Trusted Groups and The Market You Serve
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.
