Socialmediaworx

Universal McCann has released a report about the evolution of how social media has created a new class of influencers, particuarly in shaping the purchase process. "When Did We Start Trusting Strangers," surveyed 17,000 web users around the world. From Vanksen Culturebuzz: The study describes a “new influencer landscape” which is characterized by three significant trends: the rise in social media, the importance of digital friends, and the proliferation of influencer channels. The ...

Sometimes there are just too many incredible events in one week to attend them all. While most of my time was consumed by the Web 2.0 Expo (you can check out my review of the conference), I would have liked to make it to the Social Ad Summit earlier in the week. In particular, I wish I could have sat in on the Branded Experiences on Social Networks ...

Of all the signage, presentation slides and general abundance of slogans at the Web 2.0 Expo in New York this week, perhaps my favorite sign was the street sign that read, “7th Ave closed, use the Times Square Shuffle.” Why, yes, I think I'll shuffle right on through this recap of Web 2.0 this week. To begin with, my participation at the conference was entirely fortuitous. Were it not for ...

I've been working with a client on helping him take some tactical steps to build his personal brand online. He recently launched a blog, and is looking to cultivate a community around the site.  One of the first things I'm doing is walking him through some of the processes and ideas on how he can begin reaching out to other folks online and develop relationships with others.  The personal ...

Before 2008 is over, I think we'll look back to see the use of social media tools for social good as one of the major themes of the year. And while there are others who are far more talented than myself in addressing social caueses, I did share my thoughts on the unique relationship social media has in sparking social movements to address issues like microdevelopment, AIDS, climate ...

B.L. Ochman posted a good recap at AdAge of an interesting survey conducted by the Avanade group on the impact of social media for companies. The study reports that in a survey of Fortune 500 companies, 41% say that social media "has potential to transform their customer relationships, improve their reputations and increase sales." Ochman goes on to write: Social media technologies have the potential to transform the way companies ...

The Washington Post published a good article today highlighting local companies who have made blogging an integral part of their marketing strategy. Talking with several local business owners and communication consulatnts including Geoff Livingston, Debbie Weil and Viget Labs' very own Brian Williams, the WaPost recognized that even though tying a blog strategy directly to the bottom line can be difficult, it is a core building blog of ...

Open-source activism continues with this year's Blog Action Day 08. Designed to connect voices around the world through blogs, podcasts and other social media outlets, Blog Action Day 08 hopes to center an online community on the issue of global poverty. Like Call + Response and The Girl Effect, Blog Action Day 08 is harnessing the networked power of people all around the world to raise awareness and inspire ...

I just saw a special advance screening of the film Call + Response the other evening, and was blown away by the powerful and inspiring "rockumentary" about modern day slavery. With powerful footage of children and women forced into slavery for prostitution, labor or war, the film blends musical performances from Imogen Heap, Moby, Talib Kwali, Natasha Bedingfield and others, with thoughtful and moving interviews from people working ...

As companies learn how to find their voice and participate with their customers in conversations, some Fortune 500s are beginning to make organizational changes and allow social media evangelists take the helm in playing an ever larger role in positioning the company. AdWeek has a great piece about Ford's recent hiring of Scott Monty to head up their social media initiatives. In addition to recognizing the critical need to ...