Eric Schwartzman

In today's digital age, data has become the lifeblood of businesses and organizations across the globe. Big Data, in particular, has emerged as a game-changer, holding the potential to revolutionize industries and shape our society's future.

As a digital marketing agency founder, my ability to comprehend the significance of Big Data is crucial. It's not just a technical concept but a transformative force I use to shape my client's marketing strategies. Inhi Cho Suh's insights highlight why non-technical business professionals, including marketers, should care about Big Data.

As marketers, we deal with various types of data, from customer transactions to social media interactions. Understanding the distinctions between (1) transactional, (2) machine-generated, (3) social, and (4) enterprise data can help us to better leverage these data sources effectively for business insights and decision-making.

In the age of data-driven marketing, privacy and ethics are paramount. Inhi Cho Suh's discussion on the risks associated with social data and the importance of respecting intellectual property rights amidst fluid legal compliance requirements provides marketers with guidance on both risk management and ethical data practices.

In this special podcast episode, Inhi Cho Suh, Vice President and General Manager of Big Data, Integration, & Governance at IBM, delves deep into the opportunities and risks that come with the world of Big Data.

Why Big Data Matters to Everyone

One of the fundamental questions posed during this conversation is, "Why should non-technical business people care about Big Data?" Inhi Cho Suh addresses this by highlighting the far-reaching impact of Big Data across industries. It's not just a concern for data scientists or IT departments; it's a transformative force that can provide critical insights, improve decision-making, and drive business innovation.

The Multifaceted World of Data

To comprehend the significance of Big Data, it's essential to grasp the various types of data in play. This episode differentiates between transactional, machine-generated, social, and enterprise data, each offering unique insights and challenges. While transactional data is structured and often used for financial analysis, machine-generated data, from sources like IoT devices, poses its own set of complexities. Social data, derived from platforms like Twitter and Facebook, differs significantly from traditional social media. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective data utilization.

The Delicate Balance Between Insights and Privacy

One of the paramount issues surrounding Big Data is the balance between insights and privacy. Inhi Cho Suh delves into the risks associated with collecting, storing, and analyzing social data. While Big Data can provide valuable information, it also raises concerns about data privacy and security. The conversation explores the importance of respecting intellectual property rights when dealing with vast datasets.

OODA: A Framework for Big Data

In the context of Big Data, the OODA (Observation, Orientation, Decision, Action) loop becomes relevant. Inhi Cho Suh discusses how this framework applies to the world of Big Data, emphasizing the need for timely and informed decision-making. Big Data analytics can significantly accelerate the OODA loop, enabling organizations to adapt and respond more effectively to changing circumstances.

Applying IT Governance to Big Data

To mitigate risks and ensure ethical data practices, applying sound IT governance practices to Big Data projects is crucial. This involves establishing clear guidelines, responsibilities, and accountability throughout the data lifecycle. Inhi Cho Suh provides insights into how organizations can implement effective governance structures tailored to Big Data initiatives.

Freedom of Expression vs. Right to Privacy

The discussion takes an intriguing turn as it explores the relationship between freedom of expression and the right to privacy. Referencing Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff's reaction to phone tapping allegations, the conversation prompts us to consider whether freedom of expression depends on the right to privacy in the digital age.

The Hypothetical Challenge: Making PRISM More Constitutional

In a hypothetical scenario, Inhi Cho Suh contemplates the task of making the PRISM program more constitutional. This intriguing thought experiment raises questions about the ethical and legal implications of data surveillance programs and the role of Big Data in national security.

Privacy by Design: A Fundamental Principle

As the discussion draws to a close, the importance of privacy by design in Big Data projects is underlined. This principle advocates for the incorporation of privacy considerations from the very beginning of a project, ensuring that privacy remains a core element of data initiatives.

In conclusion, this enlightening conversation with Inhi Cho Suh sheds light on the ever-evolving landscape of Big Data. It underscores the need for individuals and organizations, regardless of technical expertise, to understand the opportunities and risks inherent in the world of Big Data. In an age where data drives innovation and transformation, staying informed and adopting responsible data practices is paramount.

Drawing the line between what’s okay to share and what’s just too risky to share, the potential impact of the NSA PRISM surveillance program on the private sector and the top 5 things not to share on social media.  

Ryan Garcia Associate General Counsel at Facebook talks about the impact of social media usage in the workplace of personal privacy and security.  

Ryan has spoken at and chaired numerous social media legal conferences around the country.

He has also been invited to speak on social media legal topics before American Bar Association committees, the Word of Mouth Marketing Association Summit, and the Game Developers Conference.

Ryan frequently blogs about social media legal issues at somelaw.wordpress.com.

New York Times technology columnist David Pogue has called Ryan the funniest Dell lawyer he knows.  

Topics Addressed:  

Staying ahead of the legal issues that pertain to enterprise wide social media usage.Future proofing corporate social media training programs.Challenges of relying on sensational headlines for corporate social media education.The lack of attention people pay to the terms of service screens when signing up for online services of downloading apps.Risks of content ownership versus granting a non-exclusive, fully paid and royalty-free, transferable, sub-licensable, worldwide license.Importance of teaching people about the security and privacy risks of publishing geo-data.Discussion of setting limits on setting boundaries of what you share, since “publication is a self-invasion of privacy” as Marshall McLuhan once said.The top 5 things not sure on social networks.Potential impact of the NSA’s PRISM program on private sector usage of social media.What BYOD means for personal privacy and organizational security.

   Reference Links:

Mashable CEO Pete Cashmore at SXSWNY Times: Those Wordy Contracts We All So Quickly AcceptStudy: Cybercasing the Joint by Gerald Friedland and Robin Sommer [PDF]

Photo by Nosiuol on Unsplash

What does it take to help a company become a social business? It takes the support of management and employees, and that requires education and enablement.

Which is why Intel launched their Digital IQ social media training program.  Because they knew that without the buy-in of Intel’s 100,000 employees, social marketing would never be truly effective.  

But where do you start? 

You can’t boil the ocean. So Intel focused on training marketers first, before rolling the program out broadly.   

Rather than launch a social media center of excellence, they opted to build a social business at all levels of the enterprise. Their objective was to tap the power of an internal advocacy program that enabled everyone to help prospects and customers via social networks.  

The Digital IQ program at Intel is organized like a higher education program with 60 classes organized into 4-tiers or levels of training. Some course are required, others are elective. 

Entry level courses were digital so everyone had access on-demand. Intermediate courses were focused on enabling social media practitioners with live training. And advanced were very high-touch, one-on-one, interactive training sessions targeted to executives and SMEs.  

How did they decide what was basic, and what was advanced?  Basic trainings were focused on answering the question of why. 

Intermediate classes answered who and how.  And advanced classes really dug deeper into how at an even deeper level.   In this podcast, former Intel social media strategist Ekaterina Walter (@ekaterina). 

Ekaterina was a member of the team that spearheaded the development of Digital IQ University at Intel.    

Topics Addressed:  

Strategies for organizing tiered social media training programsInside the different courses in the Digital IQ programHow to design high-level, advanced social media training programsCrisis communications trainingSocial media marketing training programs Benefits of classroom social media training vs. online social media trainingBiggest challenges associated with live social media training programsThe biggest challenge of social media training programsRecommended lengths for online social media training courses

Ekaterina is the best-selling author of Think like Zuck, The Five Business Secrets of Facebook's Improbably Brilliant CEO Mark Zuckerberg, which details why purpose, people, process and partnerships are the keys to success in the modern age.  

Ekaterina Walters is Partner and CMO at Branderati. which provides software as a service to manage online advocacy programs though influencers relations.

This is an exclusive recording of a discussion with Attorney Daniel Stuart about how the advent of crowdfunding transformed the fundraising landscape for startups.

If you are crowdfunding for a startup and want to understand better the challenges associated with direct fundraising from nonaccredited investors, you'll want to listen to this podcast.

For the longest time, crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo allowed individuals to contribute to projects. Still, they prohibited them from owning equity in the ventures they supported, which limited the amount people were willing to invest.

In the US, soliciting investments directly from consumers was strictly regulated, involving extensive paperwork and compliance hurdles.

These regulations were initially established to protect individual investors from potential fraud, ensuring they were well-informed about their investment decisions.

What is Crowdfunding

In its initial stages, crowdfunding focused on enabling creative projects and causes to secure funding from a crowd of supporters. It allowed artists, filmmakers, and social entrepreneurs to turn their visions into reality by accepting contributions from interested individuals. However, the concept was limited to non-equity-based contributions, providing backers with rewards like t-shirts or movie tickets in exchange for their financial support.

Evolution of Crowdfunding

Over time, crowdfunding evolved beyond its creative roots and became a powerful fundraising tool for startups and small businesses. This evolution was driven by the desire to democratize the investment landscape. Entrepreneurs sought ways to offer equity to a wider range of investors, allowing them to share in the potential success of a business venture. This transition significantly departed from the traditional investment model, where only accredited investors had access to early-stage investment opportunities.

Promoting Crowdfunding Campaigns

One of the key challenges in crowdfunding for startups is promoting their campaigns effectively. Unlike traditional fundraising methods, where entrepreneurs often engage with venture capitalists or angel investors, crowdfunding relies on hiring a diverse online audience. Success in crowdfunding campaigns depends on various factors, including a compelling pitch, engaging storytelling, and the ability to connect with potential backers through various online channels. Entrepreneurs must harness the power of social media, email marketing, and other digital strategies to reach a broader audience.

Public Relations for Crowdfunding

For startups engaged in crowdfunding, partnering with a skilled public relations agency is essential.

These PR agencies specialize in crafting compelling narratives, establishing brand credibility, and attracting potential backers. Startups seeking crowdfunding support must effectively convey their vision, mission, and the unique value proposition of their project.

A reputable public relations agency can assist in creating persuasive press releases, engaging with influential figures in the industry, harnessing the power of social media platforms, and sharing success stories.

By collaborating with a trusted PR agency, startups can enhance their public image, maintain transparency, and stand out in the competitive crowdfunding landscape, ultimately connecting with the right audience of backers.

Crowdfunding Regulatory Requirements

The pivotal moment in the evolution of crowdfunding came with the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act.

This legislation was designed to reshape the fundraising landscape, particularly for startups. Under the JOBS Act, a legal framework was established to enable individuals to invest in startups through online crowdfunding platforms. The act aimed to remove barriers that had previously restricted investment opportunities to accredited investors and institutional players.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was vital in implementing the JOBS Act. The SEC's decision to lift the ban on general solicitation for specific private securities offerings was a game-changer. It meant that startups could now advertise their investment opportunities to a broader audience, including unaccredited investors.

This move held the potential to stimulate grassroots fundraising for small businesses and allowed everyday individuals to participate in investment opportunities previously beyond their reach.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving world of crowdfunding for startups, the importance of hiring a public relations agency with crowdfunding experience cannot be overstated. What began as a platform for creative ventures has now become a revolutionary fundraising method, leveling the playing field and opening doors for unaccredited investors and small businesses, all thanks to the regulatory framework established by the JOBS Act.

For entrepreneurs navigating this shifting landscape, having the expertise of a PR agency with a deep understanding of crowdfunding is invaluable. These professionals understand the nuances, regulatory intricacies, and effective promotional strategies required to unlock the potential of crowdfunding fully.

As this fundraising method continues to evolve, it remains a dynamic and accessible tool for startups aiming to secure support and investments from a diverse community of backers. However, having the right PR agency by your side can make all the difference in successfully navigating this transformative journey.

This audio podcast is a presentation delivered by Top Rank Marketing CEO Lee Odden (@LeeOdden) on Friday June 28th at the PRSA Digital Impact Conference in New York.

The session was titled:   Attract, Engage and Convert: Get Ahead With Content Digital Marketing and PR

In today’s fast moving search and social Web, content marketing flows in every direction throughout diverse platforms, formats and devices.

Now more than ever, creating content that influences growth in media and new business requires an integrated approach.

During this session, you’ll learn the Attract, Engage and Convert model, which can help organizations optimize the performance of their content-focused digital marketing and public relations programs.

Topics Discussed:

Understand the future trends in online marketing and PR

identify 3 Major problems with most content marketing and social media efforts

Present a new model for social content success everyone can understand: attract, engage, convert

Review of who’s doing it right: a case study in integrated marketing

5 best practices for 360 degree content marketing & digital PR

Tools for better content planning, management and amplification

Lee is the author of the book Optimize: How to Attract and Engage More Customers by Integrating SEO, Social Media, and Content Marketing.     “Lee Odden is one of the true thought leaders in an industry where you are not always sure who to trust. Well, you can trust this book to help take your online and content marketing to the next level.” — Joe Pulizzi – Founder, Content Marketing Institute  Lee also wrote a blog post about his presentation for the ComPRhension blog and posted another article about it on his own Top Rank Blog.

This is a recording of the luncheon keynote title "The Content Imperative" delivered at the PRSA Digital Impact Conference on June 27, 2013.  

The speaker is Steve Rubel (@steverubel) is Chief Content Strategist for Edelman - the world's largest independent public relations firm.

In this role Rubel is responsible for creating and cultivating best practices in content strategy and for piloting innovative media partnerships that blend paid, owned and earned strategies.

He serves as a strategic advisor to both the firm's Executive Committee as well as its clients.

While with Edelman Rubel has served in a number of senior advisory roles. He helped evolve both the firm's thinking and strategy around the rapid advance of social media and, more recently, disruptions in the broader media landscape.

As part of his remit, Rubel publishes regular reports that are based on in-depth interviews with executives and thought leaders in the media, technology and entertainment industries.

He also represents Edelman on the World Economic Forum's Media, Entertainment and Information Industry Partnership. Rubel is one of Edelman's most visible industry thought leaders. He has written a monthly column for Advertising Age since 2006.

Further, he was one of the first marketers picked to join the LinkedIn Influencer content network.

He is followed by 80,000 on Twitter.

Recruitment marketing has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, and one individual who has witnessed this evolution firsthand is Gerry Crispin. With decades of experience in recruiting and career planning, Crispin recognized the potential of the Internet, particularly social media, in revolutionizing the hiring process. In this exclusive interview with Eric Schwartzman, Crispin shares his insights and findings from the "Sources of Hire Report," shedding light on the best social networks to discover highly qualified job candidates.

The Evolution of Online Hiring

While online hiring is not a new concept, social media recruiting is a relatively recent phenomenon. Gerry Crispin's journey in this realm began in 1994 when he founded CareerXroads, a platform that assists organizations, regardless of their size, in various aspects of human resources management. This includes career planning, executive search, contract recruiting, and recruitment advertising. Crispin's forward-thinking approach led him to explore the vast potential of social media in the recruitment landscape.

The Sources of Hire Report

A central focus of this interview is Gerry Crispin's "Sources of Hire Report," a comprehensive study aimed at attributing candidate hiring to specific media channels, with a particular emphasis on social media. This white paper challenges conventional employer practices in defining and measuring the talent supply chain before the application stage. Crispin's research provides valuable insights into how social media has become an indispensable tool in sourcing and hiring the right candidates.

Key Takeaways

The interview with Gerry Crispin delves into the following key takeaways:

1. Social Media's Impact: Crispin highlights the transformative impact of social media on recruitment. With statistics and data-backed evidence, he underscores the importance of leveraging social networks for finding top-tier talent.

2. The Changing Landscape: As technology continues to evolve, so does the recruitment landscape. Crispin's insights shed light on how organizations must adapt to these changes and embrace digital tools and platforms to stay competitive in talent acquisition.

3. Data-Driven Strategies: Gerry Crispin emphasizes the significance of data-driven recruitment marketing strategies. He discusses the role of analytics in measuring the effectiveness of various hiring channels and making informed decisions.

Conclusion

In an era defined by data and digital connectivity, Gerry Crispin's interview provides invaluable insights for recruitment marketing professionals. It underscores the pivotal role of social media in sourcing and hiring top-notch candidates. As organizations continue to navigate the evolving landscape of talent acquisition, Crispin's research serves as a guiding beacon, offering actionable strategies for leveraging big data to achieve marketing success.

I spoke to social media marketing analyst Brian Solis about his new book What’s the Future of Business – Changing the Way Business Create Experiences, which redefines the key elements of an effective social media strategy.

If you haven’t read it yet, the new book advances his “shareable moments” concept into a framework for social media engagement by identifying when, what and how organizations can best shape the dynamic customer journey, suggesting social media marketing should be about shaping intentional experiences or the experiences customers have through experience architecture.

If you’re unfamiliar with Brian, he’s a world-renowned tech analyst. He’s also a keynote speaker and 8x best-selling author.

Before Altimeter, he founded FutureWorks, a marketing agency focused on digital media, branding, and business strategy. He also created The Conversation Prism, an infographic categorizing the various social media categories and the companies that provide those services.

Social Media Marketing Insights

Overarching social media management strategy

Intentional experiences and how organizations and individuals put together an experiential strategy

The dynamic customer journey

The 4 moments of truth

Impact of connected consumers and connected audiences on industries

Connecting social media marketing with customer service

Shaping intentional experiences through enterprise-wide digital literacy

Why the sales funnel is dead

Practical tips for listening to customer experiences

Om Malik and finding the soul of big data

Newsle, which became Linkedin connections and the future of interoperability

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, personal privacy boundaries in social media have become increasingly complex.

Attorney James DeSimone, renowned for his civil and constitutional rights expertise, offers a comprehensive exploration of the legal intricacies surrounding social media privacy rights.

Whether you're an employee, employer, public relations agency professional, or an individual concerned about your digital privacy, this podcast sheds light on essential legal considerations.

The Context: Current Relevance of Digital Privacy

The podcast begins by highlighting the contemporary relevance of personal privacy and wired communications. Focusing on the leaked NSA PRISM surveillance program, the conversation sets the stage for a discussion on safeguarding digital privacy rights.

Constitutional Framework: The 4th and 14th Amendments

DeSimone delves into the constitutional framework, emphasizing the protection afforded by the 4th Amendment against "unreasonable search and seizure" and the 14th Amendment's interpretation, which grants individuals the "right to be left alone." These constitutional underpinnings form the backdrop for understanding how these rights apply to employees and employers in the digital age.

Key Discussion Points: Exploring Social Media Privacy Rights

The podcast covers an array of critical discussion points, offering nuanced insights into social media privacy rights:

Employee Personal Privacy Rights: DeSimone elucidates how US employee personal privacy rights apply to social media communications, shedding light on the legal landscape governing these interactions.

State Laws and Password Protection: Learn about state laws prohibiting employers from demanding social networking passwords from employees, and how these laws vary across states.

Pre-Employment Screening: Delve into the legal issues surrounding the use of social media background checks in pre-employment recruiting and hiring.

Fair Credit and Reporting Act: Understand the intersections of privacy rights, equal employment opportunity rights, and the Fair Credit and Reporting Act.

Off-Duty Social Media Use: Explore the question of whether employees have the right to privacy on social media during their off-duty hours.

Social Media Policies: Gain insights into the use of social media policies as tools for managing employees' expectations and responsibilities.

Challenges in Identity Segregation: Discover the challenges associated with segregating personal and professional identities on social media, particularly with new services like the LinkedIn Contact iPhone App.

Monitoring at the Workplace: Delve into the legal aspects of employers monitoring their employees' social media use at work, including the controversial practice of shoulder-surfing.

Noel Canning vs. NLRB Case: Understand the implications of the Noel Canning vs. NLRB case and its potential impact on employees' rights to bargain collectively and organize on social media.

Facebook Privacy Settings: Learn how your Facebook privacy settings can influence whether employers or litigators can access your profile for verification or background checks.

Ownership of Content and Connections: Explore the question of content and connection ownership after an employee leaves a company, along with the importance of clearly defining the scope of employment-related content.

Withholding Login Credentials: Understand the legality of an employee withholding login credentials to a company-branded account after termination, citing notable legal cases.

Privacy on Mobile Devices: In light of emerging technologies like Google Glass and wearable devices, delve into the rights of US employees concerning information accessed or created on mobile devices.

Company-Owned vs. Employee-Owned Devices: Examine the disparities in privacy protections between company-owned and employee-owned mobile devices, including the impact of web access via company wireless signals and cell phone expense reimbursements.

Google Glass and Workplace Privacy: Consider the potential challenges and privacy invasions that may arise in the workplace with the advent of Google Glass and similar wearable technologies.

Conclusion: Safeguarding Your Digital Footprint

In an era where digital privacy is paramount, this podcast is a valuable resource for individuals seeking to navigate the complex landscape of social media privacy rights.

James DeSimone's extensive legal expertise clarifies the rights and responsibilities of both employees and employers, ensuring that your digital footprint remains protected.

Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash

Just how well does the broader human resources community get social media?

The answer to that question and many more about the state of social media in HR are revealed in this podcast.  

We talked to Tim Sackett, EVP at HRU Technical Resources, a $40M IT and Engineering contract staffing firm, and Recruiting Processing Outsourcers (RPOs) about various social media HR issues.  

Before joining HRU, he was Director of Employment at Sparrow Health System. Before that, he was Regional HR and Staffing Director at Applebee’s International and has served others in similar capacities. 

He’s split his career between recruiting and HR, working for HR vendors and corporations.  

HR Topics Discussed:  

How is HR changing to accommodate social media in the workplace?

Challenges of managing social media usage among staffers at Applebee’s

Overcoming the operational challenges social media at work

Business case for HR to manage social media usage in the workplace

Social media compliance in an era of increased government regulation

Social media governance strategies

Strategies for educating large employee populations on social media literacy and compliance

Challenges of Social Media Training for HR

Corporate social media policy fairness, employee recruitment and retention

Risks of Equal Employment Opportunity charges due to social media

Photo by Free To Use Sounds on Unsplash