Almost every Brand and Marketing Communications executive is trying to figure out how to use social media. We want to enter the conversation, direct the conversation, correct the conversation or in some cases even control the conversation. And there's nothing wrong with most of this – although I'll argue that you can never really control the conversation.

The First Amendment of the Constitution promises Freedom of Speech. But does it guarantee Freedom of Tweets? And, should it?

On a couple of recent occasions, I’ve had friends ask about tips for leading brainstorming sessions, or at least how to get more out of them. There are a variety of tactics I use – some are borrowed, some are original. Most have become second nature, but in an effort to capture a meaningful list of tips, I decided to write them down.

So here we are, sorting through thousands of marketing messages a day, rattling on about the future of advertising as we know it, exploring the role of experiential marketing, uncovering the biggest influencers of search engine rankings and debating the application of social media in traditional marketing. Yet, all around us, the largest financial crisis since the Great Depression threatens our economy.

It's almost here. The day nestled neatly between MLK and Valentine's Day. The day that convinced Hallmark they could create holidays like Sweetest Day and Boss's Day. The one day a year when we invite some friends over and settle in to . . . watch commercials!

Six in 10 Twitter users want businesses to answer their tweets, if businesses will offer a good quality response. However, an average of 31% − half of what is desired – actually receives answers to their questions from a business/brand.

If I were to ask you to list five brands that are "green," you'd probably rattle off five consumer brands. Next, I'd be interested to know how you found out they were "eco-friendly" or "green."

Recently, a friend asked me if we could talk social media. And that's great. The only problem was that he wanted to talk about social media before having a strategy—not even a marketing plan—in place.

A dramatic tale of a non-profit organization vs. two behemoth automobile manufacturers.

I am sick and tired of the so-called professional news media hiding behind social media – especially Twitter – like it is some sort of journalistic bastion.