BY TUKAN DAS 
When was the last time you saw a billboard, TV or a print ad and said to yourself, "Wow that brand really cares about me and I am going to buy that product?" Let me guess: Never. What is stopping brands from reaching out to consumers personally and actually helping them out?

Most big corporations are generally risk-averse and like to play it safe, when it comes to engaging with customers in public. Giant billboards, TV/radio ads or print ads on newspapers/magazines are all safe ways to market to people. It does not involve any direct interaction with customers and hence very little chance of a negative reaction, but the problem is consumers of 2013 are all blinded by traditional ads. Revenue from traditional advertisement channels are at an all time low.

It's important to not only look at social media as a channel to get your message out there but also as a way to truly build meaningful relationships with potential and existing customers. Here are two ways that your company can make the most of your social media marketing efforts ... READ MORE

Come visit the metro area of Detroit October 4th, 2013 and share this wonderful experience with us. You will get to see our Launch Edition of PoshChic International Magazine, while enjoying complimentary appetizers. Their will be lots of celebrity appearances along with our host. This premiere social event will be full of networking opportunities. You must RSVP for this event no later that September 16, 2013 with Breanne Stokes at 866.820.1402 or via email bstokes@poshchicntlmag.com 

BY EKATERINA WALTER
What's better than happy customers? Happy customers who tell all their friends about your brand. If your end goal was customer satisfaction, take a step back and try to imagine the next level: activating those customers to spread the word about your products and services.

It's important to remember that most people will only go so far to promote your company, so you've got to make it easy for them to go that extra mile for you ... READ MORE

by ADAM KLEINBERG
You only have one value proposition and you want it to stick in your customers' minds. BMW is the "ultimate driving machine." Apple customers "think different." Nike's message -- "Just do it" -- is ubiquitous with the brand.

In my column "The Secret to a Strong Branding Message? Focus," I discuss the need to be one thing in the minds of your customers. But how do you determine what that one clear message should be? READ MORE

Follow Constance Kelly as she demonstrates her Body Back after Babies Routine. For more on Constance Kelly, visit www.constancekelly.com

by DANNY BROWN
Depending who you listen to or read in the social media space, the best reason to use social media for your brand varies. It can be for listening; resolving issues; lead generation; focus groups; recruitment; and much, much more.

All good reasons. All good value. And yet ...

While these are all solid enough reasons to be on social media from a brand’s point-of-view, they mean nothing unless you have an audience. Not just an audience, but also one that actually trusts and supports you, and will listen when you speak. Without that, you’ll just be another tree in the forest that no-one hears fall.

So how do you build that most valued of commodities in social media (and business in general) – identity and trust? Especially in such a crowded space to start with ... READ MORE

by JOHN FURGURSON
Relevance. Credibility. Differentiation. These are the basic building blocks of any branding effort.  When you look at companies — large and small — that have been successful, you’ll notice strength, consistency and often superiority in those three areas ... READ MORE

By NICOLETTE BEARD
Whether you’re a bricks and mortar mom and pop business or a 100% online digital enterprise, NOT participating in social media is no longer an option. In many ways today’s social networks represent the new discovery engine. Consumers and business decision makers are sending their friends and colleagues to websites they like through their browsers and desktops and, increasingly, their mobile devices ... READ MORE