Want to know how marketers really feel about social media?

Check out these statistics from Alterian’s seventh annual social media marketing survey.

- 70% work with 3 or more suppliers to accommodate marketing services such as digital
marketing, database marketing, data hygiene, creative & brand, strategy, web analytics etc.
- 23% work with a “staggering” 7 or more suppliers
- 66% will invest in social media marketing, known as SMM
- 40% will shift more than 20% of their traditional marketing to SMM
- …

Next week, I’m honored to present four programs at the IAPD/IPRA [Illinois Association of Park Districts - Illinois Park and Recreation Association conference]. Thanks so much to Jessica Alexenko of the Lisle Park District for booking me to speak at two workshops and two breakout sessions. We started talking about the conference almost a year ago and just last week I met several people at two different events who told me how much fun I would have at the …

SUMMARY: Social media is gaining respect at a critical time – when budgets are being formulated. And this attitude adjustment is having a major effect on marketing spending. MarketingSherpa January 5, 2010

MarketingSherpa asked this question:
Which statement best describes how social media marketing is perceived within your organization at budget time?

Answers
7% Social media produces measurable ROI – increase budgets liberally
17% Social media is basically free – let’s keep it that way
27% Social media value is unknown – why invest more?
49% …

Thanks to Steve Stokes of Stoked Studios for covering Social Media Club Chicago’s first anniversary event on October 22, 2009. Many people asked about how they could watch the video of the panel discussion about community and social media – click here to go the video.

SMC Chicago President, Jeff Willinger of RightPoint Consulting moderated the panel discussion. Thanks so much to our panelists: Ramon DeLeon of Domino’s Pizza, Sarah Evans of Sevans Strategy, Gerald [and Olivia] Haman of Solution …

Peter Shankman visited Chicago this week and I was there! Now this is one guy I’ve always wanted to meet. I’m a fan of HARO [helpoutareporter.com], more stats on that later, and Peter’s brilliance in general.

Although most people associate Peter with HARO, did you know he’s also the author of Can We Do That?! Outrageous PR Stunts That Work–And Why Your Company Needs Them, a blogger, a skydiver, an entrepreneur, a marathoner and owner of two fat cats.

Thanks to …

Note: This post contains dramatic videos – plan to stay for awhile.

My trip to KÀ began with a brief email exchange . . .

ME: Thanks so much for making this offer. Last year I found out about it a few hours too late. I’ve never seen a show in Vegas, but I love theater, magic, dance and drama. Thanks for letting me know what is open.
JESSICA BERLIN [Cirque Du Soleil]: Thanks for your email. Hmm….if …