Most Active Articles 2009-11-24T21:43:22.874-05:00 Business Exchange Business_Exchange@businessweek.com urn:com:businessweek:bx:topic:most-active:business-communications Jason Falls jfalls112 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:8396670398813599883-1f9f4f87dee85d62aa65bc95b3b0b944 2009-11-20T02:32:37.308-05:00

Many of us are more comfortable communicating in words than in pictures. For example, user assistance writers are by nature and training writers, so they understand words and are adept at using word processing and publishing tools. Writers use lexicentric tools not only for creating and delivering content, but also as cognitive tools—that is, tools that help them think more clearly and efficiently. Thus, a user assistance writer might create a user-task matrix or take advantage of a word processor’s outline view when creating or evaluating a document’s structure. However, we could also use a number of visual techniques and tools—not only for generating content, but also as cognitive and analysis tools. Unfortunately, these visual methods and their respective tools do not get much attention, and many writers don’t use them with the same comfort level they do tools that let them manipulate words.

Many of us are more comfortable communicating in words than in pictures. For example, user assistance writers are by nature and training writers, so they understand words and are adept at using word processing and publishing tools. Writers use lexicentric tools not only for creating and delivering content, but also as cognitive tools—that is, tools that help them think more clearly and efficiently. Thus, a user assistance writer might create a user-task matrix or take advantage of a word processor’s outline view when creating or evaluating a document’s structure. However, we could also use a number of visual techniques and tools—not only for generating content, but also as cognitive and analysis tools. Unfortunately, these visual methods and their respective tools do not get much attention, and many writers don’t use them with the same comfort level they do tools that let them manipulate words. http://new.uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2009/11/visual-methods-of-communicating-structure-relationship-and-flow.php Itamar Medeiros imedeiros325 8 8 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:4718346099580558069-0f1ab14d0638ca85006efd25485f750f 2009-11-18T10:45:59.775-05:00

Every business has a leader, but the truly great ones have a desire to learn and grow. People who commit to the following five practices are dramatically more effective than those who cling to outdated, mythical leadership styles.

Every business has a leader, but the truly great ones have a desire to learn and grow. People who commit to the following five practices are dramatically more effective than those who cling to outdated, mythical leadership styles. http://www.fuelnet.com/daily/strategic_communication/improve-your-worth/ Ken Beaulieu kbeaulieu381 7 7 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:6530382125449624442-01d84631a8adb5383b1a23ca7a385b5b 2009-11-16T14:49:56.455-05:00

As social media has grown in acceptance within companies over the past few years, one debate never seems to go away – whether agencies should be involved in social media communications, or whether the only way to maintain an “authentic voice” is for companies to undertake it all themselves.

As social media has grown in acceptance within companies over the past few years, one debate never seems to go away – whether agencies should be involved in social media communications, or whether the only way to maintain an “authentic voice” is for companies to undertake it all themselves. http://www.socialmediatoday.com/SMC/142863 George Millington II gmillingtonii402 5 3 0 2 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:7665514422931036945-b8c7854877c750404ceb33ccdeaf7e50 2009-11-16T12:38:29.755-05:00

Recently, I presented at PubCon on the intersection of social media and PR. The session title was “experts on PR and Twitter,” however the session description went on to discuss a variety of networks. Therefore my interpretation was to speak on the...

Recently, I presented at PubCon on the intersection of social media and PR. The session title was “experts on PR and Twitter,” however the session description went on to discuss a variety of networks. Therefore my interpretation was to speak on the... http://www.toprankblog.com/2009/11/social-media-pr/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OnlineMarketingSEOBlog+%28Online+Marketing+Blog%29&utm_content=Netvibes George Millington II gmillingtonii402 4 3 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:1988818124124264389-5a9a46c9b65eeb2d2a9200c04b287a63 2009-11-06T14:14:28.448-05:00

A cultural and corporate shift is taking place in the world. The result of things like the current economic climate and recognition of global climate change, society is starting to push past awareness and into action. As this transition takes hold, companies are evolving from their reactive states, and moving toward more pro-active approaches. Social media has begun to play a key role in how companies shape their corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and present themselves as good corporate citizens.

A cultural and corporate shift is taking place in the world. The result of things like the current economic climate and recognition of global climate change, society is starting to push past awareness and into action. As this transition takes hold, companies are evolving from their reactive states, and moving toward more pro-active approaches. Social media has begun to play a key role in how companies shape their corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and present themselves as good corporate citizens. http://mashable.com/2009/11/06/social-responsibility/ George Millington II gmillingtonii402 28 27 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:5525946381451000793-4cb49372e4f6e7eeffbda7f5891878ad 2009-11-16T19:29:58.176-05:00

Who are your biggest, baddest competitors? How do you compete, by slugging it out head-to-head or by doing the unexpected? Here's how to be "unconventionally conventional" and use innovative strategies to redefine your competitive position. Know when to "duck" and when to lead.

Who are your biggest, baddest competitors? How do you compete, by slugging it out head-to-head or by doing the unexpected? Here's how to be "unconventionally conventional" and use innovative strategies to redefine your competitive position. Know when to "duck" and when to lead. http://rightideas-brightideas.blogspot.com/2009/11/ultimate-leadership-sales-marketing.html Andy Johnston ajohnston570 1 1 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:10308564218754582137-b109e9b1410496b1da0fbb4a85d03979 2009-11-16T18:13:50.121-05:00

Close journalism schools? No! Train professional journalists and pay them a living wage. Democracy depends on it!

Close journalism schools? No! Train professional journalists and pay them a living wage. Democracy depends on it! http://blog.makovsky.com/2009/11/close-journalism-schools.html#links Ken Makovsky kmakovsky105 1 1 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:10079016449693418461-a2653d9bb99c763f4333047e9b3e8486 2009-11-10T18:17:14.310-05:00

B-to-b companies need to become good storytellers to deliver effective messages online, Valeria Maltoni writes, suggesting that the message be simplified, surprising, concrete and credible. Make customers care about what you're saying and inspire them, she writes. "B2Bs are afflicted by the curse of knowledge," Maltoni adds. "They take for granted that their customers live and breathe their same air."

B-to-b companies need to become good storytellers to deliver effective messages online, Valeria Maltoni writes, suggesting that the message be simplified, surprising, concrete and credible. Make customers care about what you're saying and inspire them, she writes. "B2Bs are afflicted by the curse of knowledge," Maltoni adds. "They take for granted that their customers live and breathe their same air." http://www.conversationagent.com/2009/11/implementing-a-b2b-content-strategy-consider-how.html Leslie MacCallum lmaccallum946 12 11 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:5057462090039602641-74344241f127d3b23f035b0dbb1425b6 2009-11-12T14:11:12.083-05:00

I have posted a fair amount recently about the increasing importance of delivering great customer service - http://bit.ly/nf0or. I was reminded of this again when I came across a reference to what has become known as the "United Breaks Guitars" phenomenon. United repeatedly refused to listen and take corrective action after damaging the guitars of Dave Carroll. He eventually wrote a song in response (see video below), and the rest is history with 6 Million views and untold damage to United.

I have posted a fair amount recently about the increasing importance of delivering great customer service - http://bit.ly/nf0or. I was reminded of this again when I came across a reference to what has become known as the "United Breaks Guitars" phenomenon. United repeatedly refused to listen and take corrective action after damaging the guitars of Dave Carroll. He eventually wrote a song in response (see video below), and the rest is history with 6 Million views and untold damage to United. http://www.socialmediatoday.com/SMC/141797 George Millington II gmillingtonii402 6 5 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:12225031141495830498-37095b1a60013be6d50e2c5ba5b5816c 2009-11-13T14:46:00.488-05:00

http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/5305/Top-Inbound-Marketing-Stories-of-the-Week-Get-with-the-Social-Media-Program.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HubSpot+%28HubSpot%29&utm_content=Netvibes George Millington II gmillingtonii402 2 1 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:15243415457759362807-9765834c312856c0e25c39a484b1542b 2009-11-12T14:12:48.385-05:00

Traditional B2B marketers who resist social media aren't much different. They resist social media because it doesn't work when they use it as another outbound marketing channel. Instead of rejecting social media as a channel, traditional marketers need to reject their outbound approach to marketing.

Traditional B2B marketers who resist social media aren't much different. They resist social media because it doesn't work when they use it as another outbound marketing channel. Instead of rejecting social media as a channel, traditional marketers need to reject their outbound approach to marketing. http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/5303/Why-Doesn-t-Social-Media-Work-for-Traditional-B2B-Marketers-Because-They-re-Traditional-B2B-Marketers.aspx George Millington II gmillingtonii402 4 2 0 2 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:1151771550175225012-b7fc360d7d40f846ad7e880fdbbedf41 2009-11-12T18:17:32.573-05:00

What is the greatest gift of the Internet? We have become a nation of writers. This is not only a gift for the PR industry, but a gift to the world, as effective communications is at the heart of everything…from profitable business to world peace.

What is the greatest gift of the Internet? We have become a nation of writers. This is not only a gift for the PR industry, but a gift to the world, as effective communications is at the heart of everything…from profitable business to world peace. http://blog.makovsky.com/2009/11/nation-of-writers.html#links Ken Makovsky kmakovsky105 5 5 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:5805499784343602680-b1e9a35e6c539c82a541d1d641166528 2009-11-11T12:23:11.292-05:00

Absolutely...yes it is. You shouldn't even have to question it. I've launched six blogs since 2006, and the one thing I have learned from each one is that your blog is your voice. If it is a business blog, then it serves as your corporate voice. If it is a personal blog, then it is representative of your personal voice.

Absolutely...yes it is. You shouldn't even have to question it. I've launched six blogs since 2006, and the one thing I have learned from each one is that your blog is your voice. If it is a business blog, then it serves as your corporate voice. If it is a personal blog, then it is representative of your personal voice. http://www.socialmediatoday.com/SMC/141482 George Millington II gmillingtonii402 2 1 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:13452711637847331250-000223e3751252146c96f7bc4fa57a01 2009-11-06T14:14:48.096-05:00

Steve Harris, former communications director of General Motors, was one of five featured panelists at the Council of PR Firms’ October 29 Critical Issues Forum program: “Aftershock: Rebuilding Trust and Confidence in 2010. “ Steve made some salient points about GM, both pre- and post-bankruptcy. Here they are...

Steve Harris, former communications director of General Motors, was one of five featured panelists at the Council of PR Firms’ October 29 Critical Issues Forum program: “Aftershock: Rebuilding Trust and Confidence in 2010. “ Steve made some salient points about GM, both pre- and post-bankruptcy. Here they are... http://blog.makovsky.com/2009/11/communications-perspectives-on-gm.html#links Ken Makovsky kmakovsky105 18 18 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:15407150023510724887-174efc77995e7cd8b51e80d674c2692d 2009-11-09T12:35:54.116-05:00

“How can a start-up with a few employees and a tiny marketing budget get its name out there?” The question appeared perfect for a panel that included blogger and Twitter star Chris Brogan, Hubspot’s CEO and Inbound Marketing author Brian Halligan, and this blogger, who has worked on the launch of numerous companies and brands including Lotus, Monster.com, and Lending Tree, not to mention another dozen that never made it.

“How can a start-up with a few employees and a tiny marketing budget get its name out there?” The question appeared perfect for a panel that included blogger and Twitter star Chris Brogan, Hubspot’s CEO and Inbound Marketing author Brian Halligan, and this blogger, who has worked on the launch of numerous companies and brands including Lotus, Monster.com, and Lending Tree, not to mention another dozen that never made it. http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/5297/10-Ways-a-Start-Up-Can-Use-Social-Media-to-Market-Itself.aspx George Millington II gmillingtonii402 6 5 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:8900972397874986726-90c71a0c216089dd90fe457b288b917b 2009-10-13T10:57:48.701-04:00

Email is still the bedrock of communications but a new generation of social networking services is starting to take hold.

Email is still the bedrock of communications but a new generation of social networking services is starting to take hold. http://www.coachingtip.com/2009/10/the-way-we-communicate.html John Agno jagno444 75 73 1 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:15829236069488584745-d282ce1f34418133cb45b5d9655a6505 2009-11-03T20:23:22.246-05:00

Using “business babble” is nothing more than an attempt to convince people that we know what we’re talking about. Why do we simplify and focus marketing messages and fill business communications with jargon, obscure acronyms and language out of a doctoral thesis? Here’s how to survive the Shower of Babble and help people agree with you. Wouldn't it feel good to be understood?

Using “business babble” is nothing more than an attempt to convince people that we know what we’re talking about. Why do we simplify and focus marketing messages and fill business communications with jargon, obscure acronyms and language out of a doctoral thesis? Here’s how to survive the Shower of Babble and help people agree with you. Wouldn't it feel good to be understood? http://rightideas-brightideas.blogspot.com/2009/11/shower-of-babble.html Andy Johnston ajohnston570 22 22 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:4707754970515055804-5e34a3098d3495d1c000404cd4a2aa01 2009-10-16T09:25:53.379-04:00

150 senior executives at the nation's 1,000 largest companies were asked to name the most annoying or overused phrases or buzzwords. Here are the "winners"

150 senior executives at the nation's 1,000 largest companies were asked to name the most annoying or overused phrases or buzzwords. Here are the "winners" http://blog.makovsky.com/2009/10/most-annoying-overused-words-in.html#links Ken Makovsky kmakovsky105 29 27 1 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:3252262741850750605-c5fa459646c968866f13f968b1e05ea0 2009-11-10T11:20:19.507-05:00

"What am I doing wrong?" is often the question many people who are just starting out in online social networks and Social Media (Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, etc...) ask. It's a fair question, but then again, it's not a fair question because there are...

"What am I doing wrong?" is often the question many people who are just starting out in online social networks and Social Media (Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, etc...) ask. It's a fair question, but then again, it's not a fair question because there are... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TwistImage/~3/KGzxUoOEAlg/ John Jantsch jjantsch566 4 4 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:13072888247516065655-db6aa49411e21995587c53dfa2d4ccff 2009-11-06T12:47:22.594-05:00

There is a serious lack of trust among consumers these days. Citizens of every country are eying large national and multi-national corporations with a narrowed, suspicious gaze. Questions are...

There is a serious lack of trust among consumers these days. Citizens of every country are eying large national and multi-national corporations with a narrowed, suspicious gaze. Questions are... http://greeneconomypost.com/trust-business-win-1-5798.htm Chris de Morsella cdemorsella630 10 10 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:12848196347116167021-743ee38cc9785bdd364e08430ff84b4f 2009-11-09T08:06:17.100-05:00

The Conferencing Fairytale - The end of contracts and commitments in the telephone conferencing industry? No more unexpected fees or unexpected surcharges? It sounds like a fairytail.

The Conferencing Fairytale - The end of contracts and commitments in the telephone conferencing industry? No more unexpected fees or unexpected surcharges? It sounds like a fairytail. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqgUZNtXyHg Mike Ericson jr. mbreeze360 4 4 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:8322784106019629230-4e2aeee681212ebc7806e2719abd4e0f 2009-11-03T12:36:48.480-05:00

http://www.socialmediatoday.com/SMC/139243 George Millington II gmillingtonii402 8 7 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:10861621043854645970-771c9b857298b39e9064346b108b61b3 2009-11-05T12:50:21.384-05:00

Connect with Ron Welcome to the Immediate Influence blog exploring the power of influence, social media, and beyond. I'd love to connect with you directly, check me out on Twitter and be sure to subscribe to the blog for updates. -- Ron Hudson

Connect with Ron Welcome to the Immediate Influence blog exploring the power of influence, social media, and beyond. I'd love to connect with you directly, check me out on Twitter and be sure to subscribe to the blog for updates. -- Ron Hudson http://immediateinfluenceblog.com/25-of-the-most-powerful-influential-women-in-social-media-2009/ George Millington II gmillingtonii402 3 2 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:927459673448841186-e71f528a86cde0c7ee1770eccd221a40 2009-11-05T12:47:53.373-05:00

http://www.socialmediatoday.com/SMC/139775 George Millington II gmillingtonii402 3 2 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:15473720553075089599-5cad6f1aea56e101b7c67e09aa739061 2009-11-09T16:28:34.669-05:00

What did Steve Jobs do to be named “CEO of the Decade?” You can steal what he does best - create teams, lead through passion and energy and communicate in the simplest terms. Here’s how you can become the next big leader. Wouldn’t you like to be the “CEO of the Next Decade?

What did Steve Jobs do to be named “CEO of the Decade?” You can steal what he does best - create teams, lead through passion and energy and communicate in the simplest terms. Here’s how you can become the next big leader. Wouldn’t you like to be the “CEO of the Next Decade? http://rightideas-brightideas.blogspot.com/2009/11/develop-real-leadership-steal-from.html Andy Johnston ajohnston570 1 1 0 0