As I think about disruptive technology, it’s clear that as an industry, we often get stuck in conversations about products, services, and features. In social media for example, we are enamored with Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, and the like. At the same time, we tend to confuse emerging with disruptive technologies and overly invest in rising stars such as Instagram, Quora and to some extent Google+ before we understand the impact they have on our world and the impact we can…
The New, New Twitter and What It Means to You and Your Business
The new, new Twitter is upon us and while some of you already have access to it, others will have to wait up to three weeks. I’m not one to write about new features or products as they’re released. But I would like to take some time to review why this version of Twitter is important to you and your business. Twitter has undergone nothing short of a complete redesign…again. The new experience offers a much needed simplification. After all,…
The State of Social Marketing 2012
The following report is brought to you by the Pivot Conference taking place in New York on October 15-16, 2012. You can download a full copy of the report for free by clicking here. At the end of 2011, Social marketing stands at a profound crossroads. Some organizations are finally embracing the importance of social networks and, as a result, increasing investments in creative engagement, marketing, and service programs. Others see the future value, but lag behind in execution. At…
USA Today’s Jon Swartz on Disruptive Technology’s Impact on Business and Culture
Jon Swartz is a veteran journalist who has covered Silicon Valley’s highs and lows over the years. As Swartz says, he’s seen it all and along the way, he’s chronicled not only the events but its impact on business, culture, and society. Jon joins us on (R)evolution to discuss disruptive technology, what it means and what’s next. Please take a moment to watch and let us know your thoughts… Season 2 – Episode 12 Image Credit: Thomas Hawk Season Two:…
How to Make Customer Service Matter Again Part 2
Part 13 in a series introducing my new book, The End of Business as Usual…this series serves as the book’s prequel. These days, customer service seems to be a contradiction of words and intentions. Year after year, customers are appealing for attention, efficiency and a communicated sense of being appreciated. After all, what is the value of customer acquisition if retention itself isn’t valued? Now with social networks becoming the preferred channel of communication among connected consumers, businesses are losing…
Engage Against the Machine: The End of Business as Usual
One of the most often asked questions about The End of Business as Usual is how it’s different than Engage. I thought I take a moment to answer it here just in case you were wondering the same thing. Engage was and is special. In fact, I felt the mission and content of the book was so special, that I wrote it twice. I viewed both versions as my chance to not only document the transformation in marketing and service…
You can’t go back and create a new beginning, but you can begin to change the ending
Part 11 in a series introducing my new book, The End of Business as Usual…this series serves as the book’s prequel. There are those who believe social media is the catalyst for a new genre of business and that it will ultimately change how companies engage with customers. Others believe that for the organization to truly matter, it must adopt a culture of customer and employee centricity. Then there are those who study the evolution of consumer behavior and market…
Dunkin’ Donuts Uses Social Media to Improve Customer Relationships and Experiences
Dunkin’ Brands is a customer-centric business and has earned a community of loyal supporters over the years. If “America runs on Dunkin’,” or if it is to continue to do so, the company must continue to earn the time, attention, and support of customers. As their behavior and preferences evolve, Dunkin’ to must rethink its customer approach to remain part of its customer’s daily routine. Tyler Cyr, Web Communications Manager, Dunkin’ Brands shares how social media helps continue and improve…
Announcing The End of Business as Usual: The new book is available now!
It’s with great pleasure, and a little bit of nervousness, that I announce the official availability of my new book, The End of Business as Usual. Business, government, music, finance, publishing, everything is changing. We have a unique role in all of this as we are stakeholders in not only defining the need for change, but we are also responsible for leading transformation within our organizations. We are the architects, the mediators, and the sherpas to a new era of…
I think we need some time apart, it’s not me, it’s you
Part 5 in a series introducing my new book, The End of Business as Usual…this is not content from the book, this series serves as its prequel. What do people want? If you don’t know, why not ask them? Seems like a common sense question to ask. However, when it comes to customer engagement and relations, common sense appears to be an uncommon virtue. The good news is that asking customers what they need is now easier than ever before….
