Dave from Area 224 got the chance to step in as a last-second weather replacement yesterday. Here are some highlights for those who weren’t present…
First of all, thanks to Tim McDonald, who heads up this group, for the opportunity. And sorry that Gini Dietrich couldn’t attend – the snow was pretty bad in Chicago’s North Suburbs, and worse in the city.
As for the highlights, we think it’s going to be the year where Accountability and Transparency take center stage. We think Mobile will dominate. And we love Lean Startups.
For instance:
How’s this for an example of BOTH Accountability and Transparency.
Now, we’ll admit that John Elway – NFL Legend who is now in a senior role with the Denver Broncos – has the celebrity that most marketers don’t. Which means that his Tweets (an example shown here) automatically can get a larger audience.
In this case, though, he is being accountable to Broncos fans: John Fox is the former coach of the Carolina Panthers and a candidate that John will interview to possibly become the next Broncos coach.
He’s also being transparent: you know exactly why John and John won’t meet immediately. You also know that John and John will meet. AND, in other tweets from Mr Elway, you are invited to weigh in and share what you would ask the candidates.

Mobile: These are some staggering stats.
Ignore mobile phones, mobile browsers and the mobile use of social networks at your peril.
While the growth is projected to taper off, according to eMarketer.com, uh…this is like tapering off after insane hockey-stick like growth.
Facebook’s own Press Room says there are more than 200 Million active users currently accessing Facebook through their mobile devices.
Wowzers.
Sometimes, leaner is better. Evidenced by this startup, instagr.am. 100,000 users in their first week. 1,000,000 reported before Christmas. Here’s more from Business Insider.
Not a very complex idea – photos, semi-warped by filters or made to look like old Polaroids, shared with the world.
We’ll see much more stuff like this, IMHO. Startups that don’t take a lot to launch — even from big companies who can make the go or no-go decision after a few days. Invest a little, watch it grow or flop, make your decision.
Final Note:
The snowed-in Gini Dietrich did share one trend via video. Here it is. Hint: she focuses on something we didn’t even mention…
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQkNVuJ_fZI

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