(Διαβάσετε το post στα Ελληνικά)

It seems Greek Tweeters use Twitter as one more platform for status updates where they talk to followers rather than engage in a dialogue (talking at vs. engaging with). The most important thing is that we (individual users and companies/brands) have yet to understand that growing customer relationships and bringing in sales now require a ‘conversation‘ rather than bombarding the target market with adverts, info. and images.
Indeed, Tweeters in our country can be likened to press release distributors, as noted by ‘Ioanna’ commenting on a Suit.gr post. Of course there’s no interest in following that! Most Twitters I follow are foreign and I have learned a lot from the links they provide, but, most of all, from the way they communicate and get their message ‘out there’. They have taken the principles of traditional marketing and re-shaped them for economic benefit through the tremendous potential of networking. The business model of Greece (and other Mediterranean countries) has a lot to learn about how to attract customers not just because a shop/product/service exists but because they have really listened and responded to the demands of their consumers.
We have to stop just uploading/throwing out information (many times in an arrogant manner!) at potential customers and first listen to what they really want and how we can give/provide it to them – and, why not, let it be in the form of a gift sometimes!
We have to stop talking at people and start conversing with them! Unfortunately, we are not authentic, we are not pioneers and as long as we refuse to ‘follow’ the example of those with proven successes, we will forever be wondering “why all the fuss over social media?!”

I recently had the pleasure of striking up a (Internet) friendship with two Greeks that appear to have ‘caught the pulse’ of what I mention above. I offer here their links as examples of ‘customer-centric’ and ‘good business-oriented’ professionals: Olivia ‘speaks to’ Greek mothers through her blog and Facebook and John keeps us informed and offers ‘treats’ through his blog and Facebook AND Twitter.

They engage their customers, they reward them and they keep them coming back. Word of mouth is the mother of viral and these two have embraced this logic!

Regarding the ‘conversation’ that we want to have with companies that for many years have lead the market (and siphoned our pockets – albeit of our own free will!) … Ripple-it.com is preparing an exciting new platform just for this purpose – Spread the word, influence your world! Send an e-mail to invite@ripple-it.com to join and change the (commercial) status quo!
Happy Tweeting, Facebooking, blogging, sharing … i.e.: HAPPY NETWORKING!
(and if you want further assistance understanding and implementing the above, come visit me @ Power It!! on Facebook!)