Guest post by Debra Ellis, founder of Wilson & Ellis Consulting.

Every marketer should ask, “How do conversations increase sales and improve service for our company?” The answer may not come easy because there is a major roadblock preventing companies from creating highly engaged communities. Their customers don’t want to talk to them.

People want to complete their business transactions with minimal effort. Conversations require effort. Sometimes, they require a lot of it. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, but the majority of your customers want you to fulfill their needs without requiring their participation. (more…)