Crowdsourcing, or “sourcing your crowd” for input and solutions, is a great way to engage your audience and invite customers to co-create products and services. For example, we have a webinar series called BOOKED for Lunch where once a month we interview a best-selling business book author. When we first had the idea for the series, we put a message out on Twitter and Facebook that said, “We have a new series and we’re looking for a name.” We explained the new series and asked our audience for input about the name. People sent it about 15 different ideas; then we picked the top seven or eight and created an online survey where people could vote the name they like best. “BOOKED for Lunch” won by a landslide – and it was actually a suggestion made by a member. (So, as a bonus we were able to acknowledge and promote the member for her contribution in creating this new series!) If you’re on the verge of launching a new product or service, consider crowdsourcing. It’s a great way to get feedback from the people who matter most: your customers! You’ll be surprised how willing and generous people will be if you engage them in what you’re doing.
Crowdsourcing tips
- Asking a question and getting responses is not actually crowdsourcing. When you ask the question, go back and get the votes on the ideas. Now you are really harnessing the power of the crowd.
- While social networks weren’t created for crowdsourcing, they can be a great source of feedback and input. Those that participate in social networks tend to be willing to tell you what they think. Your job is to ask the right questions.
- People will respond to a crowdsourcing request if it’s clear what is in it for them. So, let them know. Is it recognition, a better service for them, monetary exchange? It doesn’t matter which, people appreciate being informed.
One of the best books I’ve read on the subject of crowdsourcing is Aliza Sherman’s The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Crowdsourcing. Aliza was our guest on the BOOKED for Lunch author series and we discussed this book. Best wishes, Suzi
