Influence-ing Ideation

In the world of business, word of mouth is the pinnacle of success – individuals spreading the word about your product or service without incentive or reward – what most of us aim to achieve, right?

Now let’s take it one step further. As your most involved, engaged and connected who better to go to for product development and enhancement ideas? Who better to ensure that your limited investment will hit the mark and provide the needed returns? Some might say it’s a hole in one; a slam dunk.

A handful of companies have come to this same realization and have begun the evolution – from simply harnessing influencers to promote their business to leveraging these highly valuable individuals to help drive their business – one innovation at a time.

While the benefits seem obvious the pitfalls may not.

Join us as we share the possibilities of engaging this highly involved group to participate in the product development cycle – from simply providing feedback in an ad hoc way to formalizing a community and facilitating ongoing dialogue . Reviewing each stage of the product development cycle, we will show how influencers can be instrumental to your success. But a well crafted strategy needs to consider all aspects so we will also take the time to review the pitfalls of involving influencers in the process – what do you need to consider and plan for?

Key Takeaways:
1.     Understand why influencers lend themselves so well to the product development process
2.     Learn how influencers can be leveraged within the product development cycle
3.     Glimpse how leading companies are pioneering this new approach in word-of-mouth
4.     Discover the pitfalls that every marketer should be aware of as they venture into this new world of influencer innovation

Featured Speaker:
Gillian MacPherson
Sr. Director, New Product Development,
Word-of-mouth Specialist

Gillian is the driving force behind a new influencer marketing program from ICOM, the North American leader in data driven marketing solutions that engage consumers and build loyalty. This innovative program leverages the power of influential consumers, enabling brands to engage and nurture their natural brand ambassadors and execute large scale programs that transcend traditional word-of-mouth campaigns. Gillian joined ICOM in 2000 as a Senior Business Manager.

WOMMA Webinar
Free for Members | $30 for Nonmembers
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CT)
Register Here: http://sep29webinar.eventbrite.com/