The Original Social Network

Folks are burying their faces into the online social network, but are neglecting the original community common thread–the local barber shop.

It occurs to me as I discuss Facebook while in line at Eakers Barber Shop in Edwardsville, Illinois. The proprietor refuses to befriend online social media, which prompts me to claim, “Kari, you are the original Facebook!”

As seen on TV, in the theaters and in real life, town folk sit and chat and gossip on anything from politics to sports to deals at the local butcher. What’s so different and enjoyable about a local barber shop over online social media? Maybe its real and tangible–the experience of it all. Not that sitting around in your underwear updating your status isn’t an experience, it is. It’s just not socially acceptable.

I encourage you to visit your local barber shop this week (with pants on) and spend a little time, face to face, not face-in-the-book.

To visit Eakers Barber Shop in Ed wardsville, IL you need to do it in person at 227 N. Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025-1603   p: 618 656 1128

Inside Eakers Barber Shop.

Filed under: 01 Be Simple. (Observations), barber shop, Creativille, Eakers Barber Shop, guerilla marketing, Main Street America, Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop, social networking, Steve Hartman, viral marketing

Self-Generated Viral Marketing

This is an example of a fan-generated response in the form of graffiti that defines self-generated viral marketing. It is the result of a groundswell of public support for a quality product. Other examples would be a Harley-Davidson tatoo, Nine Inch Nails graffiti, or a hand-made political sign. What are other examples that you can think of?

Filed under: 01 Be Simple. (Observations), Creativille, graffiti, guerilla marketing, Harley Davidson, Nine Inch Nails, Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop, Steve Hartman, twilight, viral marketing