David Alston, Radian6

David Alston is the VP of Marketing for Radian6, a New Brunswick based company that helps companies listen to their customers and communities and to integrate the social web into their organization. David focused on social media as a new communication channel, using the analogy of a “social phone”.

Just because you’re not listening doesn’t mean your customer – your community isn’t talking.  The social phone is ringing – even if you choose not to answer. The smart companies are listening. The really smart companies are answering and then taking action based on what they hear.

Finally! Miscommunication, budgets, schedules… The videos from last October’s The BIG Conference are being edited. The first I’ll post is the lead-off speaker, Christ Brogan. Unfortunately the sound totally sucks, but if you have patience, it will be worth your time.

In my introduction to the conference I must have mentioned social media marketing. Chris, very respectfully, disagreed with my phrasing and stressed that social media is much more; it’s about human business. I agree with him.

I do, however, respectfully disagree with his statement that marketing is about  ”I need something from you.” Marketing is identifying, understanding, and satisfying the needs of customers, and doing so profitably. Yes, I agree that social media is way-better than just marketing.  Marketing is  day also way-more than “getting something from someone”.

This is a video of his entire segment, so bookmark the page and come back to it when you have the time. (52:10)  Thank you, Chris.