Some good info, although a surprisingly low-tech setup, at yesterday’s Interactive Austin 2008. Great observation came from Bill Leake, CEO of Apogee Search. (Come to think of it I don’t think I’ve ever seen Bill Leake speak at a conference and not have something insightful and useful to say.)

The topic was Integrating New Media into Your Marketing Plan. The specific discussion was around how to get up to speed on social media tactics and decide which ones might suit your organization’s goals, and what to look for if you’re outsourcing some or all of this. Bill’s main point, and I think it’s a really good one for companies exploring these tactics to remember, was: Look for a marketing company that can guide you on social media, not a social media “expert” (actually I think he used the word “zealot”) to put together a marketing plan.

In other words…perspective, people, perspective. With the former you’re more likely to end up with integrated marketing. With the latter…there’s no telling.   

Interactive Austin 2008 presentations should be posted here soon.

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