Marketing & Media

I recently met someone who used the term “social business” instead of the common “social media” vernacular. Whichever term, social media activities must be strategic extensions of a business' marketing and communications plans. If not, it's a waste of time and resources.

If you thought that the move from the Industrial Era to the Digital Era was the last major economic...

If there was one bipartisan issue that resonated with both national political campaigns that descended upon Wisconsin this presidential election season, it was the need to create jobs and increase productivity for American businesses. One answer may come from a surprising source: applying social technologies and behaviors to companies can deliver jobs and provide step-change growth to businesses of all sizes.

It’s safe to say Wisconsin has a mixed record when it comes to slogans and brands.

BizTimes Media is currently accepting submissions to update its online and print business directories. Organizations may submit a listing to any of the directories any time throughout the year, but submissions will only be featured in the print directory if completed by the deadlines as noted below. Contact sales and marketing intern Emalee Frase at emalee.frase@biztimes.com with questions about submissions.

Credibility is the currency most people want. Like dollars in the bank, credibility can be spent in the company store. When you need to get buy-in on a new idea, others are more willing to get behind it. When a new position is available, your name can be advanced as a candidate others can safely support. If you disagree with a decision made by senior management, they are more willing to listen to your argument.

Blogging is a powerful tool. But taking the time to plan how you'll develop content and aligning it with your company's brand and goals – both externally for your customers and internally for your employees – makes it even more powerful. It's an approach that will help elevate your brand from an idea to an asset.

BizTimes Milwaukee invites southeastern Wisconsin nonprofit organizations to take advantage of a year-long marketing opportunity by submitting information to be featured in the 2013 BizTimes Giving Guide, a print and digital publication to showcase nonprofit organizations seeking support from the business community.

Companies often assume they own all rights in the social media accounts used in their branding strategies. However, disputes regarding account ownership can arise in many circumstances. For example, what if an employee created her own Facebook or Twitter account before she was hired and then began using that account on behalf of the company? What if an employee is hired for his persona (sports broadcaster or well-known blogger) and attracts an audience with his personality rather than company products?