Recap of Social 2011

This weekend was awesome. I was riding on a wave of absolute exaustion and social media overload (which was awesome). To be honest, I cant remember the last time I was literally attached to my phone and computer for 2 entire days. And actually has given me a ton to think about regarding the future of search marketing and social media (which will be coming soon).

But I wanted to give a couple of the quick highlights from the Radian6 #Social2011 user conference event in Boston.

1. The social customer controls business and is the new definition of a trusted source. This all ties together exactly whats been happening in the Search Marketing industry. As Chris Anderson of Wired Magazine said, “Your brand isnt what you say it is… Its what google says it is” . As more and more review sites, sources and social content creep into the search engine, this is becoming more true than ever.

2. Social Media gives brands the ability to go out and really discover who your brand advocates are. As marketers, we have this unbelievable tool and opportunity to listen to our customers (Proctor and Gamble Connect and Develop)

3. Who owns social? Thats still a great question. No one gave a good answer around that, nor do I think any one even went there. But from what I heard, I dont think it will ever get to a point where any one discipline ends up owning social media. I heard aspects of PR and aspects of Search Marketing, which are completly differnt in the way we measure how we reach clients. And yet, there is a recognition that when it comes to social media, there will have to be aspects of both of these. Anyone who is going to be successful in the social media space is going to have to figure out how to do all this.

4. And of course, mt friend Isaiah Mustafa, AKA the old spice guy!

Thats all for now.

(I will write more on this later, and likely revise this later since it is 1:30am when I am writing this, but I wanted to make sure I got something out there soon before it got too old. so look out for revisions, additions, and new posts around this topic.)