G: How would you define a social media “influencer”? T: An influencer is someone who has a voice on social media and who other people listen to and respect. G: How do you measure the influence? T: While many people obsess about the actual number of followers, fans or connections, anyone with some time and effort can build up an audience and have no influence at all. Programmes such as Klout and Peerindex can give you an insight into influence but shouldn’t be taken too literally. G: Who/What is influencing you on Social Media Properties? MORE >>

What new trends or changes from last year can we expect? Brands will also realize that they can't be all things to all people, and will focus on those influencers who are the best fit for them. Note I didn't say "those influencers with the most followers or the highest readership." Long ago, I noted the difference between the theories of Malcolm Gladwell and Duncan Watts , the latter of whom notes that it's the network, not the individual influencer, that makes a difference in how ideas are spread. Pete Cashmore predicts 10 Web trends to watch in 2010. Check. MORE >>

How to "win" at Empire Avenue According to the team at Empire Avenue, there are two ways to win: by being an Investor or by being an Influencer: While the world may be defined in these two separate buckets - creators and consumers - for most of us in the social space, it's not an either/or proposition; we're most likely creating and consuming. By rewarding people with positive reinforcement for actions taken - much like Foursquare has become synonymous with - Empire Avenue uses a system of Achievements to recognize your progress. gamification trends social networks MORE >>

Home Social Media Business Entertainment Tech Web Video Dev & Design Apple Mobile Social Good Jobs Business News Advertising & Marketing Small Business Advice Career Development Money & Finance Business Apps Now Trending : The Future of Social Media Parenting [COMIC] November 12, 2010 Ben Straley View Comments HOW TO: Activate Your Brand’s Super Influencers email share email share Do you like this story? These key influencers are more than just fans — they’re brand ambassadors. Identifying your key influencers is fairly straightforward. iOS 4.2 MORE >>

He has a wealth of experience from both agency and client side with over 15 years in Direct Marketing focusing more recently on key email, social & mobile trends in a multi-channel eCRM Planning. G: How would you define a social media “influencer”? GC: I define influence as being able to change other people’s behaviour or thoughts. Influencers in Social Media need not have thousands upon thousands of followers or fans, but should be able to use their connections to change behaviour and create conversations with them. G: How do you measure the influence? MORE >>