Changing, Changing, Constant Research in Today's Digital World

Last night I met with a class of tremendously bright DePaul University students to discuss methods of research used by public relations and advertising professionals. I had a great time sharing thoughts about how research is adapting to fit the digital world. This group of young people is clearly well prepared for the job of finding innovative ways to discover human insights.

You'll find the presentation I made here.

[click HERE to download a copy of the presentation]

Know Your World

Last week I had the distinct privilege of presenting to the 6th graders at Audubon Elementary here in Chicago. The topic was "Know Your World" with the purpose of explaining to students why having knowledge of world geography is important to certain careers they could choose. Discussing the importance of a worldview that extends beyond the boundaries of their day-to-day life with so many bright, vivacious students was such a rewarding experience.

You'll find the presentation I made here.

(click HERE to download the presentation)

Understanding ZMOT, Social Media, and Everything In Between

I had the great honor of presenting at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America's annual conference yesterday. The WSWA is the national trade organization representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry, and a great group of people.

Click below to download a copy of the presentation.

(Click HERE to download this document)

A Quick Chat With Sara Peralta

During the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas I got to spend a little time with the insightful Sara Peralta chatting about my presentation "Is Your Digital Marketing Ready For The Minority Majority."

So What Was 2013 SXSWi All About (and How Did It Compare To The Last Two Years)?

For the past few years, I've analyzed the text used in the titles and descriptions of presentations made during the annual SXSW Interactive festival in Austin, Texas. Doing so gives a pretty good line of sight into key themes being batted around the interactive space and what -- if anything -- has changed from the previous years. The larger the word is in the graphics below, the more times it was used in titles and descriptions of that year's interactive sessions.

This year's analysis revealed many interesting insights. Perennial hot topic "SOCIAL MEDIA" showed up well again in 2013. But the clear focus of the week was what was "NEW". From 3D Printing to emerging cultural norms and everything in between, there was a whole host of speakers and panels exploring the vanguard of our industry.

Sadly, "DATA" as a topic of thought and conversation stagnated in 2013. After growing in significance from 2011 to 2012 through the development of "Big Data" and other topics. Could the importance of data to the SXSWi crowd have peaked?


        2013

        2012

        2011

Is Your Digital Marketing Ready For The Minority-Majority?

[click here to download a copy of this presentation]

...And, We're Back!

It's been some time since this blog as been anything near what one could consider "active". You just never really understand how much focus, attention, and time a new job requires until you do it. And to those who have managed to maintain  their blogging activity while shouldering the move to a new gig:  my hat is off to you. You're more man than I.

But enough of that. I'm headed to SXSW today and looking forward to a stimulating and fun few days. And I am right excited by the prospect of continuing this here blog!