Data: Real-Time Companies Are More Successful

David Meerman Scott is a successful marketing author and speaker who just launched his latest book, Real-Time Marketing and PR.  As part of his book launch, Scott is giving away a free ebook: Real-Time: How Marketing & PR at Speed Drives Measurable Success. For his book and ebook, Scott conducted research that examined the communications infrastructure and stock price of the top 100 companies on the Fortune 500 list.

Scott uncovered an interesting correlation: Companies that participate in real time are more successful. During the period he measured – closing price on December 31, 2009 through closing price on September 3, 2010 (when the book Real-Time Marketing & PR went to print) – the stock prices of 67% of companies that operate in real time were up, while only 42% of companies that do not operate in real time were up 2010 year-to-date.

What is Real Time?

According to Scott, “Real time means news breaks over minutes, not days. It means ideas percolate, then suddenly and unpredictably go viral to a global audience. It’s when companies develop (or refine) products or services instantly, based on feedback from customers or events in the marketplace. And it’s when businesses see an opportunity and are the first to act on it.”


Real-time communication is causing organizational changes and is impacting how companies organize staff and implement strategies. In an interview Scott conducted with Coca-Cola, Petro Kacur, senior manager of marketing communications, said, “There has been a convergence and blurring of lines between traditional ‘communications’ and ‘marketing.' This has changed our view of the communications function and how we engage with our consumers. We are moving from a monologue to a dialogue. In recognition of these growing trends and their impact on our company’s reputation, in March 2009 we formed an office of digital communications and social media. [This office] will help us become even more comfortable and effective in these new spaces.”

Becoming a Real-Time Company

In his ebook, Scott provides examples of how companies have made the transition to the real-time web. Some of the primary steps he outlines include:

• Build a Team
• Monitor What’s Being Said 
• Develop Guidelines and Train Staff  
• Engage With the Market 

Check out Scott's ebook for a more in-depth look at real-time marketing and PR practices and to learn which companies are winning and losing the real-time battle.

Save Your Seat: ROI of Real-Time Webinar with David Meerman Scott

Tune in to be one of the first to learn about David's research on the ROI of real-time engagement.

Save your seat for the live webinar on November 1st.

Comments

Posted by Kipp Bodnar on Mon, Nov 01, 2010 @ 10:30 AM