2008 December

Communication is a powerful word, and as a concept implies an exchange of ideas and intentions between active, engaged parties.  Adding another layer of complexity is the reality that as an advanced people, we can communicate in written, oral, and sometimes more importantly nonverbal methods in the forms of body language, facial expression and reactive measures like word of mouth passalong.  I'm sure there are other subtleties I'm forgetting (comment your own additions below). The facet of communication...

Note: I wrote this post 3-4 weeks ago for publication in another business vehicle for which I write.  While some of the statistical data has since changed, I believe the topic remains relevant. When Campaigns Go Viral In a time and space when information is readily at our fingertips and on our phones, messages are spread in seconds and in 140-character slices. Seconds, and slices. While these fleeting touches and glimpses give adapted users valuable opportunities to share and learn, there...

Where Do The Ideas Come From? This makes the 2nd time in a week that a song--an "old" song, no less--serves as inspiration for my writing. I guess it doesn't really surprise me, I already knew that lyrics interest me more in music than any instrumental ever could.  Oh, I'm still a big fan of the groove. It's just that the delivery falls flat without meaningful lyrical messaging. Music As A Growth Opportunity Tracy Chapman spoke to me in my often misspent youth, and she continues to be relevant...

My pal Beth Harte (who, BTW, has a great blog, mad communication skills, and is conscientious about follow-up with her audience) recently tagged me in a fun little game.  The goal is to share seven things about myself that you, my readers, might not otherwise know. I see many people handle this sort of thing with a good sense of humor or aplomb.  Others begrudgingly participate, lest they suffer the same fate as those who delete chain email or get harped on 'til the next conference.  But I'm betting...

Timing is a funny thing.  But Pepsi's newest creative running (well, since pulled) in Germany is not. Driving home the other night I caught the tail end of a Don Henley song as I wondered how ungrateful I must be when hundreds of satellite stations all lacked appeal for me.  A partial lyric from the 90's song "...how can ...survive in such a graceless age..." stuck in my head before I moved on (I definitely didn't linger, not Don's best work). This idea of grace, of making informed decisions...

Do you speak my language? I had the great fortune of having a live & in-person meeting this week with someone whom I'd previously known only virtually.  That is to say, we had connected via Twitter, LinkedIn, and even email.  It took awhile for our "first date," (she’s a busy gal) but as with some budding acquaintances, I had an inkling that we’d hit it off.  Score!. Lynn and I are both passionate about communication and helping create meaningful relationships between consumers and brands. ...