I read numerous blog posts related to Internet marketing and particularly enjoyed one entitled “5 Ways to Open the Social Side Door and Build Relationships“. It’s a guest blog on Jay Baer’s popular site.

The post talks about what’s missing from current sales and marketing initiatives – creativity.

I remember when personal computers were introduced into offices and something called software allowed you design and print your very own brochures. WOW. What most folks found out, however, is that just because you can doesn’t mean you should. It makes a difference what the call to action is, what typeface is used and who the target audience happens to be.

While this blog talks about the “side door”, it alludes to the fact that social media and online marketing require the same creativity. You still need folks to get through the maze of finding you and beating out the competition. A prospect needs to consider you a potential partner and someone who can help solve their problems. In other words – they want someone with the creativity to do things a bit differently. But hasn’t that always been the case?

Don’t get me wrong. There have been big changes in the buying process. But when buyers take the initiative, you still need to do your part by making the trip worthwhile for your prospects. If you don’t have the creativity in-house (most do not), go rent it.

What have you done creatively to help drive prospects to a buying decision for your company?

Photo Credit: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/449639