Have you heard the term O2O yet?  If you haven't, you will.  It stands for Online to Offline and it's the newest strategy in marketing.  It is actually considered to be one of the top trends to shape small businesses in 2011.  While most small businesses focused on getting online and involved with social media last year, the trend this year will be to integrate the online marketing with the offline marketing.

The O2O marketing strategy provides a more personal experience by bringing people from your online networks to your offline networks.  This is done by connecting and engaging with people online and then inviting them to your store, a networking event, a Chamber meeting, for coffee or lunch.  I have met many people "in real life" that started as online friends or connections.  Some have turned into great friends and some are now clients.

There were many predictions last year about traditional marketing being dead.  While it may have slowed down, it definitely seems to be making a comeback.  People miss seeing people, the handshakes, and real conversations.  Networking groups have increased nationwide, thanks to the popular site Meetup.com.  In this high-tech world, people still need high-touch.  I've always believed that you need a combination of both traditional and technology styles of marketing.  This past year I've helped clients establish an online presence for their business and implement social media marketing.  Now, it's time to integrate that with offline meetings and events.  Online and offline marketing will be working together!

So, add the O2O strategy to your marketing plan for 2011 and have fun meeting people. Let us know your thoughts on O2O!