We all know the positive aspects of social media, but our new electronic word of mouth can also do harm. One of my favorite Columbia restaurants has experienced both the positive and negative aspects of social media – Za’s Brick Oven Pizza was also a favorite of Women’s Gamecock Basketball Coach, Dawn Staley. Staley is a local celebrity fond of Za’s and Twitter, historically she posted Tweets about her plans to dine there (multiple times a week) and host meetings with her team at the restaurant.
Unfortunately she had a bad experience there in early July and Tweeted she would not return… as a result influenced 1500 followers. Details aren’t published in The State but Za’s has made some personnel changes and hopes to have her back in the near future.
For marketers, it’s important to remember that you aren’t the only one influencing your social destiny… a simple disagreement/ misunderstanding could have greater impact and a small Tweet could have greater meaning. To be effective, you must keep watch, reply, repost and/ or respond when it makes sense.
P.S. If you’re in Columbia, the Three Cheese Za is well worth a try.
