Walkin’ The Talk // December 2009

It's that time of year again - where we look back at events just passed and crystal ball gaze to make predictions for the year ahead.

"This is not a recession" is a thought-provoking piece on good capitalism. It's the most refreshing take on the subject that I've come across. Guaranteed not to make you miserable. "Crystal ball gazing" - I've summarised the main points from the Forrester Interactive Marketing Forecast.

Happy Christmas! Congratulations on being a survivor of 2009.

This Is Not A Recession

"We will soon have to deal with the reality of a world not in a cyclical recession, but one that has been fundamentally reset. If we handle it right, the next 30 years could easily become the most amazing in modern history. Depending on the decisions we make, and the reality we embrace, the next 30 years could be our best, or it could be the catalyst for 100 years of pure pain, and two generations of suffering. It is up to us." From John Hope Bryant's manifesto.

Read more about good capitalism, the need for people with vision, and the failure of fear.

Crystal Ball Gazing 2009-2014

Search, email, social standing firm in marketing budgets for the next 5 years. Still waiting on online video and mobile marketing to happen. Farewell to Direct Mail. Look right and see how you can skill up for 2010 and beyond --->

204 US marketers were surveyed in March 2009 by market research company, Forrester, about their marketing plans from now until 2014. I’ve read and absorb the report so you don't have to. Read the summary and say you heard it here first.

Best Twitter Tool Of The Year

If you're using Twitter, then you'll have wished for this one. Re-Follow is a Twitter relationship management tool for managing friends and followers. Unfollow people who aren't following you. Or make sure you're following peope who are! A+ for ego massage factor. A++ for reducing paranoia!

Beam me over to Re-Follow.

Best Web Design of 2009

Beauty parade site Web Designer Wall publishes its best designs of 2009. Be inspired.

Nice to see UK agency, Clearleft in there. The White House has made it (a first!). And boys - you may now visit the Wonderbra site in the interests of design research.

Thanks for reading. Have a lovely break. See you back here in spring.

dates for your diary

Blogging Training

Let 2010 be the year you finally do it! Learn all you need to know to get going on your blog. 20 Jan | €295 full day including lunch

Internet Marketing Training

Search, email, social, blogs and more. Discover out what you can do for yourself to make your business be found online. 22 Jan | €295 full day including lunch

Web Writing Training

It's back - the ever popular online copywriting course. Because everyone has to write for the online environment. This course shows you how to write to be read. 28 Jan | €295 full day including lunch

Social Media Mornings

We all know why. Let's meet on Friday mornings to find out how. Identify the social media tools that are right for your business. Get going. Fridays starting 29 Jan | €50

Wordcamp Ireland

A weekend blogger love-in with a great line-up of international and local speakers and an emphasis on having fun.
6 & 7 March | Kilkenny | €40 if you book before 1 January!

Take €50 off any 1 day training course if you book before 1 January.

Happy Christmas!