I invite you to read the latest report released by Jeremiah Owyang and his team at the Altimeter Group. I was honored to take part in the survey and did and interview with the team there. I was also fortunate enough to be quoted in the report. It was released today and I link it later in this post. The...

Earlier this week marked my one year anniversary here at Applebee’s. Although the time has flown by, there have been many challenges, lessons and successes, which, sometimes makes it feel like it’s been 10 years. First and foremost, I am proud of what our team has been able to accomplish in such a...

The recent unrest in the UK and news of the New York Police Department setting up a social media monitoring team has many thinking the most democratic way of communicating in the history of man is under fire. And they are correct. The talk of censoring social networks and streams of communications during...

There were people who swore the first automobile would fail. They lauded the horse and said Henry Ford’s “wild” idea would never amount to anything. There were people who swore that television would never last. It was an invention for the uneducated masses. There were people who swore no...

Here’s a link to my appearance last week on Facebook Live. Again, thanks to the entire Facebook team for a great visit in Palo Alto. Special shout-outs to Rodney Robinson, Frankie Delisle, and Kim Gould.   Watch live streaming video from facebookeducation at...

Part of the continuing problem that dogs the use of social media and social business is the extent vendors and some start-ups will go to in order to create a name for themselves. I was reminded of this today while reading the Nation’s Restaurant News online. In a story slugged “Top brands...

It’s a question I am seeing pop up more and more. As brands invest in resources and people to manage social marketing, this question will need to be answered over time. In many cases companies are hiring one “social media expert” to oversee all of it. But is that a wise move? In some...

As companies use 2011 to forge ahead with social media as a part of their marketing and communications mix, they must remember to take a step back and be realistic and be patient with their new commitment. Those of us who have been active and using social media for several years have already proven...

With all the discussion about the popularity of Quora, today’s Mashable story on Jeremiah Owyang and his report on the role of the social media strategist included a quote by yours truly. It’s worth a read…and not just because I am included! It’s good discussion and shows how Quora...

KC's Country Club Plaza at Christmas So much has changed over the past four months that it’s sometimes hard to keep track and to keep up. Our move from San Diego to Kansas City was full of ups and downs but overall the family is feeling great about our new home. We’re surrounded by great...