Won't You Be My Neighbor?

It’s all coming full circle

In the south end of Brooklyn, there’s a little old corner bar with decades of tradition and history engrained in its musty wooden interior.

It’s just like the old TV show Cheers "where everybody knows your name"

That sounds nice, doesn’t it?

On the show, all the regulars know each other's names and life stories. The bartenders and staff also have a personal relationship with each customer, making it a home away from home.

Have you ever been to Mr. Rogers' neighborhood?

On the TV show, he spoke directly to the viewer, making them feel seen, heard, and valued. Each episode was like a personal visit with Mr. Rogers, creating a one-to-one connection with the audience.

He even invited you to be his neighbor.

These shows represented the times when people and businesses built relationships with each other.

It may seem like those days are long-lost relics of the past, but fast forward to today and take a look around.

We're seeing a renaissance of that one-on-one connection, but this time, it's digital.

The Monologue Era is Over

For years, brands have been broadcasting messages far and wide on their soapboxes. It was a one-way street, with minimal feedback loops.

The consumer had no voice.

Sure, there were surveys, but even those were monologues from consumer to brand. No dialogue, no real connection.

Speaking of dialogue - I’d really appreciate some feedback on this letter. Your reply specifically will help me make sure I’m delivering value to you with each send.

The Social Media Revolution

Enter social media. Suddenly, brands had to adapt or die. The monologue turned into a dialogue, and brands had to find their voice—literally.

• Characteristics: What makes your brand unique?

• Attitudes: What does your brand stand for?

• Opinions: Where does your brand weigh in on matters that count?

• Language: How does your brand talk?

• Tone: Is your brand serious, playful, professional?

• World Outlook: What's your brand's vision for the future?

The Return to Humanity

Think back to the local shopkeeper who knew every customer by name. Brands are now realizing that their reputation is their most valuable asset.

And what better way to build a reputation than through authentic, human relationships?

Millennials, we owe you one for holding brands accountable through the open forum of social media, and pushing them to become human again.

Your business MUST have a human voice in order to succeed in the coming decade.

So, Is Your Brand Keeping Up?

If you're still stuck in the broadcast era, it's time for a change.

👉 Implement a Brand Advocacy Marketing (BAM) strategy. I’ve designed a framework and have been helping clients implement this idea.

This isn't about cold outbound advertising. It's about nurturing existing relationships through effective email marketing and social media engagement.

Your Next Steps:

1. Audit Your Brand Voice: Ensure it aligns with your core values and resonates with your audience.

2. Engage, Don't Broadcast: Use social media to have conversations, not monologues.

3. Implement BAM: Use email marketing to nurture existing relationships and turn customers into advocates.

If this concept seems foreign to you let's hop on a free call to help map out your BAM Strategy.

Until next time,

Brian Orr

P.S. If you found value in this newsletter, share it with someone who could benefit from it. Let's grow together!