We usually talk about business-to-business technology marketing here, but I have to share another story today. This one is about personal style and how one company uses blogging to show customers love. Whether you run marketing for a consumer or B2B company, you’ll learn from this quick story because your customers want to feel loved, too.

The pinup girl meets the B2B tech geek

Mobile Edge manufactures designer-inspired laptop computer bags and cases. We all need one, but if you’re like me, you’re tired of lugging around that ugly black nylon monstrosity. (Okay, I do have pink hair and might be a little more consumed with style than the average B2B tech geek but bear with me, there’s a no-cost marketing tip here for you.)

I learned that Mobile Edge produces edgy, retro-styled laptop bags featuring actual pulp magazine images from the 1940s and 50s.

I. Had. To. Have. One.

And being in PR, I had to tell everyone – clients, my Twitter community, office mates, industry colleagues, random strangers shopping and dining at the Irvine Spectrum, and others – about it. Smart marketers and customer enthusiasts Mobile Edge took my story and picture and placed it on their blog. The result: I’m talking about them again with you.

The cost to them to get another PR pro to talk about their Maddie Powers retro product line: nothing. The likelihood that I recommend Mobile Edge to others and return to them for my next laptop bag purchase: a guarantee.

The take-away for you: tell your customers’ stories. Start a conversation with them. Find out their passions. Learn why they buy your product or service. Understand how to help them do their jobs better, and you’ll not only have a customer success story, you’ll have a relationship you can nurture and build.

Now it’s your turn: how have you used customer stories? Let us know.

NexGen Digital CEO Lisa Taylor & Remarx Media Chief Rabble-Rouser Cara Stewart walk the red carpet at TACA's Ante Up for a Cure celebrity poker tournament and fundraiser

Yesterday, I wrote about the four things I am thankful for as a public relations professional. Today, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I acknowledge our clients who care deeply about issues and their communities. They put their money and time toward these causes and rarely, if ever, seek publicity for their efforts. That’s why they deserve accolades today. Here’s a quick rundown; if I missed any, please let me know.

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Our colleagues at Crenshaw Communications published a novel blog post, “Things We’re Thankful for as PR Professionals.” The author went beyond the usual “good health, friends and family” prerequisites to point out the things that make our profession hum. I’d like to add a few more. This is by no means a comprehensive list, so please share your thoughts.

1.       Creative industry colleagues who make me proud to be in public relations, such as @CrenshawComm who inspired this blog or my friends at @P_C_E. I still remember snarling some 20 years ago when I was a student journalist that I would never go to the “dark” side of PR. After a very satisfying stint as a staff reporter, I have embraced every shadowy career path in communications with true love.

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Are you maximizing your LinkedIn Company Page?

The answer to the question above is probably not. But, don’t worry, until last week, there wasn’t much that could be done with it.

Last week, LinkedIn launched new Company Page capabilities, including the ability to add your company’s products and services. And then, you can ask for recommendations about those products and services. LinkedIn says:

“Company Pages will enable companies to build their brand through network-aware recommendations, giving members rich, credible insights into how any given product (or service) is perceived by their fellow professionals.”

Now, you can have testimonials not only of your own work, but also your company’s work. Your contacts can get instand information about the products and services you offer from their trusted source of information — their LinkedIn network.

LinkedIn has created the ultimate trusted referral network. LinkedIn is used by more than 60 million business-minded people and they rely on their trusted network for referrals to reliable vendors. As more companies begin to use the updated Company Pages, LinkedIn has made automated the peer referral process.

Remarx Media has a company page on LinkedIn. Please follow us and recommend our services.

What do you think? Will you recommend your favorite products and services using LinkedIn?