PSFK Conference New York Speaker Steve Rubel

Steve Rubel, the media and marketing guru behind MicroPersuasion, will be sharing his insights on the future of media and culture in the digital age on our Social Media panel at PSFK Conference New York. It’s only been a handful of months since we last picked Steve’s brain, but here he shares a bit more of his thoughts and inspiration:

First, who are you and what do you do?

I am SVP, Director of Insights for Edelman Digital. I also write a popular weblog called Micro Persuasion and a column on digital marketing and media for Advertising Age. I study global technology, business and social trends and shape them into actionable insights that help Edelman clients navigate the dynamic digital domain.

You’ll be speaking on our Social Media panel - in one paragraph, can you sum up your views on how social media will change in 2008 and how brands can leverage this digital phenomenon in the most rewarding way?

In 2008 brands will recognize that the social web is here to stay. The experimentation age will be behind us. Consumers now have an expectation that they can plug into the web and find like minded individuals who they can collaborate and connect with. They will increasingly demand to have the same interactions with institutions, including brands and the media. The key to success here is for brands to align their goals with those of their consumers and work with them toward fulfilling these shared outcomes.

Five websites that provide you with inspiration:

www.mindmeister.com - a mind mapping tool

www.zenhabits.net

www.mahalo.com - curated content on thousands of subjects

en.wikipedia.org

reader.google.com - my personal knowledge management center

Thanks, Steve!