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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

Networks > The Modern Strategist

Daniel Sunshine I'm starting a new media innovation and trends group and would like to invite Brazen members to get in touch if you are interested in playing a roll. The group will identify top online and tech ...MoreI'm starting a new media innovation and trends group and would like to invite Brazen members to get in touch if you are interested in playing a roll. The group will identify top online and tech trends and will collaborate to create blog posts on the subjects. This is a great way to focus on topics that interest you and feature your insights to a broader audience. I used to head National Geographic's Gen Y Trends Group and love analyzing the impact of innovation. Post a comment if interested.

1 week ago from Washington D.C. and The Modern Strategist

Tariq West: Hi Daniel, this sounds like a great idea, I'd be interested in hearing more/participating.
1 week ago

Daniel Sunshine: Hi Tariq - glad you're interested. Come join the conversation in the Innovation and Trends Group here MoreHi Tariq - glad you're interested. Come join the conversation in the Innovation and Trends Group here http://bit.ly/907WyY. Looking forward to possibly collaborating with you!
1 week ago

Amanda Fox A rolling stone gathers no moss, but a closed mouth gathers no foot.- Now if I could just remember that at meetings. :P

5 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Melissa Breau: You and me both...
5 weeks ago

Brian Jensen I'm working on a concept for a co-working cafe and made a short (10 question) survey to help explore the idea. Please contribute to my mini test and take a moment to fill it out.

MoreI'm working on a concept for a co-working cafe and made a short (10 question) survey to help explore the idea. Please contribute to my mini test and take a moment to fill it out.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6HQ9XN5

Thank you!

5 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Amanda Fox: Sounds like an interested concept. I'm interested to know what others felt about it. Any chance you could clue us in on the results once they've ...MoreSounds like an interested concept. I'm interested to know what others felt about it. Any chance you could clue us in on the results once they've been tabulated? I have litte need for such a service, but I wouldn't be suprised if other under 30 professionals would like a dedicated workspace away from the office.
5 weeks ago

Eric Marshall Okay, so based on the feedback, we're going to go for it. I've been plotting this in my head for the last day now, but I would really like those of you with experience in this field to guide me ...MoreOkay, so based on the feedback, we're going to go for it. I've been plotting this in my head for the last day now, but I would really like those of you with experience in this field to guide me if I let us fall off track with this. So, here we go...this should be fun!

The Client: A 40-year old locally owned musical instrument and equipment retailer.

The Client: A locally owned musical instrument and equipment retailer

10 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

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Anita Cohen-Williams: Before you start on a blog or social media, the first question I would ask is why is their website not doing better with traffic? I would start ...MoreBefore you start on a blog or social media, the first question I would ask is why is their website not doing better with traffic? I would start there, and improve that, and then turn to the blog and social media. i agree that Twitter and Facebook would be good, but there are also specialized networks for musicians. In addition, what about local schools and their musical classes?
8 weeks ago

Melissa Breau: Hi Eric, I agree with much of what has already been mentioned but I think everyone is missing one critical thing. Since they work with local ...MoreHi Eric, I agree with much of what has already been mentioned but I think everyone is missing one critical thing. Since they work with local bands, they should use them. Often local bands have HUGE social media presence and work very hard to create a fan base. Ask musicians to link back to their site. Incoming links will push them up in the google search result rankings. And if they post the details of each event they have on their site, the bands performing should link back to that information
5 weeks ago

Jeremiah Bourque I've finished my book on Sun Tzu's "The Art of War". It's not published, and frankly I've been so focused on finishing it, I don't have plans for what to do from here set in stone, but I'm looking ...MoreI've finished my book on Sun Tzu's "The Art of War". It's not published, and frankly I've been so focused on finishing it, I don't have plans for what to do from here set in stone, but I'm looking at all my options.

Of course, it will be very much for the modern strategist. I'm considering keeping that as part of the title...

9 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Amanda Fox: That was a suggestion, but I was half asleep so it was badly formatted. :)
9 weeks ago

Jeremiah Bourque: Well it's not like I think 'Sun Tzu for the Modern Strategist' is bad or anything. :) But, some people don't seem to know what a strategist is. ...MoreWell it's not like I think 'Sun Tzu for the Modern Strategist' is bad or anything. :) But, some people don't seem to know what a strategist is. Sheesh.
9 weeks ago

Eric Marshall I just posted an idea for this group in the forum. I do not believe that the forum posts go out to the whole group, so go check it out and see if you are interested in participating...with the ...MoreI just posted an idea for this group in the forum. I do not believe that the forum posts go out to the whole group, so go check it out and see if you are interested in participating...with the Strategic Fox's approval of course :)

10 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Jeremiah Bourque: Sounds good to me.

One thing I realized in a funny way last night... reading a report on inadequacy of intel by US forces in ...MoreSounds good to me.

One thing I realized in a funny way last night... reading a report on inadequacy of intel by US forces in Afghanistan, by a Gen. McChrystal aide... is that "know yourself" and "know your enemy" is usually treated too narrowly. Your stakeholders should be treated as an extension of yourself: as friendlies to be learned of to a deep, holistic degree. This helps reinforce a business acting like its stakeholders really are part of the business. (They are, but gotta act like it!)
10 weeks ago

Jeremiah Bourque Free sample chapter for an eBook (that is not yet finished) called Sun Tzu for the Modern Strategist. (By yours truly.)

MoreFree sample chapter for an eBook (that is not yet finished) called Sun Tzu for the Modern Strategist. (By yours truly.)

http://www.scribd.com/full/24580046?access_key=key-2ng1eags4j53qe9h466s

11 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Amanda Fox Ryan Paugh asked for opinions on BC's invite letter:

-Current Letter-
"I'd like to add you to my network on Brazen Careerist.

Being a member allows me to share ...MoreRyan Paugh asked for opinions on BC's invite letter:

-Current Letter-
"I'd like to add you to my network on Brazen Careerist.

Being a member allows me to share ideas with other professionals and make quality connections online. It's like a 24-7 professional networking event.

Join through this email and we'll automatically be connected."

It's too impersonal, and uses 'buzz words' that don't have any real meaning to most people.

What are your suggestions for improvement?

12 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

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Amanda Fox: I think what he was looking for was the appropiate change in tone. Hard to communicate, save through examples. :)
11 weeks ago

Jeremiah Bourque: "Come join me at Brazen Careerist! At Brazen, we're not shy about networking with other professionals to share ideas, opinions, and intelligent ...More"Come join me at Brazen Careerist! At Brazen, we're not shy about networking with other professionals to share ideas, opinions, and intelligent conversation.

"Just click on the link and we're connected!"

How's that? I'd love to put something about the 500 character limit rather than 140 but, just because there's no limit to the above doesn't mean space isn't an issue.
11 weeks ago

Jeremiah Bourque Yes, some people mistake the cost of something for "the bottom line."

11 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Jeremiah Bourque For want of a free coke, the IPO failed. Fascinating:

MoreFor want of a free coke, the IPO failed. Fascinating:

http://entrepreneur.venturebeat.com/2009/12/22/can-a-single-bottle-of-so...

11 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Andrew Shell: Cool article Jeremiah! As an engineer although I haven't witnessed the specific instance of no more free soda, I have witnesses when a company ...MoreCool article Jeremiah! As an engineer although I haven't witnessed the specific instance of no more free soda, I have witnesses when a company changes and looses key talent. Sometimes companies are so focused on the bottom line that they miss the big picture.
11 weeks ago

Jeremiah Bourque I wrote this (w/ editing assistance). Thoughts? MoreI wrote this (w/ editing assistance). Thoughts? http://technorati.com/lifestyle/travel/article/social-media-changing-the...

12 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Jeremiah Bourque Here's two thoughts on Brazen.

First, my group empowerment concept works best when the people running groups have the power to tweak/ tailor the group/ network environment for the ...MoreHere's two thoughts on Brazen.

First, my group empowerment concept works best when the people running groups have the power to tweak/ tailor the group/ network environment for the members. Twitter, even, has some background uploading features, very basic.

Second, the "Read this author's blog." at the end of a post notice on Brazen doesn't fully convey the message that there's MORE that was not shown on Brazen..

12 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

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Andrew Shell: I think I found what you were talking about Jeremiah. If you click on a post from the network sidebar. I'll talk with folks on Monday, but I ...MoreI think I found what you were talking about Jeremiah. If you click on a post from the network sidebar. I'll talk with folks on Monday, but I think unless the post is featured, that should just link directly to their site and not the page on our site. It might be a bug.
12 weeks ago

Jeremiah Bourque: Hmm, well if it's a bug I'm glad I mentioned it. As for customizing appearance, I didn't think it was in the pipe anyway, but I'm saying that ...MoreHmm, well if it's a bug I'm glad I mentioned it. As for customizing appearance, I didn't think it was in the pipe anyway, but I'm saying that broadly speaking, when you have someone distinctly in charge of managing a group, having some customization might be a draw for the site. But I wrote that without any knowledge of the technical details. That's why it's a thought. Thanks for reading!
12 weeks ago

Jeremiah Bourque I've written a new series of posts on http://suntzublog.wordpress.com/ about Ch. I of Sun ...MoreI've written a new series of posts on http://suntzublog.wordpress.com/ about Ch. I of Sun Tzu 's The Art of War. Opinions sought & welcome. I had people on Brazen in mind while writing the last posts today in particular...

13 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Amanda Fox: YOU WROTE A NOVEL!!! Oh my god! Okay, so I have something to do tomorrow at lunch.
12 weeks ago

Jeremiah Bourque: Hey, it's not QUITE that big yet..! But, to give you some idea, everything past the "Five Constants" section was done in the span of 2 1/2 hours ...MoreHey, it's not QUITE that big yet..! But, to give you some idea, everything past the "Five Constants" section was done in the span of 2 1/2 hours yesterday (spent a while recovering, but still).

Everyone sees the words I put on a blog, but no one sees the months and years that went into preparing the thoughts upon which they were built. ...Or something.
12 weeks ago

Eric Marshall Anyone had any experience developing wiki's?

13 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

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Andrew Shell: Well, I'm biased because of my history with PBworks, but honestly you should really check them out. When you're selling a wiki to a company you ...MoreWell, I'm biased because of my history with PBworks, but honestly you should really check them out. When you're selling a wiki to a company you want it to be as easy as possible. PBworks is more then just a wiki, with their Project Edition you get tasks/projects, chat, file management and probably the easiest to use page editor that you're going to find in the wiki space. It's also hosted so they don't have to worry about getting it set up and allowing access to it through the firewall.
13 weeks ago

Jeremiah Bourque: If it's meant as a way to exchange information, there must be other things too. In doing some ebook research (see above topic), I caught wind of ...MoreIf it's meant as a way to exchange information, there must be other things too. In doing some ebook research (see above topic), I caught wind of people using Google Docs for this sort of thing. (Google Wave isn't really suitable for employment purposes I think...)
13 weeks ago

Jeremiah Bourque Daily musing: About my group empowerment idea, I think of it as 'the watering hole concept.' Just as animals in dry regions gather around a watering hole because they share a common interest, ...MoreDaily musing: About my group empowerment idea, I think of it as 'the watering hole concept.' Just as animals in dry regions gather around a watering hole because they share a common interest, which is drinking water to survive, people form groups online (including this one) around common interests. This spontaneous organizing keeps people from having to face the entire world by themselves, providing what seems to be safety, and refuge, in numbers.

13 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Amanda Fox: I like the analogy. I think of it as a support group for my brain. The topics here keep me in the know as to marketing/advertising/pr/online trends.
13 weeks ago

Jeremiah Bourque: I feel the same way, Amanda. Actually I went on a group joining spree on Brazen because I didn't know how much I could get involved with.
MoreI feel the same way, Amanda. Actually I went on a group joining spree on Brazen because I didn't know how much I could get involved with.

I've been checking out ebooks promoted here or talked about here to, well, look at how they're presented and pick up on how they're made (if possible). Know your terrain, I guess.
13 weeks ago

Brian Jensen What strategy do you think newspapers should take to stay afloat?

As a strategic exercise, I took on the matter and wrote up my thoughts (MoreWhat strategy do you think newspapers should take to stay afloat?

As a strategic exercise, I took on the matter and wrote up my thoughts (http://bit.ly/71MtGN). I'd love to hear everyone's insight and what they come up with.

14 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

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Jeremiah Bourque: I've looked into virtual book publishing sites like http://issuu.com . I'd ...MoreI've looked into virtual book publishing sites like http://issuu.com . I'd been pointed there. It's like... the total opposite of what will save newspapers. It's full of e-zines rather than e-books: gloss, images, fancy layouts and graphics, hype and razzle dazzle.

I think you're on to something. A text format on something like a Kindle would be like RSS on a portable reader. I'd want to sell future e-books like that. Market my blog. Publish. Convenience is something people will pay for.
14 weeks ago

Jeremiah Bourque: Brian! Check this out. MoreBrian! Check this out. http://www.idealog.com/blog/baker-taylor-has-the-next-big-thing-in-ebook...
13 weeks ago

Amanda Fox I see a Penelope Trunk... Stop lurking and say "HI!" :)

13 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

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TroyW: I joined because I'm interested in interactive strategy, or ways to plan how to do things in interactive media (broadly speaking). This could ...MoreI joined because I'm interested in interactive strategy, or ways to plan how to do things in interactive media (broadly speaking). This could include things ranging from getting people to follow your brand on Twitter to stuff like competitive positioning and pricing models for a disruptive tech startup. I think the title works reasonably well. Perhaps we need to generate more questions/calls for help/discussion topics.
13 weeks ago

Eric Marshall: It almost seems to me like it's a bit of an "idea farm" for marketing types, though I also feel it goes a bit beyond that. Idea farms are great. ...MoreIt almost seems to me like it's a bit of an "idea farm" for marketing types, though I also feel it goes a bit beyond that. Idea farms are great. We used an idea farm at my last company to help steer IT initiatives and it worked out great!
13 weeks ago

Eric Marshall Hello everyone! Really excited to be here! I'm a project manager by background. I've been managing government HR consulting contracts for the last 5 years. I was recently laid off due to major ...MoreHello everyone! Really excited to be here! I'm a project manager by background. I've been managing government HR consulting contracts for the last 5 years. I was recently laid off due to major budget cuts (70% of the company was axed). Several of the contracts I managed contained marketing and public relations aspects to it. Not to mention all the strategizing involved in just managing a project from beginning to end. So, I'm hoping this may be the right place for me here on the site.

13 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

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Jeremiah Bourque: Eric, that's fantastic stuff. I can only imagine how many organizations could learn about what you've just described. I'm sure that executing that ...MoreEric, that's fantastic stuff. I can only imagine how many organizations could learn about what you've just described. I'm sure that executing that plan wasn't easy, and obviously things got tough, but successful marketing of "free money" doesn't sound easy to me! To me, that's exactly the kind of strategy that works in the real world. Much can be learned from it.

I need to market what will be my future e-books in some kind of similar manner... as it will start with free samples.
13 weeks ago

Eric Marshall: @Jeremiah: Thanks! We were all so blown away with how people could be so afraid of a little free money. And we weren't talking pocket change ...More@Jeremiah: Thanks! We were all so blown away with how people could be so afraid of a little free money. And we weren't talking pocket change here. The total contract was in the millions. To one individual that could mean in the tens of thousands. Fortunately, the project is now off and running and I'm looking for the next BIG thing!
13 weeks ago

Amanda Fox Welcome new members! Introduce yourselves!

13 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

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Amanda Fox: Channel marketing sounds like the same sort of thing that family practitioners do for specialists in the form of referrals. Is that right?
13 weeks ago

Vanessa Guzior: Karan & Amanda, you're both correct. These are the people who are in front of our decision makers everyday and are often are largest source of ...MoreKaran & Amanda, you're both correct. These are the people who are in front of our decision makers everyday and are often are largest source of revenue. The name make it more glam than it is.
13 weeks ago

Karan Chandidas Has anyone ever heard of "Guanxi"? Apparently, it's an age-old Chinese strategy of doing business with those you know and trust. That's what I've heard! Anyone care to add anything to that?

14 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

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R. Stavros Bezas: I learned about it in B-school. I believe it was MCD that had a difficult time entering China as they did not develop it prior to launching. ...MoreI learned about it in B-school. I believe it was MCD that had a difficult time entering China as they did not develop it prior to launching. Having Gaunxi was so important to the people that as a culture they had no interest in a business without it. This speaks volumes to the amount of effort and foresight that needs to go into relationship and trust building as early in the process as possible. Define yourself with these principles and Gaunxi will follow. :) Great topic to bring up!
13 weeks ago

Amanda Fox: Wow...look at all you smarty-pants. Was I the only one that didn't like Wheaties? :P
13 weeks ago

Karan Chandidas Hi everyone! I just posted a very very very rough sketch of this 'search engine' sort of idea under the "FORUM" tab. Just a first-year undergrad thinking out loud. Please take a look and let me ...MoreHi everyone! I just posted a very very very rough sketch of this 'search engine' sort of idea under the "FORUM" tab. Just a first-year undergrad thinking out loud. Please take a look and let me know what you think. A special thanks to Amanda Fox and Matt Finklestein for their support in this endeavour. (if the post seems a bit hard to follow, that's just because it is a part of my message to Matt, which I was too lazy to retype.....lol.....sorry)

13 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Amanda Fox: I'll take a look!
13 weeks ago

Jeremiah Bourque I'm just back from the chat and it was great. Amanda did a wonderful job, we traded great ideas and I have every hope of having helped make The Brazen Careerist even better, because I'm so in love ...MoreI'm just back from the chat and it was great. Amanda did a wonderful job, we traded great ideas and I have every hope of having helped make The Brazen Careerist even better, because I'm so in love with the idea.

Incidentally, I'm on twitter: http://twitter.com/jbtutor
and my blog is
http://modernstrategist.wordpress.com/

I was searching for blogs with the name when I found this group, but it's just the best name I could find (took 3 tries) and fits me nicely. Great to be here too.

14 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Amanda Fox: Agreed I had a great time! It was super awesome that the COO and Community Manager showed up, as well as Jeremiah, Ashley, Karan, Andy and several ...MoreAgreed I had a great time! It was super awesome that the COO and Community Manager showed up, as well as Jeremiah, Ashley, Karan, Andy and several guests! I'm going to post up the outline from the meeting and it might even be featured on the BC homepage this week. :)
14 weeks ago

Karan Chandidas: Hats off to Jeremy for the slogan, Amanda for the smooth running of the mixer, Ashley for her great input, and all other members that attended. It ...MoreHats off to Jeremy for the slogan, Amanda for the smooth running of the mixer, Ashley for her great input, and all other members that attended. It was fun, and should absolutely be done again. GO TMS!!
13 weeks ago

Amanda Fox Outline from TMS Online Mixer: MoreOutline from TMS Online Mixer: http://amandaleefox.blogspot.com/2009/12/brazen-careerist-v20-love-affai...
Check it out!!!

13 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Jeremiah Bourque: I think the 'MVP' phrasing works great. Your title's quite apt, too. Great stuff.
13 weeks ago

Amanda Fox: None of it would have been possible without you and the other attendees! You get total credit for the tag-line idea...spot on.
13 weeks ago

Amanda Fox Tonights 10:30pm EST online mixer will be held at:
http://tinychat.com/amandalfox
MoreTonights 10:30pm EST online mixer will be held at:
http://tinychat.com/amandalfox
See you then!

14 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Jeremiah Bourque Hi, I'm from Nova Scotia, Canada, trying to make it as an online tutor and "edupreneur" with social media marketing etc., with a heavy interest in the classics of strategy (Sun Tzu etc.) and in ...MoreHi, I'm from Nova Scotia, Canada, trying to make it as an online tutor and "edupreneur" with social media marketing etc., with a heavy interest in the classics of strategy (Sun Tzu etc.) and in teaching them, as well. Social media and connectivity is a heavy part of my desired approach. Communication, after all, is the heart of all education.

14 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

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Amanda Fox: So, glad to have you here, Jeremiah. I think you and Michael will have quite a bit to talk about. He's working on SM in Japan. Ironic that you ...MoreSo, glad to have you here, Jeremiah. I think you and Michael will have quite a bit to talk about. He's working on SM in Japan. Ironic that you mention Sun Tzu... I just got a bamboo scroll with the "Art of War" translated as a gift for my mom (she's a martial arts instructor).
14 weeks ago

Jeremiah Bourque: Amanda: Based on a student remark, I say, just because it was written on a bamboo scroll doesn't mean Sun Tzu has to be "dry." That a student said ...MoreAmanda: Based on a student remark, I say, just because it was written on a bamboo scroll doesn't mean Sun Tzu has to be "dry." That a student said my first run with a Sun Tzu course presented it in a way that wasn't try was nice, a really high compliment.

And yes, experience matters for a lot. When it comes to Japanese, I have that, which is why I've begun tutoring in that, too.
14 weeks ago