A Snap of a Finger

Instant pudding, instant oatmeal, instant messaging – everything is at one’s fingertips any given split second. The days are long gone of waiting for one’s news via a sheet of rolled thin grey newspaper dropped at one’s door. Corporations can no longer put their beautiful “tied up in a red bow” marketing messages out there with limited no push back. Imagine it is 1955, and between the baking, watching Guy Lombardo in black and white and ordering the milk from the milk man, one would have the inkling, let alone nerve, to question the business plans of the great Jack Welsh? But today with social media anyone, at any time, saying anything is able to do just that and they do, frequently. My mother was a social activist – she was actually on Nixon’s famed “most hated list”. She trained our Mexican parrot, Harry, to say F-you so when the Governor, corporate leaders and other dignitaries came for dinner he could say what she was feeling and he often did from his perch in his gilded cage in the corner. Just think what she would have done with twitter.

So how does a corporation protect their messages, embrace the new media and move forward. Clearly social media can have it benefits. If the customer/stakeholder is the source of profit embracing them would be a good strategy for any company. Empowering one to say what they think they need to say, even if it is not valuable or true in the Boardroom, has its rewards. There are dollars in allowing one to feel appreciated by the company – having a voice – something every ego wants. We learned on the playgrounds’ of life that “sticks and stones may break one’s bones but words will never hurt me”, so let your customer rip because ignoring them can be catastrophic. In a nutshell, I can sit around all day and attack via social media; it no longer matters if I have expertise. Heck I don’t even have to know how to spell.

Nordstrom’s has embraced social media. They utilize twitter, Facebook and manage multiple blogs. I just read that Nicole Ricci was at Nordstrom at the Grove (click on the hyperlink and the directions and a map is right there) promoting her clothing line. Dang I missed it. Next time I am planning a trip to LA instead of Trip Advisor to locate museums, restaurant, events, etc., I can go to Nordstrom’s blog for their stores and see what’s doing in the LA fashion world – where in the world is Rachael Zoe today? Social media has brought other interests, which generate profit, outside the standard loop of sightseeing into the fray. Nordstrom blogs about Nordstrom, about fashion trends and has a blog strictly devoted to fashion week. Sitting at my desk in suburbia, with a push of a button I can be transformed to every moment of the famed week. Who is wearing what and what has already been determined as “in” and an upcoming trend is all there with video. And yes, this all transcends into “I need it”.

According to out textbook, where social media gets sticky for a corporation, is the fact content is for batum– once it is our there, it is out there forever. They say only a cockroach will survive nuclear blast, I think we can add the internet to that list. Therefore web and one’ social media must be continually revised, reviewed, and updated to reflect the message that the higher ups want to maintain – and it better be squeaky clean from any recourse.

Nordstrom’s content is short and sweet. Back in the day we referred it to the “KISS” method of communication – Keep It Simple and Stupid. Lawyers love this – less exposure. Nordstrom tends to take the same lead. The content is informative, on the mark with little to no frill – simple, direct and useful. Nordstrom’s use of twitter runs the gambit – how to find a job, an issue with an order, directions, upcoming sales and promotions, etc. It a two way quick instant means to get one’s questions answered or point across. There is no waiting for the next available operator; this is “Peggy”, how may I help you?

Fascinating who Nordstrom’s follows on twitter: individuals like Monica Wright who just lost a friend – Nordstrom sends their condolences Monica if you missed it; BBC World News – nice to know Nordstrom’s is socially conscience; The University of Maine Ice Hockey Team???– Someone is using work time for personal pleasure.

Nordstrom seems to embrace it all – its user friendly, professional and chalk full of more info than I could read in a life time. I like the photos – they are so inviting. I keep a picture of the newest Louboutin pumps in a silver frame next to me bed in hopes that someday they will pop out into my closet – the technology of the future – sending actual atoms across the internet that reconstitute themselves into the matter you are coveting. Got to love it.

PS Nordstrom is having a huge sale.

 http://la.popsugar.com/Nicole-Richie-Nordstrom-Grove-Pictures-20375970