Even though I am a preacher of social media, I do believe that there can be integration into traditional media, if done right.  There is a local bank that does radio spots of over a minute and tells the story of their customer.  I actually listen!

Brilliant!

If I was a business looking for a bank I would pick them based on their promotion of others (and of course I would ask around what bank my friends use and what their experince has been).  And then I would find out the real truth.

I was talking to a friend about this bank & how great it is that they promoted her business and it was such a great story.  Then she told me the truth…they are jerks and she was looking for a new bank – even after the “free” publicity and air time.

Wow. What Is the a negative cost per customer on that?  My friends “real story” will be the first thing I think of from now on when I hear people talking about business banking in general.

Lesson learned? You can talk a good game & try to cover up the facts with fancy talk, but when it comes right down to it, the truth will come out.  Wouldn’t it just be easier to treat your clients with respect rather than your marketing department trying to put rosy glasses on the general public?