I've done some reading lately which has brought together and focused my theory of marketing through online influencers. Awareness Networks published a white paper entitled “3 Keys to Influence: Understanding and Leveraging Influence.” ” They report several strong reasons why marketers should seek social media influence: 90% of purchases are subject to social influence. 90% of consumers rely on recommendations from people they know. 67% of shoppers are willing to spend more money online after seeing recommendations from friends. Digg Digg. MORE >>

It ‘s a given – Celebrities are social. Transformed by the Red Carpet, interviews and filling the stream via Social Media. Some are using the social universe well to promote… And that’s exactly NOT what I’m talking about. Do today’s media stars really get, or understand, the power of social media. Do they get the power of engagement that they have at their fingertips? Are they using the relationship they have with those who follow them to change beliefs or effect change? People matter, YOU matter , but brands don’t. But what do you choose to do instead? MORE >>

FreebeeCards.com. I’ve watched with a bit of dismay as marketers have tried to figure out the social media environment, working to get consumers to buy products and services purely based on electronic communication. The opportunity is huge, especially given the worldwide potential for the company that gets it right, but it also offers the possibility of failing splendidly, as witnessed by the recent Groupon missteps. FreebeeCards bills itself as “the next generation of daily offers.” In April Groupon settled a lawsuit for $8.5 Many vouchers go unused. Digg Digg. MORE >>

This is a guest post by Gregory Yankelovich. Let's try to define the differences between Social Media Monitoring and Customer Intelligence analysis based on content available on Social Media platforms. Based on the questions I often get from marketing practitioners after the webinars and group speaking engagements, there is a considerable confusion about a difference between SSM and Customer Intelligence methodologies. Below is my first attempt to establish a clear demarcation line between the two approaches. Please help to refine this matrix with your feedback, comments and disagreements. MORE >>

Have you ever thought about how great innovators are able to come up with new insights that lead to brilliant ideas? It’s no coincidence. Utilizing observations, experiences, facts and emotions, while examining their relationships, is the key to groundbreaking innovation. You too can have access to the knowledge and resources needed to generate fresh ideas. new book, RED THREAD THINKING: Weaving Together Connections for Brilliant Ideas and Profitable Innovation , by Debra Kaye explains how to seamlessly weave your innate knowledge into insights that lead to unique products ideas. MORE >>