I am wondering how people feel about the concept of marketing through the use of social buying networks such as Smart Betty and Groupon. Here are the websites in case you are unfamiliar with the concept. 
Smart Betty: http://www.smartbetty.com

Groupon: http://www.groupon.com

Do you, as a business owner, feel this is an appropriate way of marketing to your target audience?

Do you, as a customer, feel this is a great way to purchase the products and services you want and need?

@elauragreen Hi Elaura

There has been another discussion on this somewhere already, but I couldn’t find the thread

I agree with @flosmwizards when she says it is bad for business. If you start competing on price all is lost. I would recommend focusing on customer engagement instead.

Cheers!
Russell Allert

@elauragreen Personally, as a customer I LOVE Groupon but I have not found any benefit as a business. Friends of mine with restaurants have found new customers through Groupon but inevitably it costs more money than the return. Many of them have tried emphasizing Yelp reviews and have gained new customers that way instead.
I recommend checking out the other thread @fredericgonzalo posted as well!

@elauragreen I love as a customer, and think it brings in customers, but the price tag is high. It does work for awareness of a business, and some categories I think benefit more than others.

Personally I have been a repeat customer at many businesses where  I’ve bought a daily deal, BUT many forget about the csuotemre experience. That is so much a part of your brand. If it doesn’t provide a good experience, I won’t be back no matter how inexpensive.

You really need to understand the $ value of an average new customer, how frequent they might need /want to be at your business to get a feeling for the numbers.

good luck

@elauragreen you are right–connecting with buyers is a challenge, and requires time and research, and a thorough understanding of your business. I like your point about setting limits.

My perspective as a “daily deals” buyer is perhaps a bit different because I have moved to a new community at the end of the last two years. As a newcomer, I heard about and used businesses I might have never found. They provide a low-risk opportunity for me to engage perosnally with a business. But again, it comes back to the fulfillment side. There are many where I am or will be a repeat cusotmer, but close to an equal number  where I was disappointed in the  service, product, or treatment.

The internet and social media have profoundly changed the way we buy many things, and I think many business owners have been lulled into a false sense that it’s easier to find buyers/customers. I believe it is the opposite–if you dont’ know what YOU are (as a business) and who your profitable custeomers are, it is too easy to miss the mark.