"When we align ourselves with the opinions of others without examination, we are robbing ourselves of the
opportunity to analyze our own preferences and desires, to determine our own solutions. We miss the chance to review the criteria others are utilizing, to question their biases and seek our own inspiration. In stunting the development of our own individual perspectives and initiatives, we trap
ourselves in lives that appear to be predestined, and deny the possibility of realizing our personal potential."
Apparently the person who works tirelessly, giving respite, providing solutions - and being known for this is the ultimate WOM agent - spreader of the WOM contagion ;0)
mouse over pink highlight - see who's the best contagion agent - buzz - Word of Mouth!
Call it viral, buzz or word-of-mouth advertising: Getting customers to spread the word about a new product through their social or professional networks is a hot strategy in the marketing world. Its proponents insist that the technique -- whether online or face-to-face -- is sure to boost a company's return on investment (ROI).
Who's the Leader?
The study indicates that the spread of a product by word-of-mouth -- what the authors call "contagion" -- can and does happen over social networks. The study also indicates that marketers may need to re-think whom they identify as the best seeding points in their word-of-mouth campaigns.
Reputation Matters
Physician 184 didn't stand out as a "self-reported opinion leader," but he did stand out in the second group. He was known widely in the local community because he was very involved with treating patients suffering from the disease, and worked tirelessly and closely with colleagues to solve problems and get things done
Eliz, this one is for you links to Guerilla Marketing - useful for angels and networks we are trying to build. We can link this to a persona - remind me ;0)
RockYou widget is the most viewed by far, scoring 2,257,505 impressions.
However, it has only raised $69 during that time, suggesting that the conversion
rate might be low. That said, we’re all for promoting good causes on Mashable,
and the combination of viral widgets and a positive message should be pretty
powerful.
Don't think that the dough will rise high with widgets asking for donations! - as this mashable article shows. 2.2million views but only $69.00 raised. So it works for awareness! - but does the relationship have to be built further before getting the money? - What about farming opinions? - feedback?
Community organisations are increasingly agents of the state, and no longer radical champions of social justice.
Ruth Townsley, Voice and Impact manager, questions whether community organisations are losing their critical voice.
The independent voice of the sector, the voice that challenges the 'one size fits all' policies of government, and which calls to account statutory services, the voice which connects with marginalised groups of many types to ensure they are not bypassed by the generic central government solutions, is being eroded.
If you are drawing down public funding, there has to be some agreement between funder and community organisation - otherwise why would we be given the money? I think we have to be subversive and creative, and tweak funding to fulfil our learners' needs.