Recently, we received a comment on one of our blog posts "Things Just Keep Looking Up!" regarding concerns that we would lose our 'autonomy' following our recent partnership with Citysearch.
Hollywood says:
I have evaluated CitySearch in the recent past and found their interface to be poor and their business model sticks it to the small guy - not to mention their customer service is weak. I hope you can maintain your autonomy on this one. I smell an exit strategy and if that is true good luck(I dont blame you). It was nice to work with you.
First of all, we began this company fighting for the little guys out there - drawing from a background of growing up around family-owned businesses. The same businesses you see today that don't have the marketing and advertising budgets of say, a Wal-Mart or a McDonald's. It is because of your support, and the more-than 320,000 business owners in our network, that we innovate and think the way we do.
Our partnership with Citysearch is designed to bring you more customers, advertising options, more business neighbors in your network, and did we mention more customers? Our autonomy is never more apparent than now, as we continue to seek out new partners that will benefit and give you the lowest cost, easiest-to-use, advertising products and options anywhere on the web.
The 'little guy' isn't just you, it's us and always has been. Thank you for being part of what we have and Happy New Year to the 'little guy!'
Sincerely,
Kevin
Community Relations
MerchantCircle
I fear too that joining Citysearch will leave smaller companies like us in the dust.
ReplyDeleteI feel "the little guy" will always need ways to get the word out. Do you see Walmart anywhere on Merchant Circle? Of course not. Merchant Circle is full of Litle Guys, because we get what we can where we can. If partnering with Citysearch is what MC feels will help us get the word out, then I am in full support of this strategic move. Thanks MC, for your innovation, your genius and a job well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments and if you ever feel like we're getting too far away from our mission - let us know. Your words speak loudly.
ReplyDeleteWell, let's all not panick and air on the side of "realism." It's the "little guy" that has made Merchant Circle what they are today. Without them (us,me) MC's "branding" goes to heck in a handbasket. I highly doubt that "strategery!" Having said that, I must applaud MC for helping me to obtain solid prospects in my area. Have to scoot out now to present another proposal. Thanks MC! LA Fiore Bay Area Graphics & Marketing,Tampa, Florida
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