Is anyone else concerned we’re very close to another tech bubble burst? It’s normal that history repeats itself, but it usually happens with generations who don’t remember the first time around.

In Chicago, we don’t have to look far to begin this conversation. A little more than a year ago Groupon was offered $6 billion from Google (an offer they turned down in order to go public, which they did less than a year later). At the time, I predicted they would falter and never see that kind of money again.

I didn’t make this prediction because I have some crystal ball that tells me what’s going to happen and gives me winning lottery numbers. I made it because I was reminded of what happened during the dot com bubble. Continue Reading »

It’s been a busy week in the PR/marketing/social world!

On Monday, Facebook bought Instagram for $1B. That’s billion. With a “B.”

On Tuesday, LinkedIn announced they’re rolling out some new features.

And yesterday, Google+ launched a new design that looks scarily similar to Facebook.

All three changes are exciting for marketers, but are driving fear in the hearts of most users. Is it because we truly don’t like change or is all of this really bad?

Let’s take a look at each and you can decide. Continue Reading »

I really thought yesterday was Friday. I got up to write Gin and Topics and got halfway through before I realized it was only Thursday.

What a disappointment!

But that’s OK. Friday is here now. Only one thing…it’s daylight savings this weekend. So you’re going to lose an hour. Try not to be too grouchy about it.

And…for all of you at SxSW? I’m officially envious. Have tons of fun, learn lots, and bring back good stories to share! Continue Reading »

Today’s guest post is written by Molli Megasko.

I’m sure you’re as overwhelmed as I am with all Google+ search and looming FTC investigation stuff, but as marketers, it’s our jobs to stay on top of what is happening and how it can affect our clients or our companies.

If we break it down, I see two different debates going on:

1) Fairness (for corporations and businesses); and

2) Privacy (on the individual side).

Let’s dig into each one. Continue Reading »

Today’s guest post is written by Adam Justice.

SEO has a few basic principles that will never change, but search engines routinely refine their algorithms in ways that usually make any fringe efforts worthless.

Every few months there is a new set of best practices, and another group of web properties are adversely affected by changes.

This year, in particular, has been especially harsh on websites that focused a lot of their attention on SEO.

It’s also the year Google search began to lose some of its power as gatekeeper of unique hits, but gained some of it back with Google+. Continue Reading »

I’ve been thinking a lot about Google+ since they launched their business pages last week.

You see, it was announced at the same time that Joe Thornley, Martin Waxman, and I were recording Inside PR. So we all happened to be on the page watching it happen in real-time.

Google+ announced at 1 p.m. CT and, by 1:11 (yes, just 11 minutes later), Toyota already had more than 3,000 followers.

We asked one another the question, “How is that possible?” Continue Reading »

Did this week feel like an entire month to anyone else?

Joe Frazier died. Heavy D died. Joe Paterno was fired. Kim Kardashian didn’t make the news. I spoke four times in three days. And Google+ rolled out their brand pages.

A lot happened!

But nothing compares to the video you’re going to see in the number one spot of today’s Gin and Topics. So I’ll let you get to it. Continue Reading »

I swear Mother Nature is punishing me.

My mom called last night to say they’re getting snow in Utah. My sister-in-law called to say they’re getting snow in Southern Missouri. The east coast got snow last weekend. Denver is getting snow.

I live in the Northern arctic. WHERE IS MY SNOW?!?

Mother Nature, I’m sorry! Whatever I did, I’m sorry!

I realize that has nothing to do with Gin and Topics. I just had to get it off my chest…and hope the power of Spin Sucks will deliver the apology.

And now Gin and Topics. Continue Reading »

Today’s guest post is written by Anne Weiskopf.

Apologizing is hard to do. As Elton John so memorably summed up; “Sorry seems to be the hardest word.”

But sorry can be the smartest word for your brand if it’s sincere, delivered in a timely fashion, and if concrete steps are outlined to right the wrong.

What makes one apology more successful than another is the subject of a growing body of research. A key finding is that it’s much easier to forgive a perceived mistake then an intentional act.

Let’s look at a few examples. Continue Reading »

It’s almost time for PRSA! I’m going to Orlando just in time for Chicago’s sub-40 degree temps.

I actually love sub-40 degree temps, but I guess I can do with sitting by the pool on Sunday afternoon with Abbie Fink (right, Abbie?!?).

Don’t forget, if you’re going to be there, look me up! I’ll be the one with the two Canadians and large microphones.

And, we’re hosting a TweetUp on Monday night. If you RSVP ahead of time (invite here), Martin Waxman and Joe Thornley will buy your first drink.

Me? I’m just going to going to be eating bon-bons and people watching.

If you’re not going to be there, well…here is Gin and Topics to tide you over. Continue Reading »