Your Questions About Doing Business Online World
William asks…
How far has social media changed the way people do business in the UAE?
What is the reach of social media in the UAE? Do businesses know about it or use it?
Jere answers:
As with many other parts of the world, people in the UAE have embraced social media and adoption is still growing. With more than 2 million Facebook users in the UAE (some 40% of the population) and 0.5 million LinkedIn users, it would be hard to argue that social media is not relevant to doing business and to purchasing in the UAE. Many people routinely look up business and purchasing information on the Internet and seek recommendations and opinions via social media. The last time Spot On PR asked its Twitter followers who Googles business contacts prior to a first meeting, 80% said they always looked up new contacts prior to a meeting. Our September Internet survey with Effective Measure found that 48% of UAE Internet users actually purchased online.
So, with so many people using social media on a daily basis, it would then make sense that B2B and consumer businesses in the UAE are tapping into the social media opportunity, right? Well, the truth is not so straight forward. It is true that many businesses have been experimenting with Facebook pages. An increasing number have moved on from static websites to sites that host more dynamic content. However, a scarce few have a plan or process that integrates and links-up different online and offline activities. Fewer still have done this in a transparent, consumer-centric fashion that social media now demands of business and marketers.
Charles asks…
What do you call these phrases, and when someone speaks in them?
In the business world it seems that everyone at a certain pay level begins speaking in strange phrases that have a double, literal meaning other than what is really meant. What is this called? Here’s a few examples:
There’s a new sheriff in town.
He threw his coworker under the buss.
Monkey see, monkey do.
When the cat’s away, the mice will play.
We’ll have to touch base with him.
Its the ninth inning, folks.
We’ll run it up the flagpole, and see who salutes.
Jere answers:
Idioms are phrases that have a common and different meaning than do the definition of each of the words individually. There are idiom sites and connections online; wikipedia provides an acceptable overview on this topic.
Ken asks…
how do i set up a paypal account in nigeria?
I live and work in Nigeria and I have currently moved part of my retail business online. I’ve heard it said that Paypal is the best for e-commerce especially in the absence of a credit/debit card, and so I decided to set up an account. However, I found that the ‘country’ list in the registration form does not include Nigeria. How then do I set up an account, or what other options do I have? Thank you.
Jere answers:
You can’t. Nigeria is banned. Nigeria is the scam capital of the world. Even mention the name Nigeria and no one will do business with you.
Edit: Thumbs down? Someone doesn’t believe me:
Daniel asks…
I’m thinking about using explanimation to promote my business. Is it a good idea?
I heard they are a really great way to promote a business online. What do you think about it? What exactly are advantages and disadvantages of this approach and why is it better than other online marketing strategies?
Jere answers:
And here is a more comprehensive article on the subject:
http://www.archipelago.co.uk/blog/explanimation-a-world-beating-format/
Obviously, using an Explanimation is not a ‘strategy’ in itself – but they are an excellent medium to sit within your overall online video strategy.
Donna asks…
To what extent do you think of the effectiveness of social network marketing?
There is a tendency that various kinds of industries are doing business through SNS.
What do you think of this trend?
Jere answers:
Actually, it is a tendency to marketing on SNS. As the exploding development of Internet, it has become an essential part of daily life, especially for the young generations. It appears that the young generation spend a lot of time online. Also, thanks to social networks, the world is getting smaller. Marketing online helps company to radiate larger customer groups. In addition, Many companies target on younger people had already chose SNS as a main marketing method. Indeed, social network do bring business to those companies. For example, facebook has been regarded as one of the best SNS channels. You can visit the facebook page of ikea, amazon, jollyhome, and etc. To see how welcomed these pages by their fans and how hot those products are discussed on under promotion.
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