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Season 1, Episode 8 | 7 mins

The Conversologist Has Evolved

12 Jul 2019 | Jam Mayer

Will you accept her challenge? 

The art of digital engagement is changing fast; but so are we, in the ways we use it and the expectations we have.

Chief Conversologist Jam Mayer reflects on the changes, on the challenges faced by digital marketers in this evolving landscape, but also on those truths that remain unchanged.

Hosts & Guests

Jam Mayer

Resources

Episode Conversation

Topics that were discussed:

  • Beginnings of The Conversologist
  • How has it evolved?
  • Are you up for the challenge to be one?

Episode Transcript

Introduction

[00:00:05.015]
Welcome to the Conversologist podcast, where we talk about the art and science of conversations in the digital space. We know that technology can be a powerful enabler in the customer journey from marketing to customer service. But communication and emotional connection still need to be at the core. I invite you to converse with me.

[00:00:27.035]
We are now on Episode eight. I missed a few weeks and gutted, really gutted to have lost the weekly momentum due to personal reasons.

[00:00:39.065]
Let’s just say my other life got in the way of progress, but I’m back stronger than ever. I decided to do this episode on my own as it was important for me to go back to the reason why I started this podcast in the first place. It also gives me a chance to focus on topics around being a Conversologist and make sure I don’t veer away from what is relevant to the cause, so to speak.

The Beginnings of the Word "Conversologist"

When I coined the term Conversologist, it started as a means to align with my company’s branding.

[00:01:16.625]
I thought what would be a good word to use when I do my elevator pitch? What’s that word that will let people continue the conversation with me? And that was about, I don’t know, five, six years ago. I mean, it still works to this day and definitely a great conversation starter during networking.

[00:01:39.035]
And it opened up the discussion around social media, which I believe was truly about engagement and community.

[00:01:46.295]
You know, that’s why I love this space, not because it was the in-thing well at the time, or it was a way to broadcast to many people through algorithms we have no control of. I mean, I go on social media networks daily not just to spy on friends or family or maybe to share my latest lunch, but mind you, I still do. But in my own nerdy way, believe it or not, is to observe and analyze how people use the technology.

[00:02:19.205]
Even before I move to New Zealand, I was immersed in this world of organic posting, experimenting how commercialism was at work, where communities started to thrive or even die. Seeing how it’s used to sell the magic formula of becoming a millionaire, the art of spamming, advertising, broadcasting and how it became a tool for change both good and bad.

As years have gone by and with the work that I’ve done around customer service, training and digital marketing, with the new technologies and how our behaviours have changed or have been changing, still is, with the new generations that are coming in, this word, for me, Conversologist, has definitely evolved.

It is Evolving

[00:03:13.235]
It is now bigger than just a conversation starter. It’s even bigger than just a word that can connect to my company’s branding. It’s definitely more than that. Knowing how things change so fast with technology. And, you know, we try to keep up…us being overwhelmed with all this input and signals. One thing remained the same. Genuine and meaningful conversations have proven to be a long term solution to a good digital experience.

[00:03:47.715]
Unfortunately, a lot has lost sight of this simple fact.

[00:03:51.515]
Truth be told, I’ve been taken away from this belief so many times just to cope or out of desperation. What I’ve noticed is when I’m away from my so-called zone or element and in this belief, I’m actually miserable.

How has it Evolved?

[00:04:09.725]
So, OK, what is the new and improved Conversologist? Right. So how has it evolved?

[00:04:17.435]
The new and improved Conversologist is an advocate. I’m going to use that word strong enough as I can. I think it is a strong word as it is. A Conversologist is an advocate of bringing the customer’s experience to a positive level within. Of course, as you all know, us marketers would know the customer journey through conversations.

[00:04:43.865]
So it doesn’t really matter what you do, whether you’re a social media manager, CX writer, digital marketer, chatbot designer, marketing automation specialist, web developer, analyst. I can go on and on or a leader of your own organization.

You are a Conversologist

[00:05:02.315]
If you believe and truly want to create work that will move the needle back to one on one meaningful and genuine conversations and away from the mass one way spammy type of communication. It’s about me, me, me. If you know what I mean? Then you are a Conversologist. 

I mean, I’m still going through my own journey as one, but I’d like to challenge you and I’m going to use that word challenge. Wherever you are in the world. You know, I’d like you to be one. I’d like you to join me in this quest because it isn’t a feat that can be done by only one person.

I mean, I’d love it if you could connect and converse with me to showcase the work you’re doing or have done that is aligned to this belief. And mind you, it doesn’t have to be big. As I say in theatre, because I love theatre. I used to be in theatre. There are no small roles. Everyone has their part to play, to tell the full story and definitely make a difference.

Closing

[00:06:15.305]
So leave a voice message via the Anchor FM app or through social media channels so that I can share your work as a Conversologist.

[00:06:26.135]
Hey, even better if you’re into hash tagging that include hashtag Conversologist when showcasing your work. That way I know I’m not alone in this journey and I can be your cheerleader to keep on going. Till the next episode. Thanks for listening.

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