Social Media What?

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines communication as “a process by which information is exchanged through a common system of symbols, signs, or behaviors.” I’m not sure if you have noticed or not, but those processes, symbols, and signs we use to communicate have changed over the past few years…a lot.

As a culture, we have essentially redefined interpersonal communication. The entire world is now only a click away. Did you know that on a regular basis we have marketing materials produced by people in Calgary, Salt Lake City, and California? Or that Paul Wong, our IT guru, has been travelling in Europe for the past several months and been managing our entire server from his Blackberry and laptop?
The cell phone, Internet and e-mail have become such an essential part of our everyday lives that we struggle to remember a time without them. It is hard to believe that just a few years ago, all most people knew about them is that they were supposed to be ‘the next big thing’.

Well Ladies and Gentlemen….there is a new ‘next big thing’. Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, and others… collectively coined “Social Media”…is altering the way we correspond with each other. Consumers now expect access to complete profiles and regular updates of those they interact with. From favorite pizza to recent employment history to pictures from their last birthday party, there is an expectation that they can find it, share it, and talk about it.

Their expectations of those they do business with are no different. Consumers are no longer content knowing just what a business does. Customers want to know how they do it, why they do it, and whom is doing it. They expect to be able to relate to the companies they do business with. Companies spend millions of dollars producing advertisements that feature no specific product, just their brands image.
At Laebon Homes, we are able to offer that relationship to our customers. The Facebook Group Page, Twitter Page, and the newly launched Laebon.com Blog will be key methods of communicating what the Laebon team is all about. By giving those interested in Laebon an opportunity to gain insight into the Laebon Team, we will give them a chance to be more connected to the home building process then has ever been possible before.

While the medium may be new, the fundamental principle remains the same. Effective communication with our homeowners is paramount to our success. These customers are the reason for our existence. These new communication outlets will allow us to establish a relationship (and generate sales) in a way that was never before possible. Our customers want to know us. They invite us into their homes every time they open the website, visit the Facebook page, or read the new blog. There aren’t many marketing tactics that can hold a candle to that. So log on and check it out; I know you don’t want to miss being a part of ‘the next big thing’.