Grown Up Thinking

Barack Obama’s presidential campaign has already showcased the power of social media and other innovative means of communication; examples not only to other politicians, but best practices for marketers as well. Obama’s brand has been built on inclusiveness, openness and one of building true passionate communities. These are some of the very same pillars we repeatedly stress to our clients on how to speak to this new generation of consumers who have grown up in a world where communication lines have been thrown wide open.

Now, Obama’s presidency seeks to redefine the communication between the President and the nation. Obama has already set up a website with a blog to update citizens on what they are working on as well as areas where people can submit their own stories and feedback to the President. Obama just recently announced that he will be giving a weekly address on YouTube as he seeks to contiue to destroy communication barriers and get people further involved in their government.

While the political ramifications of this alone are significant, imagine what this presidency will do to consumer expectations from brands. Brands are all ready rapidly finding out that word now quickly travels; both good and bad, and that fewer secrets are able to be kept with consumers. Once the nation sees a President able to share and reach out for ideas and feedback, they will demand the same from all brands.

A great site for Sprint that beautifully illustrates the Consumer 2.0 insight that bite-sized communications dominate.

Plug Into Now compiles small fragments of information onto one easily manageable page that changes dynamically and can be downloaded for use on Facebook, Myspace, and iGoogle. It’s admittedly quite mesmerizing (and the soothing voice doesn’t hurt either).

Visit Plug In Now.