Orange E-Business Advocate
This summer, Apple released its latest wireless networking device, the Airport Express. An improvement over earlier versions (yet successful in their own right), the Airport Express is appealing for four significant reasons:
But the purpose of this entry is not a product review. If you are interested in more details about this fine product, check out the review on Gizmodo with links to other opinions.
I went searching for a case study about businesses using Airport Express, but was disappointed to discover there were no good summaries on the topic. But with it's small price tag, I recommend that businesses (especially those that already own an Apple laptop or desktop computer) consider purchasing this wireless device and utilize its features for daily operation.
Besides the obvious benefit of a wireless network, consider using the power of music to enhance the customer experience within your establishment. Put your favorite albums onto your computer and set up a playlist for a constant stream of music throughout the day. Use Apple's iTunes software to replace the jukebox in your diner, restaurant, or bar. Get creative and think of unique ways to let your customers have a say in what music gets played, or allow them to contribute by bringing their own music!
The power of music can have a strong effect on the experience in your place of business, and if done right can yield plenty of rewards.
Judith Meskill over at The Social Software Weblog has a great site which follows the trends of social networking and upcoming internet technologies. Her post the other day is particularly relevant for individuals who are looking to capitalize on their social connections and get rewarded for referring their friends to use certain products and services. These people may be interested in the new service that has launched called Metails.com. To quote Judith:
"According to the company’s CEO and founder, Jared Morgenstern, 'We share our passions with friends and strangers everyday – the clothes we wear, the music we listen to, the tv shows we watch. These choices make their way into our conversations because they are part of our identities. On Metails, we make these choices central to your profile and we reward you for the implicit marketing your identity generates. It’s not just a novel concept for users - it’s a wake up call to retailers to start partnering with their best advertisers - their customers.'"
This concept is very important for small businesses who are trying to expand their market reach and spread the word about their products and services. The founder of Metails.com has hit the nail on the head: your best advertisers are your customers! Have you thought about ways to reward your loyal customers for referring people to your business? Wondering how you could manageably track referrals? Not even sure which of your customers love your products and services the most?
Metails.com will undoubtedly have a fair amount of success because they have a broad user base and and unending amount of products to promote. However, smaller networks can be just as succcessful at promoting your business and generating additional revenue. In a private area of your website, offer exclusive discounts for your loyal customers and give them specific promo codes to pass out to their friends. Using your website, you can easily track the effectiveness of your customer network, and give higher rewards to those who bring you more business.
The rest of Judith's post, along with more information about Metails.com, can be found here:
http://socialsoftware.weblogsinc.com/entry/7673671712412224/