

Make good stuff, deliver great service, be the best you can be.

Be sure to connect.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+


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trusted groups

Trusted Groups and The Market You Serve

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Do you know how business is done? Is it about a quality product or service, is it about marketing and sales? Of course it is. In a connected economy it may also be about trusted groups.

The evolution of social engagement is interesting to say the least. Twenty years ago, there were fewer options. The World, as we knew it, appeared smaller. Pockets of culture in big cities or small communities drove community engagement.

Connection Economy

Today, it seems that nearly everyone is connected. Certainly, there are exceptions, outliers, and resistors. People who want to engage though, they are connected.

The question may become, “Connected to who?” Well, they are mostly connected to points of interest. The things they value, care about, or want to pursue. Business or consumer, this is your community.

This is the new marketplace. The marketplace of the connected economy. It seems it has always been about who you know. Today that pie is just much bigger and surprisingly, much better.

The new opportunity exists in trusted groups.

Trusted Groups

Some may argue that it isn’t new, some will suggest it is old news. Still others will discover that they have been doing it for some time but they haven’t capitalized on the opportunity.

Some groups are private. Join our club, be part of our tribe.

Other groups are public, anyone enters, structure is limited and content is wide.

Who is your trusted group? Where will you engage, spend your time, offer resources and claim value? Where will you buy and sell?

Your Market

In the U.S. the market house thrived until the 1920’s,1930’s, or even later. In the 1950’s and 1960’s something new started to emerge, it was the shopping mall.

Today we see large conventions that promote goods and services, encourage commerce, or announce something cutting edge.

We also have EComm shopping where nearly anyone can put up an internet shingle. There is something called, Amazon, and we resell or buy new on eBay.

Down the block, across the river, or over the mountain, it really doesn’t matter anymore. The community where you choose to engage is your trusted group, it is your circle of influence.

This is your market, or perhaps it should be.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and corporate trainer. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+


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world of mouth

World Of Mouth, Is It Working For You?

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Many business leaders will share with you that the face of business is changing. They may not be able to put their finger on which direction, but they recognize a shift. It is the age of a service and connection economy which leads to World of mouth.

How are you navigating?

The CEO needs a plan. So does the employee. Learning how to navigate a connection economy is likely not found in books or other resources produced prior to 2005. Perhaps prior to 2010 or 2015.

Working For You

How does marketing and advertising work? The best marketers are building a connection.

How do you get more sales in an overwhelmed digital world? The strongest sales growth comes through connections.

So many people claim to be suffering from information overload. Many regress to making fewer decisions based on their own research and instead lazily rely on their network.

This is true for the retailer, the E-comm, and nearly every business sector. It is also true for who gets hired or promoted. It is a connection economy and connections matter.

This is precisely why commodity products compete only for price. They are available everywhere and without any additional value. Their supplemental value is perhaps only in the convenience and ease of the (service) purchase and delivery.

Commodity products are tough. Amazon, eBay, and the carriers (UPS, FedEx, etc.) are winning. Good for them.

Average, similar, mainstream, and available anywhere means getting selected is tough. True for the job you just applied for, and true for the products or services your organization provides.

World Of Mouth

The great equalizer comes through the connection economy. Average sells when it is recommended by a friend. Similar works if a friend has tried it. Mainstream can be trendy if everyone in your community is on board.

Consider that the question may become, “What is it about what you are offering that makes it special enough to become a discussion item?”

Word of mouth is powerful. World of mouth is mind blowing. Connections drive both.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and corporate trainer. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+


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