Monday 26 April 2010

Embracing the "bottom-up" nature of the Internet

"The companies that will thrive - the companies that are thriving - are those that embrace the bottom-up nature of the Internet culture." In the final chapter of his book Joe Trippi outlines what was learnt through the course of the Dean Campaign in the prospective 2004 Presidential election campaign, which acted as a pioneer and record breaker in use of the Internet.

As they are very relevant to business and non-profit sectors alike, I will write tomorrow in more depth on his seven points for businesses/instiutions/candidates. Trippi argues that the companies that "...make the turn[to embracing the bottom-up internet culture] will be those that figure out how to empower their customers to have a say in the products they buy and use." That as a result customers will become part of the process, naturally forming a community around the product or service. And that your company will improve for it. Customers will offer better and more appropriate ideas than your organistion alone can produce.

The idea that so many businesses and charities seem to be missing is that we the users and customers can be part of so much and can be far more engaged than at any time previously by what the internet makes possible. Where feedback can be instant. Where ideas can be discussed and improved upon without the need for formed and polished presentation beforehand. In which customers are valued and given ownership and sense of belonging. Do you agree? Are you engaging on the Internet?

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