Definition of Native Ads
Some of you reading this, sell Native Ads, and you immediately recognize why I choose those two dictionary definitions. Even if you don’t sell Native Ads or aren’t in the media business, you have likely noticed these ads showing up in your Facebook feed, on Twitter, Forbes and other places. The first time you see one, you think it’s a regular post in your feed—until you look closely and notice it’s paid content.
Creating Ads That Belong
Related to Native Ads, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) states that companies like Facebook, Twitter and others want to deliver paid ads that are so cohesive with the page content, assimilated into the design, and consistent with the platform behavior that the viewer simply feels that they belong. This doesn’t necessarily mean the viewer doesn’t know they are an ad, just that they belong.
The Power of the "Native Salesperson"
As I was reviewing the IABs findings on Native Ads, I started thinking about how powerful it is when a salesperson becomes a “Native Salesperson.” Someone who belongs in key client conversations and meetings. Someone who behaves in such a way that the client might have a hard time noticing that they work for someone else. The salesperson is so intentional about being assimilated into the client firm that everyone starts to feel like they belong.
How to Become a "Native Salesperson"
We could make a long list of actions you can take to become a Native Salesperson, but most will fall under one of these three headers; empathy, expertise and problem-solving. If you want to be trusted and valued, look for ways to demonstrate empathy, share your expertise and demonstrate problem-solving. These are the foundation of a powerful business relationship.