Sounds of Marketing ™ Words—Missing Persons

 

Sounds of Marketing ™
Words—Missing Persons
Listen while you read

Do you hear me?

Not so much on a cell phone anymore. The average number of voice minutes per user has declined steadily the past few years. As if to emphasize the point, Verizon recently moved away from the ubiquitous “Can You Hear Me Now?” phrase in its advertising.

Do you care?

Not really. Less than half of traffic on cell phone networks is for talking. Instead, we use our cell phones to manage busy lifestyles and stay connected with friends, family and work via text messages and social media.

We communicate in Text Message Shorthand. Acronyms (cu l8r) replace phrases. Emoticons  Smiley   are supposed to show how we really feel but I don’t have one for my scrunched up face emoting sarcasm. What happens when we need to have an actual conversation?

My lips are moving and the sound’s coming out
The words are audible but I have my doubts
That you realize what has been said

Or need to read something more substantive than 140 characters?

You look at me as if you’re in a daze
It’s like the feeling at the end of the page
When you realize you don’t know what you just read

Probably a lot of miscommunication and missed opportunities.

What are words for when no one listens anymore?

More than a fifth of all voice messages are never listened to. Since voicemail allows for the caller’s inflection and some specifics, we’d be wise to not completely abandon it. And, of course, talking on the phone or in person provides the best opportunity for detailed communication.

Something has to happen to change the direction
What little filters through is giving you the wrong impression

Technology brings new communication opportunities and challenges. Texting is less intrusive and time consuming than talking. On the other hand, the informality and lack of detail limits effectiveness. While it’s understandable to focus on a quick and minimalist approach to save time, we also need to teach and mentor young and old to utilize multiple communication vehicles.

If no one notices
I think I’ll dye my hair blue

Let’s not get crazy now.

If you have a song suggestion for Sounds of Marketing, please let us know by emailing SoundsOfMarketing@massolutions.biz

 

 

David M. Mastovich, MBA, is the president of Massolutions, a Pittsburgh based Strategic Marketing firm that focuses on improving the bottom line for client companies through creative marketing, selling, messaging and customer experience enhancement.