I-T Guys are NOT Marketing Guys

I received an inquiry the other day from a 14 employee company down south. 

They wanted to know about “Facebook Marketing Services.”

They heard we might be able to help them build targeted page likes and eventually turn those likes into customers and clients.

The guy was nice.

But here’s the problem…

He was not the owner of the company.

He was not “really” even the marketing person.

His words…

“I’m sorta the secondary “IT Guy” around here. I have a background in computers and blah, blah and blah.”

The Philly Guy in me wanted to say…

“Well, why the hell are you calling me?” But, I kept it civil.

He went on…

“I heard you can help us with Facebook Marketing, but I just wanta tell you that our website is being rebuilt right now. It’s been about three months and it should be done soon.”

STOP!

“The beginning phases of my Facebook marketing system does not really involve your website. So if you’re interested in Facebook Marketing let’s focus this brief conversation there and then we can set a more formal conference call and bring in your boss and anyone else.”

He continued…

“Well, with my IT Background and we’re doing yelp and linkedin but we just have to get it organized. I really feel we need to wait until our website is done blah, blah, blah.”

At this point…

“Dude, you’re talking in circles. But yes, I agree – if your website is not something you’re completely proud of I would be hesitant to do other forms of online marketing.

I understand how you feel.

However…

In order for me to even consider working with your company we need to schedule a formal conference call where I will ask questions… determine your objectives and decide if it makes sense for us to talk further.”

And that’s where I left it.

Here’s the issue…

When he said: “I have an IT Background.” (Chest Puffed)

According to Wikipedia

I-T is…

In a business context, the Information Technology Association of America has defined information technology as “the study, design, development, application, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems”.[5] The responsibilities of those working in the field include network administration, software development and installation, and the planning and management of an organization’s technology life cycle, by which hardware and software is maintained, upgraded, and replaced.

So where do you see the word MARKETING above?

Right! No where!

And the lesson here…

“Dorky IT Guys are Not Marketing People.”

They should not touch your marketing. In fact, when you’re discussing Internet Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Website Design, Mobile Marketing and anything else that has to do with marketing your small business give those guys something else to do. Perhaps something to tinker with?

Sure, I know… “Dorky IT Guys are Not Marketing People” is a blanket statement.

Narrow it down if you want…

“Dorky IT Guys Who Are Arrogant (“A-Word!”) and Think They Know It All Because They Can Turn on A Computer Are Not Marketing People.”

It’s been said over and over…

In it’s purest form – marketing is selling multiplied.

And even if you’re not into “Selling” you can not hide the fact – Marketing is designed to influence and persuade a likely “suspect” or “prospect” to consider doing business with you. Once the influence is in place and they trust you – you’re in.

Use technology to help you market your business. Just don’t think you need a “techie” to guide you through.