E-commerce and Facebook: Friends or foes? - BusinessWeek
August 11, 2009
Posted by: Douglas MacMillan on August 05
Last week,1-800-FLOWERS.com became the first retailer to launch a full-service online storefront within the pages of Facebook. Now users can leave birthday wishes for friends, and then order them a bouquet of flowers without ever navigating away from the social network.
It’s an early example of online shopping merging with social media, a trend we’re likely to see more of as retailers look to retain their relevance on the Web. “A lot of people are telling us they like to do things in the same environment; they don’t like to hop around on the Web,” says Jim McCann, founder and CEO of 1-800-FLOWERS.com. “And so many people are living their lives on Facebook.” In the next two months, at least 20 more retailers will set up similar shops on Facebook using the same technology provider, Alvenda, according to a Financial Times report.
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Bottom line: This is what it is and it will be.
Implications;
1. Don't get behind in your reading and observation if you want to keep up. Blink and the world will change.
2. If you are a marketer, communicator, evangelist, or social entrepreneur, use what is available and, to the extent that you can afford it, use the latest modes of communication wherever people are congregating.
3. Become all things to all people that by all means you might win some. ( I Corinthians 9:22 paraphrased). You have to enter into other people's worlds without losing your uniqueness to communicate with them.
4. Celebrate the reality that today's marketing is not a monologue, but a two way communication street. Adapt your public relations attitudes so that your focus is not on spin but authenticity.
5. Participate in shaping the new culture rather than passively observing. Discover a niche where you can accomplish this and take a leadership role based upon your own strengths.
This is a new day and requires new ideas from creative people who are committed to core values. It can be a great day if you make it one.