Dell Gets It

Nov 17th, 2008 Written By Cheryl Smith

Dell understands that in order to build a successful community, you have to adopt an “it’s not about me” attitude. From Dell’s perspective, it’s about people like:

Cindy Kraft
Lea Woodward
Christopher Doherty
Edward Branley
Stephen (no relation) Smith
It’s even about me. And it’s about you if you are a digital nomad.

Digital Nomads
Dell launched Digital Nomads as a way to help people connect and engage around the “work or play from anywhere” lifestyle. They’re providing the space and providing value by connecting people to tips, ideas and to other nomads. But it’s not about Dell.

Don’t get me wrong, they’re pouring resources into the site and hopefully are seeing some ROI and ROE (return on engagement). But Dell isn’t “that guy” – spewing forth information about their brand on their site and in their tweet streams.

A recent tweet is proof.

Watch the video below and see if you notice what I did.

Aside from some really weird hair, did you see anything noteworthy? Dell highlighted a video about a digital nomad that included a product shot of a well-known competitor. I’m guessing many PC users may not even notice. Other nomads might.

All that is beside the point. You see, Dell gets it. They understand that community is about collaboration and providing the space for people to engage. It’s not about fierce competition. I noticed and if anything, my perception of their brand is even more positive as a result.

What do you think? And does this enhance or detract from your perception of Dell? Weigh in by leaving your comment, along with your thoughts about successful community building and brand perception.

See more about digital nomads here and here.

paisano

Yes, Dell does get it and by the millions! Deservedly so I might add. I've been in the iT game a long time and I've dealt with all the big boys and Dell has won in the workplace because they listened to their customers and adapted to our needs. Customer support is no joke with Michael Dell and company. We geeks pick their servers, workstations, flat panels, printers and laptops because we know that when (not if) there are problems we will get instant help from Dell support either on the phone, in person or online in live chat (my favorite method cause it's the quickest..I can open a ticket

Edward Branley (YatPundit)

While I don't disagree that Dell "gets it," it's important to remember that they're doing very well for themselves in terms of both corporate and SMB sales of desktop/notebook systems. They don't feel the need to be overly aggressive or competitive in this regard, and probably resist advice from professionals who might suggest such courses of action.

and thanks for the props :-)

Bruce Eric Anderson (aka bruce

Thanks, @cherylsmith999. I loved this video when I saw it and knew other Digital Nomads would as well. I take my kids to the circus a lot and really enjoy Bello. Interesting that his biggest challenge is finding a post office, bank and grocery store. I wonder how many others would agree with that. And yes, I did see the laptops from Apple in there but as you said, our reason for the site is not so much about Dell Latitude laptops but on the overall lifestyle of being a nomad. Thanks for your post and for spreading the word. This is a HUGE community and, really, everyone that owns a laptop is a nomad these days. You don't have to travel 50 weeks a year like Bello to be a nomad.

Dell Gets It

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