Training as Marketing

[David Jacobs]

A dichotomy of new media is how do you sell something to people who aren't even sure what your selling is? We have so much education to do for potential clients about what new media is, why it's beneficial and how they can use it to their advantage. I am thinking of developing a corporate training program on social and new media for business. Not even sell them any service, just training. Once they know what it is and understand the potential power, they will know who to call for any projects they want to execute. What do you think about training as marketing?

[Peter Beck]

I think it's a phenomenal idea.

The learning curve in the non-tech business communities has improved quite a bit of late, but most folks still lag waaaay behind when it comes to New Media. Heck, we've just recently gotten to the point of podcasting truly settling into the widespread cultural consciousness, and folks on the tech edge are just beginning to get savvy with social networking.

It's hard to even talk about selling services, when people aren't conversant with your vocabulary, or even what the MEDIUM is you're using, much less any message they could push through that medium, or media. Training and education would be a great first step, and would form a closeness and relationship that could well lay the groundwork for further paid work.

[David Jacobs]

Correct Peter. Even people who know or have heard of blogging or podcasting are not clear on how to best use them to propel their business. There is a whole new marketing philosophy behind it all that goes beyond knowing how to get a blog started. This is where our real value lies. Eventually, people will know how or it will become very easy to get these technologies going, but just because you have a hammer doesn't mean you know how to build a house.

[David Levesque]

Hi David, I think this is a great idea. I think we can use this online community to help each other create new media training and best practices for sales. I intend to upload some videos of myself presenting on new media so everyone here can comment on them and we can learn together.

This was a big discussion at podcamp boston 2 so i will invite some of those folks to join us here.

thanks,
david

[Steve Weaver]

ooh, I like this idea. I believe the business world will come around but very slowly as they are oft to do. This would be a great tool in selling ourselves and podcasting to a greater market.