Predictions for 2009

You're going to hear this a lot, but 2008 was a hell of a year. I don't think anyone saw all that coming and the ramifications, both good and bad, will be felt well into 2009. So on that note, we offer you our humble predictions for the world in 2009.

It's about who's listening, not talking
2008 saw the rise of social media into the mainstream. Everyone was talking about it, and through it, and with it, and, well just talking. A lot. Billions of conversations. But who was listening? Fresh Peel looked into their rear view mirrors and asked some big names in marketing who was the best at listening in 2008. The most mentioned? Dell, Southwest, Zappos. The surprise: Big Oil? Well, you'll have to read the post to figure out how the oil companies got mentioned in the same breath as Zappos.

The lesson here? Online it's about listening, now more than ever. Everyone is talking. So much so that you can't possibly keep up with all the conversations. But if you listen to what your customers are saying you'd be amazed at the inroads you can make. Dell (via twitter) helps get a cheap replacement part (via eBay) to a customer. Zappos CEO twitters honestly about his company, even when they have to layoff employees for the very first time. Pizza hut lets you order a pizza via facebook. These guys aren't slapping together a myspace page and gathering up random friends. They're taking the time and effort required to have an honest conversation with the people they serve. They are listening first, then thinking like a human (rather than a corporate lawyer), and responding in an honest and genuine way. If you'd like to succeed online in 2009 I suggest you do the same.

The Recession will effect you in ways you cannot predict
Perhaps this is an oxymoronic prediction, but I believe it to be true. Bottom line: you will need to re-evaluate how you spend your marketing dollars. Cutting a marketing budget altogether can be dangerous. Look out how Kodak has faded from public view over the last 10 years. They used to be in the top 25 most valuable brands in the world. In 2007 they were 78th. In 2008 they didn't make the list (of 100.) Kodak cut it's marketing budget down to barebones and *just like that* everyone forgot about them. There's a few other reasons of course (if your products have built-in amazingness it helps too) but you get the idea.

What you can do: outsmart, don't outspend. The idea that launched the Fallon ad agency so many years ago still rings true. Don't try to spend yourself out of this recession, but rather use it as a time to re-invent and inject innovation into every thing your company does. Can't afford your usual newspaper ad? Try a facebook page at a fraction of the cost and see if it doesn't increase your connection with your customers (I bet it will.) Can't rent those giant inflatable humanoid figures that flap in the wind (side note: seriously, auto dealerships where's the proof that those have ever, ever lead anyone into your lot?)? Create a video and help it go viral and see how many people talk about your business...for years to come. The possibilities are endless, but you have to be willing to step out of your marketing comfort zone and embrace these new mediums to see results. If you're not willing to do that you might consider the next prediction:

Everyone will become a bank. Everyone will be bailed out
OK, so this one might be a little far fetched, but did you know that the federal form for bailout money is only two pages long? Have you ever gotten a car loan that was only two pages long? Maybe it's time to launch Reel Motion Media Bank Holding Company, Inc. Stay tuned on that one for 2009...

You will succeed. And we can help.
The most successful companies in 2009 will partner with companies that bring experience, creativity, practical strategy and cost effective results to the table. Know anyone who does that? (hint: look below).


Got your own predictions? Or a reason why we're way off? Or right on? Let's hear it in the comments. Oh, and happy new year!

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Reel Motion Media Inc., is a Video & Web Marketing company that understands how to maximize your company's exposure in the internet of tomorrow. Reel Motion has full video production capabilities and an experienced web marketing staff that will make every dollar of your budget count, even if your budget is only a dollar. Contact them today at info@reelmotioninc.com for more information on taking your company to the next level.