New media has the world in a frenzy about “humanizing” businesses, making companies raw again, and remembering the customer.  I can’t say I disagree with this trend.  It’s the lifeline a business.  Connect or die, I suppose.

I was thinking of my favorite brands – not that it’s about me, but as a test. Which companies or brands come to mind?

WooThemes

Why? Because I never thought I’d drool more over Wordpress themes than those new fall boots that I want.  Even for someone like me who is semi-technologically challenged (I say semi- because I am learning), I still appreciate the aesthetic value of a good theme.  And for the record, they are generous.

ToyWatch

Why? Because recently I tweeted that I wanted one, and they wrote back. It made me feel unique, special, loved, and valued as even a potential customer.

Vaynermedia

Why? Why NOT? Not just because it’s Gary and AJ Vaynerchuk’s company, but because they’re smart, they do it right, and they make it about everyone else. They make it about conversations with their infamous Facebook chats.

Klickable.TV

Why? Because they’re making TV fun again. They’re taking the couch out of potato (or the potato out of couch, whichever you like…). Klickable.TV makes TV interactive, stimulating, and in some circumstances, valuable.

FourSquare

Why? Because they figured out a way to connect people and companies through location and incentives. They figured out that people are still kids, like to play games (hence their original name, PlayFoursquare.com). I see them as the star entrepreneur of late and am sitting on the bleachers cheering for them.

Regator

Why? Because they pull together awesome articles from obscure blogs. Because I tell them I love them and they tell me they love me back!  (I only really ever use their iPhone app, just linked to website for info purposes.)

Switch2Health

Why? Because they’re a ultra-new company with an ultra-cool concept: make kids (and adults) fit again. Had the pleasure of meeting their CEO, Seth Tropper.

Are you a brand or company?  What do you do to disguise yourself?

As a consumer, what are your favorite companies or brands? Ever thought about why you like them so much?

Photo via seeminglee