At my workplace, I’m always hard at work being the “social” voice of our clients. I frequently scan conversations to see how we can influence the dialogue. Whether it’s an opportunity or an issue that needs addressing, we pride ourselves in being proactive and becoming involved socially. It’s a bit of effort, but it really makes a positive difference with the customers, your brand and the client.

Being said, I’m a huge advocate of brands that do the same thing. I’m going to share two instances that occurred recently:

1.) Charles & Charles: A few months ago, I had a bottle of Charles & Charles Rose wine at my favorite little Brookline neighborhood restaurant The Regal Beagle. My girlfriend loved it (and I was a fan too) so I made it a Valentine’s Day mission to hunt down a bottle for us. I called every liquor store in the near vicinity, but nobody was carrying any–they couldn’t keep it on the shelves. In a move of inspiration (or desperation?), I tweeted the owner about my predicament. Within an hour I got a response where he guided me to a store in South Boston that carried it. How cool is that? Bravo, Charles Bieler. Here’s the conversation (reversed ala Cotweet’s conversation formatting)
2.) Turner Fisheries: I was at a marketing event last week where panelists outlined social media success stories. One involved Turner Fisheries, who began a foursquare promotion that gives you 20% of your purchase just for checking in. While some may argue this move cheapens the brand, I say whatever–honestly, I would go back several times based on this promotion. Anyway, when this promo was brought up at the event, I tweeted: “Wow, 20% off your entire order at @TurnerFisheries if you checkin via foursquare. Anyone game for some post-#pubclubofne chowda?” Nobody really took me up on my offer, but Turner responded the next business day, asking:

Nice, Turner Fisheries. Although I didn’t make it over, I sure will be stopping by soon!

It’s really great to see brands reaching out and responding to individual users. Of course it sounds cheesy, but really, it makes me (the consumer) feel special. So keep it up, Charles Bieler and Turner. You’re the pioneers of the social revolution.

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