“Win more business through conversations not publications” – RDO7 breakout session with John Beckley and Steve Clarke
The digital world continues to shift and transform in new and exciting ways. One of the most significant changes in the last decade, has been the huge expansion in the use of social media, as an increasingly vital means of communication and conversation. This includes established social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Google Plus, and newer platforms like Instagram, Periscope and Snapchat.
There are literally billions of people around the world using social media to share content, interact, and find out new information. This trend has been further strengthened with the widespread use of smartphones in which all major social media channels have apps. For many, especially younger people, social media apps are the primary means through which they will find out about a brand, through Tweets, Snaps or photos on Instagram for example. These will either be directly from the companies themselves or through their friends, families, or celebrities they follow.
It is important for companies to have modern and highly functional websites, a well-written and regularly updated blog, and a sophisticated means of broadcasting content. These are all givens for brands today, but there is a limit to how much credibility and reputation this can build. Consumers are becoming ever more savvy and can easily and often switch between brands, rather than remaining loyal. This is why social media marketing is a vital element to any marketing strategy for virtually every business. This very much includes brands in the travel and timeshare industry.
By using social media effectively to create your own digital community, you will be able to engage with more people, reach a wider audience, and create a conversation about your product. As this community grows and your social media channels gain new followers, it is vital that you learn to become a good listener. A great conversation does not just involve broadcasting information, but also listening and learning, in this case from your guests.
“When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.” Dalai Lama
If you listen to what your guests are saying about your brand on social media, then you will learn what is working and where there is room for improvement. During this session, John and Steve will help show you how you can build a digital community, and why putting such a community at the heart of what you do will be an invaluable source for customer insight, engagement, advocacy, credibility and sales.
Speakers:
John Beckley – Marketing & Social Media Consultant
John and his team are currently contracted to work with RDO to help RDO and its member resorts embrace the digital transformation and engage people more effectively through social media. Prior to working with RDO, John spent 4 years as the digital marketing manager at Sands Beach Resort, Lanzarote, and 15 years running his own successful web design and online marketing company specialising in SEO and social media.
John also has over 20 years’ work experience in the timeshare industry, and is currently developing a personal branding course and job training for Resort Community Managers.
You can connect with John via Twitter – https://twitter.com/JohnBeckley and LinkedIn – https://es.linkedin.com/in/johnbeckley
Steve Clarke – Eureka Selling
Steve is a professional international speaker and serial entrepreneur. He is the author of the best-selling “How to thrive… not just survive” in which he spells out his formula for business success. Having spoken at a previous conference a few years ago and after recently recording a video series for RDO, Steve is back to share more of his great knowledge and expertise.
Steve has entertained, inspired and motivated audiences in more than 30 countries across 5 continents. Interesting, memorable and engaging, what Steve has to share on the subjects of sales, marketing and customer service can deliver transformational and lasting change.
Steve lives by his mantra:
“It’s your attitude that determines your altitude”
You can connect with Steve via Twitter – https://twitter.com/uksalesmentor and LinkedIn – https://uk.linkedin.com/in/uksalesmentor
The RDO7 conference 2016 is sponsored by CLC World Resorts & Hotels, Diamond Resorts International, Interval International and RCI at the Platinum level, and Dial An Exchange, Generator Systems and Shawbrook Bank at the Gold level. We thank them for their support.
