Guest Blog

Your website says a lot – but does it say the right things!

Thu, 22 May 2008 15:59:00 GMT

By: Eric Jones, Director of Digital Marketing, R2i

As Director of Digital Marketing, I work to facilitate the experience that customers and potential customers have with regards to my clients. One of the challenges I have is helping the clients make the experience useful, relevant, and ultimately quick. Then get them to pick-up the phone or fill in the form. There used to be Top 10 list for everything… Now it is the Top 7, or even just the Top 3. Now people want to know, and know now, not later, how you can help them.

So let’s take a look at how information should be arranged based on what the consumer wants to know, not what you want to tell them. Try to take a step back, and understand why they might be looking for your product or your service. Not so much of why you think your company is best at doing it. Your client has a need, and the only question is can your organization fill that need and help them solve their problem. Once they figure out that you can, then they will want to know what type of experience they can expect. Have you worked with others like them, will your product(s) be cost effective, do you have a good reputation, with whom will they be working...

We all want to be the popular kid on the block, but the potential consumer, that first time researcher, might not care about your company as much as you want them too. Not yet at least. When they first hit the website, content needs to be arranged so they immediately know, this organization can help me, and now I need to know more, so I will dig a little deeper.

Sales & Socializing with Social Network Theory

Fri, 16 May 2008 16:47:00 GMT

By: Jody Stoehr, Director of Business Development and Partnerships, R2i

Being in the sales field, social network theory plays a significant role in how I interact and connect with other professionals. With the emergence and evolution of social media sites, we use many networking tools today to connect with others: LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. And, I often find myself asking this question: What is the right balance of cyber interaction versus face-to-face time?

In order to maximize social network tools, it is important to remain balanced, never underestimating the power of personal interaction. The “old school” way of networking is undoubtedly the key to making memorable connections and lasting impressions. But in order to maintain a good balance, keeping a social media presence can be invaluable. For instance, a connection that may have otherwise been unknown is easily brought to the surface. Social media has become a catalyst for these connections, acting as a facilitator or hub for networking. Working together, cyber space and face-to-face exposure assist in building a strong network of professionals. You really can’t have one without the other. Which leads me to my next question: How can we harness the power of these professional connections? Please share your ideas on this topic; I look forward to your hearing your opinions.

$200 APPLE GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY!

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:10:25 GMT

We want you to be a part of R2i's "Big Apple" expansion!

We can't fit you in our luggage, but here's the next best thing: Give us your ideas on industry topics that R2i should tackle by Friday, March 28th. The person who submits the idea that we use will get a $200 gift card to the Apple store!

So let us know what's on your radar...