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The Modern Strategist

Strat·e·gist
* Pronunciation: \ˈstra-tə-jist\
* Function: noun
: a big-idea person hired to make you money.

TSM is a discussion forum for marketing, advertising and media strategists getting results in the Information Age.

Any professional with an academic interest in strategy is encouraged to join.

Network Leader: Amanda Fox

Groups > The Modern Strategist

Coach Al Johnson Good evening fellow strategist! I'm new to the group. Curious what any of you do to improve your strategy development skills?

4 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Clay Forsberg The fundamental flaw in public education ... "we teach things, not thinking!" I believe the problem is our education system focuses on teaching our children “things.” What’s wrong with teaching our students how to think, how learn on the fly and adapt. Please read and comment - http://bit.ly/tVtWOY

11 weeks ago from Education Conversations and The Modern Strategist

Noel Rozny: Agree! With the exception of some fantastic middle school and elementary school teachers, I feel like I started learning how to think during my AP ...MoreAgree! With the exception of some fantastic middle school and elementary school teachers, I feel like I started learning how to think during my AP classes in high school.
11 weeks ago

Clay Forsberg: Thanks for the endorsement Noel. Unfortunately, I believe we are witnessing a trend led by too many that are removed from the state of economic ...MoreThanks for the endorsement Noel. Unfortunately, I believe we are witnessing a trend led by too many that are removed from the state of economic and employment reality. It's up to us, and the students being affected to initiate the change that is so dearly needed
11 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Clay Forsberg With all the recent of the prohibitive costs associated with Higher Education ... one would think the problem lies with the colleges and lack of cost control. But maybe the problem resides close to home. Maybe the is yourselves and our families. Please comment. I would love to hear your insight: "The real problem with Higher Education" http://bit.ly/vxhJmi

14 weeks ago from Business Development, The Modern Strategist, Career Changers and Education Conversations 2 more

TOP IDEA: Clay Forsberg Having blog is not a right ... it's a privilege! Your readers that comment should not be left to idly sit by waiting for their comment to be approved - because you're too lazy to get to it. They put forth effort to help you. It's only appropriate that you put forth effort also, to react in a timely matter. Don't put your best readers in the "Moderation Abyss." http://bit.ly/i6oAIg (Please read)

14 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist, Entrepreneurs, Personal Branding and Business Development 2 more

Clay Forsberg Our economic woes are not because of the banks, corporations or even the government. THEY'RE OUR FAULT! It's time we take responsibility ... and control over our own future: http://bit.ly/vUOSxc

14 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Political Bloggers, Problem Solving and The Modern Strategist 2 more

Keri Zuckerman: Although I do believe there is greed within big corporations and the bailouts were shameful, I can't help but think what business doesn't want to ...MoreAlthough I do believe there is greed within big corporations and the bailouts were shameful, I can't help but think what business doesn't want to make a profit? The occupy wall st participants do not realize that they are part of the driving force of social inequality they are protesting. They are protesting corporate greed yet they text each other using their IPHONES, drinking STARBUCKS, wearing NORTHFACE and on top of it all they are a bunch of litterbugs. It's their consumerism that is the catalyst of it all.

If you want to make a difference help boycott these evil systems and live by your convictions!
14 weeks ago

14 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist, Entrepreneurs, Personal Branding and Business Development 2 more

Clay Forsberg Having blog is not a right ... it's a privilege! Your readers that comment should be left to idly sit by waiting for their comment to be approved because you're too lazy to get to it. They put forth effort to help you. It's only appropriate that you put forth effort also to react in a timely matter. Don't put your best readers in the "Moderation Abyss." http://bit.ly/i6oAIg (Please read)

14 weeks ago from Personal Branding, The Modern Strategist, Entrepreneurs and Business Development 2 more

Heath Port If you have a chance I highly recommend the National Geographic special Collapse. It looks at how past civilizations collapsed and how our tendency as humans to primarily focus on short term solutions could take our modern society down the same road. It really gets you thinking about how current politics, business practices and consumption are all geared to cause some severe problems over the next few decades if people don't start thinking longer term. It is in Neflix streaming.

21 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Edward Antrobus and Noel Rozny recommended this

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Noel Rozny: Wow I want to watch this ... but at the same time I'm terrified!!
21 weeks ago

Heath Port: @Noel,it is a little scary, but actually ends on a fairly optimistic note. Definitely check it out if you have the chance. It's one of those ...More@Noel,it is a little scary, but actually ends on a fairly optimistic note. Definitely check it out if you have the chance. It's one of those that really gets you thinking!
21 weeks ago

21 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Edward Antrobus recommended this

Jamie Nacht Farrell I contend the definition of "career" as we've been taught is out dated. How would you define, "career" now days? people are "seeking" the wrong thing. People should NOT seek out a traditional career, but rather always be looking for "the next adventure". I wrote a post about how we can redefine what we look for to better our futures...and how that may or may not be a "traditional career". How do we get rid of that "preconceived" stigma attached to career? http://t.co/sLvOA8l

56 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired, Creating a Life You Love, The Modern Strategist, Upstarts! and Shotgun Startups 3 more

Robin Mills recommended this

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J.T. O'Donnell: I've been using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs lately to explain to people their innate desire to find satisfying work. I agree Jamie. Nobody should ...MoreI've been using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs lately to explain to people their innate desire to find satisfying work. I agree Jamie. Nobody should feel guilty for pursuing something that excites them - it's human nature to want to feel satisfied. I love showing that pyramid to people - it's like giving them a license to finally go out and find work that impresses the only person that truly matters - themselves. Great post Jamie!
56 weeks ago

Jamie Nacht Farrell: @JT - That's brilliant. I use Maslow's Hierarchy of needs when I'm mentoring colleagues in consumer behavior and marketing, but have not done so ...More@JT - That's brilliant. I use Maslow's Hierarchy of needs when I'm mentoring colleagues in consumer behavior and marketing, but have not done so in the world of careers (candidly, it's not my "field" - people are just always asking for advice), but I will definitely do so form now on. That was one of my fave. undergrad psych. courses. Thanks!
56 weeks ago

Anwar Salandy With the advent of the Internet, smartphones, and social networking, what are some new marketing strategies that entrepreneurs can use that will attract new clients and customers?

50 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

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Anwar Salandy: Thanks Megan, I will check out the book Crush It.
23 weeks ago

Edward Antrobus: Crush It is a good book, but Gary V seems like a one trick pony in it. I believe most successful businesses will be more multifaceted and most ...MoreCrush It is a good book, but Gary V seems like a one trick pony in it. I believe most successful businesses will be more multifaceted and most entrepreneurs will want a different business model than what he recommends.
23 weeks ago

Heath Port I am always amazed when I am treated to great customer service. When this happens it not only makes my day that much better, but it also makes me wonder why this isn’t the norm? http://tinyurl.com/3zvl4z6

28 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, The Modern Strategist, Rocky Mountain Networking, Denver Careerists and Boulder, CO 3 more

Jason H. Parker recommended this

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Regina Richardson: When I get great customer service, I make a point of speaking with the manager(s)...they so rarely hear the good stuff.
28 weeks ago

JESS Kalinowsky: A great deal of the time when one is treated well, they fail to give acknowledgment. I find it especially gratifying to make a point of thanking ...MoreA great deal of the time when one is treated well, they fail to give acknowledgment. I find it especially gratifying to make a point of thanking for the good customer service. Recently I reviewed a restaurant, and pointed out to the owner how great the customer service experience was from a busboy. The owner never shared that info with his employee. I asked the employee a day or so later if the owner had shared my compliments, and his response was "he never says anything nice to us!" That is sad! BAD OWNER! And I will point that out in my next review of the restaurant.
28 weeks ago

Amanda Veinott How's your job going? Are you fulfilled or frustrated? Do you feel that your efforts are connected to your company's success? As part of BlessingWhite's ongoing global research, I invite you to participate in a 10-minute survey that will help us gauge what impacts employee engagement in 2010. Click here for the survey http://www.bwtools.com/survey/go.asp?xs=LHDB&p1=BWAVe Thanks! Privacy policy http://www.blessingwhite.com/privacy_policy.asp

82 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist, Inspiring Leadership, Graduate Students, Social Media Marketers and Consultants R US 3 more

Mark Federman How to improve productivity by 70% in 5 months (YMMV). "10 Lessons of Organizational Culture Transformation" http://goo.gl/1JKG5

34 weeks ago from Inspiring Leadership, The Modern Strategist and Non-Profit Management 1 more

Kate Davids I read The Design of Everyday Things recently and it occurred to me that that book is old. He barely mentions computers, if at all, and his examples are antiquated. And you know what? It's still highly applicable and worth a thorough read. I wrote a blog post on it, but wanted to hear what you all think about how the changes in technology have affected what "good design" means. My post: http://katetheprofessional.wordpress.com/2011/05/30/the-design-of-everyd...

36 weeks ago from Advertising Professionals, Internet Marketers, New Media Marketing, Book Shelf and The Modern Strategist 3 more

Jason H. Parker: Hey, Kate! Interesting post--I never thought about the importance of designing "proper" visual cues so as to spur users into the correct action. ...MoreHey, Kate! Interesting post--I never thought about the importance of designing "proper" visual cues so as to spur users into the correct action. Great ideas, and thanks for sharing on Brazen. Way to rock the UK!
36 weeks ago

Kate Davids: thanks Jason! I enjoyed reading that book a ton. It really threw how much we are sensory creatures into light. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
35 weeks ago

La Donna Lokey 8 Words That Should Never Appear in Your Twitter Bio http://bit.ly/j5TDiX Do you agree?

37 weeks ago from Citi, Social Media, Tech Gurus and The Modern Strategist 2 more

Nikita T. Mitchell recommended this

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Noel Rozny: @La Donna--I love it! :)
37 weeks ago

Ty Unglebower: I mostly agree, though I am not adamant about it. It's all about how you use them, and for that matter, how much you do outside of your profile. I ...MoreI mostly agree, though I am not adamant about it. It's all about how you use them, and for that matter, how much you do outside of your profile. I think these words smack a bit of unoriginality, but at the same time I don't think they necessarily are damaging.
37 weeks ago

Heath Port My wife and I are relocating from Chicago to Denver this summer so she can take the next step in her career. This means I will be leaving my career here in Chicago and will be looking for a new professional home in the greater Denver area. If anyone has any tips on companies, solid local recruiters, people/groups to network with, etc, I would love to hear them. My background is in the strategy and planning field in health care but I am open to other industries as well. Thanks!

40 weeks ago from Denver Careerists, Boulder, CO, Rocky Mountain Networking, The Modern Strategist and Networking Tips 3 more

Rebecca Thorman recommended this

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Rebecca Thorman: That's so great, Heath. Thanks for sharing. Always fascinates me how modern couples make decisions. It sounds like it's a great move for both of ...MoreThat's so great, Heath. Thanks for sharing. Always fascinates me how modern couples make decisions. It sounds like it's a great move for both of you! Hope you love Denver :)
40 weeks ago

Heath Port: Happy to share Rebecca! My wife and I are a team and which ever one of us is in a situation to make things better for the both of us or put us ...MoreHappy to share Rebecca! My wife and I are a team and which ever one of us is in a situation to make things better for the both of us or put us closer to our other goals (geographic location, lifestyle, etc) we go with that. I guess we tend to be strategy nerds that way!
40 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Dave Salamack Why Everything You Know About Leadership Is Wrong -> http://bit.ly/kbrIAk

40 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist and Tech Gurus

TOP IDEA: Clay Forsberg "The government's not going to help you ... so get over it! Empower your neighborhood instead" The public assistance pendulum has swung past the reach of those who truly need it. And it doesn't look like it's going to change anytime soon. There needs to be a different approach, a different plan. I'd like to hear input on the idea of taking responsibility over social issues by creating non-governmental neighborhood groups. Check out my last post for more information: http://bit.ly/f4r8L2

42 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist, Political Bloggers, Barter on Brazen and Nonprofiteers 2 more

Kevin Fernandes "Micromanaging isn’t as dangerous as Macroleading." Henry Mintzberg, a legend in management thought defines Macroleading as when leaders get so focused on setting strategy & vision that they remove themselves from the front lines & eventually develop a vision for the organization so out of touch that the rest of the organization fails to buy in, or worse buys in but is incapable of taking any steps toward realization. http://theleaderlab.org/2010/12/macro-leading/

43 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

TOP IDEA: Clay Forsberg Imagine investing in Gen Y - crowdfunding for students and young professionals. Imagine a web site or portal with a variety of different young people on it, each looking for career assistance or opportunities. Limit it to young people, Gen Y. Each of these individuals would have to put up a profile or online portfolio. These portfolios would be a “Here I am world, this is what I’m all about and why you should invest in me.” Check out the details and give me your input: http://bit.ly/hi1Dl5

44 weeks ago from Business Development, Entrepreneurs and The Modern Strategist 1 more

Tracy Brisson recommended this

Mark Federman You probably don't need me to tell you that the world is a complex place, and assuming the role of organizational leader is, among other things, challenging. Next Monday evening, April 11 in Toronto, from 17:30 to 21:00, I will be offering a public, introductory seminar on Leadership in Complexity. The seminar is sponsored by the Canadian Organization Development Institute, and costs only $10. More information and a link for pre-registration is here: http://goo.gl/YIUMQ

44 weeks ago from Inspiring Leadership, The Modern Strategist, Ask A Coach and Non-Profit Management 2 more

Dave Salamack “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker. So true in the quickly changing world of tech

68 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist and Tech Gurus

Ryan Healy, Anwar Salandy and Kristin Kline recommended this

Michael Dvorscak: What a great, thought provoking quote.
64 weeks ago

Kate Davids: I think this is a great quote for how to run your life. It's like the "dress for the job you want" advice.
45 weeks ago

Jesse Shy Messy Leadership #3 and last: When the proverbial sh@t hits the fan, do you want your leadership to be responsible (that word again) or reliable?

48 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist, Personal Branding, Career Rocketeer and Inspiring Leadership 2 more

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Jesse Shy: I am speaking of instances when if the person in charge of a group/team did the responsible thing, no one would fault them. However, if they do ...MoreI am speaking of instances when if the person in charge of a group/team did the responsible thing, no one would fault them. However, if they do the irresponsible thing and fail, they alone will bare responsibility for the failure and at the very least it will cost them their position and reputation and may cost them and others their lives. But, if they succeed they and their team are heros, their actions/ideas recorded and possibly taught.
47 weeks ago

Anwar Salandy: Thanks for clarifying your question, I think you have to be responsible as a leader no matter what the circumstances are. By being responsible, ...MoreThanks for clarifying your question, I think you have to be responsible as a leader no matter what the circumstances are. By being responsible, you can model the way or influence others.
46 weeks ago