June 2009 Archives

As my profile in the marketing and digital scene in Australia has increased, I get asked for advice by businesses more often. Sometimes this is as part of the panel discussions for Nett Magazine where we troubleshoot the online strategies for a small business, sometimes just other business owners looking for advice on Twitter.

What is interesting is that often the question I am asked is the wrong one.

The latest issue of B&T came out today, proudly announcing the Top 50 Marketing Blogs 09 (for Australia, of course). Six months ago, they ran the first of these lists where I appeared in a staggeringly surprising 6th place. This time, I've slipped a bit - down to 15 - partly due to some exceptional competition coming through.

No one can predict a hit, online even more so. For every internet startup that catches the wave of user-behaviour, there are hundreds that smash against the rocks of indifference. Success or failure is often beyond the control of the developers behind the original vision. How their idea is used and adapted by the masses may surprise and baffle them once it is released to the world.