In 2012, I had the opportunity to present at LeWeb in Paris. The theme of the conference explored the Internet of Things, where devices and things connect to one another to perform certain tasks and/or track activities to improve what we already do or make possible what we’re trying to do. The Internet of Things is bigger than we may realize. We are experiencing a shift from a world of inanimate objects and reactive devices to a world where data,…
Defying Demographics: Generation-C, Today’s Hyperconnected Consumer ‘Generation’
Not that long ago, I spent time with Kevin Delaney and the digital transformation team at Cisco’s Connected Futures to explore the evolving consumer landscape. My research and ongoing work with Google continues to show how and why people are changing and how businesses must transform through digital and also human approaches. Technology isn’t the answer, it’s a means to solve problems and create opportunities tied to how people are changing. As part of a deeper conversation and project with…
Moving Beyond Demographics: Today’s Hyperconnected ‘Generation C’
Several years ago as I was writing The End of Business as Usual, I researched how the customer journey was evolving. Specifically, I studied how traditional touch points compared to digital touch points and more so, how customers were hacking their way to desired outcomes. Along the way, I found that when it comes to “digital customers,” alignment in behaviors and preferences spanned generations beyond traditional demographics. At the time, I referenced this group of hyperconnected customers “Generation C” where…
Transitional Marketing and the Connected Interface
Guest post by Scott Forshay, creator and editor of mobi.luxe. Follow him on Twitter @scottforshay There is no first, second, or third screen; there are only screens. Regardless of their uniqueness in form factor or function, these connected screens are simply humanized interfaces allowing us to communicate with and experience a digitally optimized world. While much has been made of defining the distinctions between the various connected interfaces, be they mobile devices, tablets, connected television, etc., what’s been lost in…
Are you connecting with your new generation of customers…Generation C?
As you’ll no doubt read here over and over again, social media is important to your business. If you don’t engage on Twitter, Facebook, or Youtube, you’ll eventually go out of business. At least that’s what the experts will have you believe. Fear tactics are not so much as effective in business or defining customer relationships as they are at creating a sense of [contrived] controversy. I must be honest with you however. While social media is indeed a game…
The rise of Generation-C…and what to do about it
I recently had the privilege of presenting at the GDOL Digital Talkfest in Istanbul. The focus of the event was very much in line with my current work. GDOL tracks the new generation of consumers who do everything online and the impact they now have on popular culture, society and ultimately business. I refer to this generation as Generation-C. Prior to my trip, I met with Capital Magazine for an in-depth interview. They asked some very important questions, questions that…
2011 Was the Year of the Mobile Consumer, What’s in Store for 2012? Value.
Chris Silva, my colleague at Altimeter Group, released a useful report today that I wanted to share with you here. Mobile is important and I believe you know this. However, when we consider mobile, we often think about the experience when and where it begins. But, we often miss the opportunity to lead a more meaningful journey as it may travel from small screen to larger screens across laptops, desktops and beyond. And along the way, we must now determine…
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…
Revolution: Filmmaker and Webby Awards Founder Tiffany Shlain
Filmmaker Tiffany Shlain joined me on the set of Revolution to discuss her new film, Connected. Tiffany is a remarkable individual. She is the first to debut two films at the Sundance Film Festival and is also the founder of the prestigious Webby Awards. In her film Connected, we as the audience, explore how technology is changing our culture. We are pulled into a beautiful spiral to feel what it means to live in an always on society and also…
Social Media and the Need for New Business Models
Who owns social media? Is it marketing, customer service, public relations? Looking at a recent study conducted by the Pivot Conference, the top four departments where social media is currently run are as follows: 1. Marketing 2. Public Relations 3. Sales 4. Customer Service Perhaps, it’s the wrong question to ask however. It’s not unlike asking who owns email. But, here’s another question and as we think about it, let’s broaden our perspective as the answer may not appear immediately….
