Social media networks have become the forefront of opinion filled debates. In the case of Boeing vs. Hardy, Hardy sends his son’s airplane artwork to the Boeing corporation who then responses in a formal manner to an eight-year-old child. Hardy uses twitter to receive opinions on the matter.
Read article here: http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/03/boeings-social-media-lesson/
Firstly, Boeing was not expecting to receive mail from one of its young customers. Indeed, eight-year-old, Harry Winsor, is a frequent loyal customer. He travels with his father often. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that he would have adoration for airplanes.
Boeing hadn't previously needed to response to young customers. This opportunity came up and now have they may have a new way to communicate to a larger range of customers.
The Harry's father using this matter to publicize the issue via twitter does not seem like a publicity stunt to get headlines for his company. However, it was an interesting matter to share with his twitter followers and in fact it did became well spread quickly.
I would send my child’s artwork to the company because it may spark someone from their creative department to advance further ideas they might have not thought of. A child's imagination is extensive and it could possibly help an adult's mind think outside the box. Granted that they might have not used his idea in its entirety but it could have formed further ones.
It’s important that companies remain open minded. In this case, they evidently have a young loyal customer send them some ideas. Whether they were to use them or not, it was important for the company to acknowledge the customer and possibly response in an age appropriate manner for the situation at hand.
With this situation, if the company wants to begin using social media networks to communicate with their audiences they need to be more aware of who their audience is including demographics.
Boeing was able to make it right because of those giving opinions on twitter. Boeing emailing the father of the child was an appropriate response to aftermath.
Even more exciting, Harry's father's efforts allowed Harry to get great attention concerning his artwork, including the contest started based on his idea. Others were able to join in on the fun: http://www.iloveplanes.com/airplane-pictures/my-submissions-to-the-harry-winsor-design-your-own-aircraft-show/
photo credit: Aubrey Cohen/seattlepi.com
