Third Monday – Jon Husband

October 17, 2006 • Joseph Thornley • No Tags

Jon Husband, Vancouver-based blogger and co-founder of Qumana, was the guest speaker at the second Third Monday in Ottawa last night. He was joined in a question and answer session by Ian Ketcheson.

John led off with a discussion of Wirearchy. Jon’s self proclaimed passion is organizations as social systems. In ’96, Jon read Peter Drucker’s article, Beyond the Information Revolution. Drucker concluded that from here on knowledge workers own the future. Whether it takes five years, 10 years or 20 years, eventually knowledge workers will want to share in the benefits of their work. And in fact, if we look at the options boom of the late 90s, this actually arrived much sooner.

Inspired by Drucker’s observations, Husband coined the term “wirearchy” to capture the essence of the new relationships in the connected world in which knowledge really is power and knowledge can be freely shared.

Wirearchy is not about replacing hierarchy. It’s a both/and situation. We will always have hierarchies because most people do not want to work that hard. The issue, however, will be that it sharpens the game for those who do step forward. People can fact check. People can know almost as much as an executive about the conditions in which the organization operates.

Blogging and wikis have accelerated these trends.

Given that Jon was making his presentation in Canada’s capital, it was a sure bet that the question would be asked: How will government cope with the challenge of social media and self publishing? Husband noted that the Public Service Commission has stated that it wants the Government of Canada to become an employer of choice. Can it ever become this if it attempts to restrict the use of social media and maintain the traditional command and control organization? The answer is obvious. The government will be at a disadvantage in attempting to renew its workforce if it attempts to restrict the use of social media within the organization.

In approaching blogging by government, Jon suggests that the discussion should begin with a review of objectives and alternative means to achieve them, including blogs and social media. The discussion must embrace the question of how much control the government wishes to maintain. Early efforts should then proceed as a pilot project with clear guidelines. Without doubt, it will be like introducing a foreign body into the government and there will be some reaction to it.

Jon brought great perspective from outside of the Ottawa government bubble. Thanks for spending an autumn evening in Ottawa far away from Vancouver.

UPDATE: John Sobol has captured the essence of Jon’s presentation much better than I did. John’s post is well worth reading.

Linkworthy – Blogging Tips

October 16, 2006 • Joseph Thornley • No Tags

Three great posts caught my eye in the last week. Each offers good practical advice for new and experienced bloggers.

Five Steps to Starting a Successful Blog Ryan Anderson tells potential bloggers to focus on good content and be sure they have the determination to keep feeding their blogs.

How to encourage coments on your Blog Practical advice from BL Ochman on how to encourage your readers to enter into conversation on your blog posts.

10 Ways to Improve Your Blogging Through Practice Darren Rowse provides the gas that will keep experienced bloggers motoring on the social media highway.

Toronto Star newspaper afternoon edition in PDF format. What are they thinking?

October 16, 2006 • Joseph Thornley • No Tags

In September, the Toronto Star, Canada’s largest circulation daily newspaper, began publishing an afternoon edition in PDF form. CJR Daily has an interesting interview with two editors from the Toronto Star, who explain the thinking behind this initiative.

The Star is a great newspaper. And I think that the people at the Star are working overtime to explore the potential for their content of the new delivery channels and socila media. However, when I first heard of this initiative, I couldn’t quite understand what they were up to. And this interview only makes me think that this concept is fatally flawed.

First, in reading the interview, it seems that this initiative is rooted primarily is a demand on the part of Star employees to bring back an afternoon edition. There’s no sense in the interview that the paper’s readers were looking for something like this.

To the extent that the readers’ needs and wants figure into the Star’s thinking, it seems to relate to a belief that there are people who don’t have time to look at the online edition during the day, but who will have the time to download and print an eight to twelve page mini-edition of the newspaper.

EBC: Still, at first glance the idea of a new afternoon newspaper does seem counterintuitive. Why create an entirely separate edition of the paper when you can already post breaking news articles on the Web site during the course of the day?
Michael Babad: Yeah, you ask a really good question there, and it’s one that obviously we kicked around. The idea is the Star‘s Web site gets heavy traffic, so we know in fact (as you suggest) that people are looking at it throughout the day, but a couple of things. Not everybody can look throughout the day because of whatever their work environment is, and there are some [features] you can’t necessarily find — so I guess the key thing here is that editors, who have for eons put together newspapers by picking the stories, editing the stories, and presenting the stories, are giving you something that is pre-packaged, where you can at a glance get the top stories of the day, what we feel you might be interested in, plus some special things that go beyond just breaking news, like lifestyle stories, entertainment stories, puzzles. …

Huh? And people who don’t have time to read through the easily navigable home page of the star online will have time to download and print a PDF? And they’ll also want to take it with them to read during their commute after such a busy day? This sure seems counterintuitive to me.
And why did afternoon newspapers dies out in the first place? Wasn’t it because of competition from up to date, evening radio and television news broadcasts? Add to the current mix downloadable podcast content, the ability to take emails and web content out of the office on BlackBerries and even to use these devices to surf the web for up to the minute content – and it seems to me that the Star is chasing a miniscule set of readers.

There are many innovate people at the Star and in the newspaper industry. And they will evolve the medium to compete with the new media. But this initiative by the Star isn’t really a step forward. It smacks too much of simply trying to apply the old model to a new medium. And I can’t believe that will work.

Hey guys, don’t put flanged train wheels on a truck!

Linkworthy

October 15, 2006 • Joseph Thornley • No Tags

On the Road … Finally Shel Israel and Rick Segal’s Excellent Adventures begin! Shel will draw on his experiences and observations during this journey when writing Global Neighborhoods.

More Evidence that Media 2.0 may be less profitable than Media 1.0 Scott Karp touches a nerve with his analysis of the revenue potential for new consumer generated and social media websites. At the time of this post, he had drawn 19 strongly worded comments – both pro and con his position.
Traditional Media Still Gain Consumers Trust Debra Aho Williamson points to a study released by Lexis Nexis that “that during major national events, consumers turn first to TV, radio and print.” Not surprising. Traditional media continue to have water cooler effect for the really big events.

Edleman, Wal-Mart and WOMMA’s Code of Ethics Constantin Basturea offers a perspective on the application of marketers’ code of ethics to the Wal-Marting Across America flog (fake blog).

Small Business and Bankers – Relationships that count.

October 12, 2006 • Joseph Thornley • No Tags

On re-reading my previous post regarding the economic briefing with the RBC’s Chief Economist, I realized that it pointed to an important issue for anyone who owns or manages a public relations business – or any small business for that matter. The relationship we have with our bankers.

Talking to other entrepreneurs over the years, the treatment of small businesses by banks has been one of the most frequently raised sore points. Complaints I have heard most often include: “They’re never there when I really need them. But they always want to lend me money when I don’t need it.” “They want so much security that it makes it impossible for me borrow money for growth.” And even “They don’t seem interested in my business.”

Happily for me, I have had a very different experience with my bank. I’ve had an 11 year banking relationship with RBC. Even more remarkable, RBC has assigned the same account manager, Bill Helmer, to my account for that entire time. Over the years, he has been a source of advice and support. Bill has suggested ways that the bank could help me with my growth plans (yes, the money is offered when I don’t “need” it, but isn’t the art of management all about staying out of a situation in which you “need” financing.) And from time to time, he has reined me in, counseling that my ambitions might be ahead of my reach or that I needed to focus on fundamentals in order to have a solid foundation for those plans. He has invited me to events such as the economic briefing and networking events. And he has talked positively about my business to many of his own contacts.

In a very real sense, Bill Helmer has been a valued partner in guiding Thornley Fallis to business success.

I wonder if my experience is common. Or have the entrepreneurs who’ve told me about their unhappiness with their bankers been the norm?

I’d be interested in hearing about the experiences of other entrepreneurs and small business owners. What do you think? Is my experience typical?

The only R word in Canada is "Resilient"

October 12, 2006 • Joseph Thornley • No Tags

Yesterday, RBC Financial Group Chief Economist Craig Wright delivered an encouraging message to an audience of Canadian business executives. Overall, Canada’s economy remains strong and is likely to sustain continued moderate growth.

Why do I care? Well, because as the CEO of a public relations firm, I know that my business will be among the first to be affected by a downturn in the economy. So, I am always trying to look over the horizon to gain as much time as possible to prepare for shifts in the economy.

But yesterday’s briefing gave me confidence that I can proceed with the growth plans my company has to take advantage of the development of social media. While there are some pockets of concern (i.e. manufacturing, particularly the auto industry in Ontario), the overall outlook is positive. And that means that I can count on my clients continuing to be open to opportunities to use social media to better connect with their customers, clients and stakeholders.

Mr. Wright offered a wealth of data and analysis, delivered at a break neck pace. Some of the points that stood out for me:

Canada will continue to experience offshoring to China. This will be manifested in short term job dislocation, but it should lead to long term productivity improvements in Canada.
Oil (something that should be near and dear to the hearts of not only Albertans, but all Canadians): As the speculative froth comes out of oil prices, oil will stay in the $58 to $60 barrel range. That means oil prices around current levels, but above what they have been in recent years.
The Canadian Dollar: Commodity prices will come off their highs as global growth moderates. This will take the pressure off the Canadian dollar. It should drift lower to U.S. .85 by the end of the year and the low .80s by next year.
Consumers in the U.S., like Canada, are sitting on strong liquidity. So, they are well positioned to deal with the housing slowdown. We’re looking at a soft landing. A housing market that is cooling, not collapsing. There is some risk for Canada, but the reslience of the Canadian economy is quite striking. Low inflation and sound fiscal policy are positive factors in Canada.
Exports will remain weak. So, growth in Canada will have to come from internal growth. And prospects are good for that.
The investment side of Canada looks strong. Corporate balance sheets in Canada are very strong. The tightening of the labour market has put the focus on investment. And investment will provide the basis for future growth.
Canada’s Banks will be meeting with the Finance Minister next week as part of the fall planning season for the next five year period. As we move forward, a lot of the fiscal surpluses have already been earmarked for spending, so we should not expect significant tax cuts.
Canada is the only G7 country paying down our debt.
Nine of the ten provinces are now in surplus (except PEI). The feds are in surplus. Going forward, Ontario may dip back into deficit. Growth prospects have been reduced. So, going forward, Ontario has some challenges.
We are probably at the peak of interest rates. The next change by the Bank will be down, probably in the second half of next year.
Consumer, investment, government all add to the growth prospects, offsetting a weakness in trade.
One problem area is skill shortages. We’re running with a 32 year low in unemployment. We’re seeing a swing in immigration patterns toward Alberta and away from Ontario.
Alberta’s economy remains strong and will continue to grow. The challenges will be Ontario’s – in manufacturing and specifically the auto sector.
Ontario growth will be 1.5% this year and 2% next year.

In summary, we’re looking at some external challenges. Coming off the best four years on record, it’s reasonable to expect some slow down. However, the Canadian economy is resilient. Last year, growth was 2.9%, this year it will be around 2.8%, next year projected for 2.7%.

Not a bad environment overall as we move forward. And a good foundation to plan for continuing growth in the social media and PR business.

We're recruiting

October 11, 2006 • Joseph Thornley • No Tags

Thornley Fallis, is currently recruiting highly-motivated and experienced communications/public relations practitioners for our Ottawa office at the level of Senior Consultant and Consultant.

We are looking for people with at least 3 years experience, a consulting/agency/journalism background, and/or communications experience in the public or private sector or with a national association.

You will manage projects, deliver a range of public/media relations and marketing communications advice, products and services, and provide outstanding client service.

You will also participate in new business development and proposal writing as we continue to build our practice.

Strategic communications planning and exceptional writing skills are a must. Bilingualism is an asset.

If you are ready to join a dynamic, growing team at one of Ottawa’s leading communications firms, send your CV to ottawa[at]thornleyfallis.com.

CaseCamp is coming to Ottawa

October 10, 2006 • Joseph Thornley • No Tags

Hot on the heels of successful CaseCamps in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, the first CaseCamp in Ottawa has been scheduled for November 6.

CaseCamp brings the marketing community together to explore best practices and exchange tips with one another.

The formal program centers on the presentation of case studies.A case is presented in a maximum of 8 slides over 15 minutes. Following presentation of the case, the floor is open to the other participants to ask questions and offer comments and suggestions regarding the approach taken in the project under discussion.

CaseCamp Toronoto3 CaseCamp is the brainchild of Eli Singer. The driving force behind the Ottawa CaseCamp is Peter Childs.

The rules of CaseCamp are based on those of BarCamp. The spirit is one of generous sharing. I attended CaseCamp3 in Toronto and found it to be a great experience. I’m very much looking forward to the first Ottawa session.

Go to the CaseCamp Wiki to sign up for CaseCamp Ottawa. I hope to see you there.

A case study of a viral post

October 10, 2006 • Joseph Thornley • No Tags

HP’s Eric Kintz has posted a case study blogging viral marketing effects that is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding social media.

Eric based his case study on an earlier post regarding the importance of posting frequency. Eric’s post on his belief that blog posting frequency doesn’t matter anymore was referenced on other blogs close to 150 times (make this more than 150 times) and continues to be linked to more than four months later. (Darn, I’ve just done it again!)

Eric points to other factors that contribute to viral success, including strong content that was relevant to the blogging community, early links from level one influencers, tie-ins to blogging micro-communities, pick-up by mainstream media and newsletters, and localization/translation into other languages.

In an earlier post on the dynamics of viral marketing, Eric stated that, “Viral marketing does not spread well. In epidemics, high connectors are very critical nodes of the network and allow the virus to spread. In recommendations networks, a few very large cascades exist but most recommendation chains terminate after just a few steps.”

He finds support for this in the case study of his own post. “In this specific case, the post did not get linked to by more than 3-4 blogs in specific communities. This reinforces the well known rule to reach early on level 1 influencers, i.e. bloggers with more than 1000 links according to my blogging friend David.”

But it’s not just all A listers/Level 1 bloggers. Kintz was surprised to see his post picked up in an unexpected place. “Connectors are absolutely essential to spreading word of mouth, but they should not necessarily be confused with so called “A-listers”. The rapid scaling of the blogosphere with a doubling in size every 6 months (see my post on this growth) has triggered the development of micro communities around very specialized topics. Word of mouth can spread by connecting to the connectors in those micro communities. My biggest surprise has been to see this post spread through word of mouth among Christian church bloggers and Washington political blogs.”

Eric’s post is well worth tagging and sharing.

Thanks to KD Paine for pointing to Eric’s post.