Jon Swartz is a veteran technology reporter based in Silicon Valley currently covering emerging and disruptive tech at USA Today. This is the second time we’ve invited him to Revolution. His take on news trends is less about hype and more about how technology impacts everyday business and society. Sometimes technology is the solution as much as it is part of the problem. For consumers, the ability to use mobile, social and the web is not only enlivening real-time experiences,…
Brian Solis Kicks Off Pivot 2012: From Social Brands to Social Business
Pivot Conference Producer, Editorial Director and Host, Brian Solis kicked off the 2012 Pivot Conference in New York City. Held October 15-16, Pivot is the only conference focused on how leaders from big brands and agencies can succeed in a market transformed by Social Consumers. The conference brings together today’s marketing leaders who recognize the game-changing power of the plugged-in social consumer. Solis developed this year’s theme, “From Social Brands to Social Business” and selected all Pivot speakers. “This year,…
It’s The End of Business as Usual at B&N on 5th Ave.
I’m in New York getting ready for The Pivot Conference. Shortly before arriving, I was told I needed to visit the Barnes and Noble store on 5th Ave. upon arrival. After several days, I was finally able to make it over and I’m sure glad I did. Wow. The End of Business as Usual is currently gracing the storefront window on 5th Ave.! I proudly took a few moments to sign every copy and while I was there, I talked…
The Future of Social TV is a Multi Screen Experience [video]
The Pew Internet and American Life Project recently published a study that found 50% of cellphone owners use their phones while watching TV. Connected viewers are not only driving the rise of Social TV, their activities are opening new windows for real-time multi-screen experiences that require design. Joining me on this episode of Revolution is Jesse Redniss, SVP Digital of USA Network. His work already looks beyond how to make programming social. Redniss and the team at USA Network are…
Businesses not Making the Pivot from Lip Service to Social Customer Service [infographic]
Social media changes everything. Marketing, sales, customer service, they’re no longer departments, engagement is now a way of business. As the impact of social spreads through organizations, questions arise about the role social ultimately plays in customer service and overall customer experiences. For the past three years, good friend Brent Leary and the folks at Social Media Today have produced The Social Customer Engagement Index. It examines how companies are using social tools for customer service and, more importantly, how…
Calculate the ROI of Social Media
Guest Post by Jaap Favier, managing partner of The Small Circle What is the secret of bars? Why do we happily pay four times as much for beer in a bar as in a store? We pay this brand premium to be with friends. The secret of bars is that they convert our quality time into cash. Like bars, social media are places where friends meet. The best social media programs also convert the consumer’s social time into a brand…
Facebook: Over 1 Billion Served – Plus Interesting Stats
Mark Zuckerberg announced in a short and sweet post today that Facebook is now home to one billion digital denizens. I’m not going to focus on the impact this news will have on its stock. Instead, I would like to focus on how this significant milestone aligns with his vision, a vision that was clearly communicated in the company’s S-1. After re-reading Zuckerberg’s letter to investors, here are a few themes that resonate with me in light of this news……
Twitter Shifts from Tech Startup to Media Network [Infographic]
The state of the relationship between Twitters and its developer community is nothing short of tumultuous. While there are significant merits on either side of the debate, what’s clear is that the Twitter of yore is no longer on a similar course for what will be the Twitter to come. It’s a sign of maturation and focus. It’s Twitter’s shift from tech startup and media darling to an aspiring new media empire. Ruffling feathers and clipping wings is an unfortunate…
Why Do Customers Use Social Networks for Customer Service? Because They Can…
Every day, an increasing number of connected consumers are taking to social networks to ask for help or express sentiment related to business or product related experiences; some do so to seek resolution from their peers, others broadcast questions or comments as a form of catharsis; and a smaller group of consumers actually hope to receive a response directly from the company. The reality is that social media is the new normal. A myriad of social networks, whether you use…
Social Slacktivism: How to use social media to promote human rights and social justice
There’s been many debates as to whether or not social media promotes activism or whether or not it’s actually fostering a lazy form of participation. Retweets and Likes don’t bring about change. While I believe social media is a strong platform for raising awareness, the relationship between cause and effect is defined by action regardless of medium. Non-profits today are competing for attention just like everybody else. These days, social organizations are competing just the same with brands and entertainment…
