Key Quotes on Conversation Marketing

Since I’ve got Conversation Marketing on the brain now, I figured I’d pull up some quotes about it from people who not only believe in in, but are creating the very methodologies for the practice itself:

From Tom Hespos of Underscore Marketing:

“I know it’s a scary concept because marketers think they have control over the marketing message. What they don’t realize is that for communication to have credibility in this sphere, it needs to be a two-way dialogue between human beings, not a one-way message from a marketing department to a “target audience.” When people within companies speak directly to the market, we recapture some of that “mom and pop-ness” we’ve lost over the years. Personally, I identify with brands that listen to me, demonstrate that my input is important and don’t keep me at arm’s length.”

And Happy Birthday, Tom!

From John Bell of Ogilvy Creative Studio:

“to me conversational marketing is the idea that you can get involved or convene a two-way discussion with people who may be customers or people who influence customer/constituent choices. The potential benefit for clients is greater brand loyalty or issue advocacy.”

And, of course, Chris Abraham

“Nobody owns conversation marketing. Conversation marketing is not a thing, it is an understanding and an agreement. It agrees that PR, advertising, marketing, politics, and business will stop resenting and reviling its very own clients, ‘the people’… marketing conversation is really what new media marketing should be.”

Notice the passion. “I identify with brands that listen to me…Don’t hold me at arms length.” “It agrees that PR, advertising, marketing, politics, and business will stop resenting and reviling its very own clients, ‘the people’” “Marketing conversation is what new marketing should be.”