So, here we are 2009 and the buzz word “social media” is transitioning to a new yet related word, 
“transparency”. Five months ago I was reading predictions for social media that stated 2009 would be the year that businesses embrace social media as a viable form of marketing. Well, not even half way into the year, that prediction rings very true. Businesses, small and large, are jumping on this wave and why wouldn’t they? This is the information age after all and with the Gen Y’ers being so digitally savvy businesses would be foolish to look past this huge opportunity.
With the rise of Social Media comes the rebirth of transparency. A word that scares the crap out of a lot of people …. But why? Why is everyone so worried about the merger of business and personal?
Transparency is nothing more than going back to the days where people did business with you because they knew, liked and trusted you. We call it Throwback Marketing or Attraction Marketing, back to the day where the best man actually won! This is just speculation but, maybe that’s why people are so worried. Is it because they really aren’t the best, have bought their way to the top and this type of marketing just isn’t their bag???
Transparency brings:
Trust: Customers feel like they already know you before they do business, it’s like doing business with a close friend.
Relationships: Transparency puts a face with a business and shows you as a real human being, you can actually build a human relationship with me as a customer….. “There is no business that doesn’t need better clients, there is no business that doesn’t need customer service” (Enrico Schaefer | www.traverselegal.com | Built his whole law firm on a social media platform)
Loyalty: The more you share with people about who you are as a business and a person the more they feel connected and comfortable. When customers become comfortable they become evangelists, they will consistently purchase and send referrals.
Accessibility: Being accessible is what it’s all about in today’s world. People want to feel the security of knowing how to easily get a hold of you right away .
Longevity: Business graveyards are marked with headstones of businesses that were not forthcoming or even deceptive. Becoming transparent will give your business the chance to thrive instead of die
The Perfect Customer: Targeting your customer can be difficult sometimes. Let them love you for who you are and customers will begin to flock to you. Become the hunted!
Cream to the Top: The days of pretend are over! The continual blurring of personal vs professional transparency will raise the qualified “experts” to the top.
Communication: Being able to get your message to your potential customers becomes much more effective when you can open the lines of communication turning your offer into a 2 way street instead of 1 way message.
Realism: Revealing your activities and interests in your everyday life creates a sense of fellowship. You now are not only a business associate, but a friend that enjoys many of the same weekend activities as your customers.
Authenticity: By being true to your own lifestyle and not necessarily society's conditioning, you will attract like-minded people who are eager to be part of your world
This is the era of transparency, thanks to YouTube, the 24/7 news cycle, and the Internet, and what you don't admit to in public will hit the news in a nanosecond or two anyway. So relax and begin to embrace the fact that transparency is not going away. Transparency is just beginning to explode and if you are smart….you will get on top of the transparency gig right now. Do not get left behind.
PS- If this whole transparency thing still frustrates you…You might want to take a step back and ask yourself, ” What exactly is it that I am trying to hide”?
Want to stay updates on the latest in social and mobile media marketing...SOMO? Click NOW to get access to The SOMO Journal