Foreword

Brian Solis, Principal, Altimeter Group

Do you realize just how much is changing right now? I promise you that it's bigger than you think. And your role in this is also much grander than you know or believe. See, disruptive technology, social networks, new influencers, they're levelling the media hierarchy. The ado of crafting messages, pushing them upon targets, and propagating while attempting to control your story is not only the old way, it's the very thinking that's at the forefront of new communications.

This isn't about the new tools that are before you.

This isn't about social media or popular social networks.

This isn't about bloggers and blogging.

Nor is this about tablets, smartphones, and the app economy.

This is about putting the public back in public relations and social in social media and that has nothing to do with tools or technology we overly celebrate today. Slow down. Take a breath. While there's an abundance of change there isn't a wealth of innovation in processes or methodologies.

The truth is that in a time when we could change everything, we're running without clarity of direction or vision. We're not necessarily talking about a revolution as much as we're conforming revolutionary opportunities into familiar packages. We're merely taking what we know and applying it to what's new. In many ways, we're working against ourselves. But, what's happening right now is both revolutionary and evolutionary. And in the face of the unknown it is courage ...

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