I’d like to think of 2020 as we think about it with vision, 20/20, which means normal visual acuity. Marketing and CX in 2020 will be a lot like marketing and CX in 2019 (not a bad thing necessarily.) As we kickoff the new year, we’re already talking about hot new trends and how to integrate shiny new tech into existing thinking, processes and programs, doing cool things, without really changing the game. If 2020 can stand for something, make…
2020 Trends: Mobile, Voice, Mixed Reality and 5G Set the Stage for Next Generation Customer Experiences
My friends at Keap asked me to share my predictions for the annual, “2020 Small Business Marketing Trends Report.” I wanted to share my ideas with you here as well… Next Generation CX Must Be Designed as Native Experiences for Emerging Platforms Search and content are more important than ever when it comes to the customer journey. Beyond digital and social media, mobile was a complete game changer. But many businesses have yet to catch up with how mobile changed…
One Important Social Media Trend We Need to Think More About in 2020
It’s that time again where we explore what’s new and possible in the new year. My dear friend Lee Odden assembled a stellar panel of experts to share predictions and trends for social media marketing in 2020. While I’m not a social media marketer, I study how social media and digital trends are reshaping the human network and society online and offline. I’d like to share my thoughts with you here. I’d also love to hear your predictions and trends for the…
Align Digital Transformation with Business Modernization to Compete for the Future
Digital transformation is more important now than ever, but some organizations are more difficult to change than others. I love it whenI get to join Karen Roby on her TechRepublic show. Each time, we discuss leading business technology news and trends and I honestly geek out each time. In our latest episode, we explore the hurdles facing organizations and how to overcome them as they go through digital transformation. We also explore some highlights from the Salesforce Dreamforce 2019 event….
The Future of Fast Advertising is Born as Aviation Gin Saves the Peloton Wife in Clever Sequel
Bravo Ryan Reynolds! Bravo. A brilliant form of marketing is playing out right now from the likes of Ryan Reynolds and Aviation Gin on social media. It represents the next trend in advertising, or what I call “fast advertising.” If you’ve been following the Peloton marketing fiasco, then you will appreciate the ambitious (and/or audacious) marketing coup achieved by Aviation Gin’s new clever holiday commercial. Following Peloton’s release of its latest ad, “The Gift that Gives Back,” outrage instantly erupted over what consumers…
The Digital Change Agent’s Manifesto; Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders from Within
In a world where digital technology is evolving faster than organizations can adapt, it’s no secret that companies are investing in digital transformation and corporate innovation. But who is leading the charge? Often, it’s the individuals who share a deep expertise and passion for digital. And while these “digital change agents” are striving to bring change from within their respective group in the organization, they aren’t necessarily seasoned or trained at navigating the cultural dynamics that drive change throughout an…
New Book Leads to New Call for Empathetic Leadership in an Era of Digital Distractions
In case you didn’t know, I have a new book out and it’s a little different than anything I’ve published to date, Lifescale: How to Live a More Creative, Productive and Happy Life. I’ll be completely transparent with you. Some wondered, myself included, if writing a book about digital distractions and how to recenter yourself without disconnecting would be healthy for my keynote speaking and professional research/advisory. Some felt that it would distract from my brand as as a thought leader in digital transformation,…
Personal Innovation During Times of Digital Disruption
Note: For mobile users, please subscribe to my new feed here and unsubscribe from the old Feedburner feed. Ever have one of those conversations with someone you care about where you’re left feeling inspired and motivated? They’re rare occurrences in my life. I can count on one hand how many people I’m lucky to know who leave me feeling this way. One recent conversation was with Jim Marous, Publisher at The Financial Brand. If you’d like to listen to that conversation,…
Digital Transformation: Executives Need a Sense of Urgency to Compete Against Digital Natives
Note: Please subscribe to my new feed here and unsubscribe from the old feed. Digital transformation is one of those trends that everyone is talking about, but few can pinpoint exactly what it means and why it’s business critical. Yet, it’s the very catalyst that puts companies on a path to business modernization. Companies need a sense of urgency. This is the conversation I had with TechRepublic’s Karen Roby. We discussed the changes shaping digital transformation, including operational models and the…
The Beginning of the End of Likes: Instagram Expands Tests Removing Likes from Public View to U.S.
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri announced that the platform will start hiding “likes” for some U.S. users starting this week. This is an extension of a rolling test in seven countries around the world over the last several months. This is the moment that Mosseri shared the news. As you can hear from the audience reaction, it’s unclear how the market is going to react.https://twitter.com/WIRED/status/1192962986224128005 At face value, the move is commendable. Hiding likes is aimed at helping Instagram become “the…
