11 Predictions 11 Months in 2011

Since I already missed the first month of 2011, I thought I'd take an 11.11.11 approach to my predictions this year...

Here goes...

11.11.11


11 Predictions Over 11 Months in 2011.

In no particular order and based entirely on my channeling of that creepy ghost in Scrooge – I have seen the future and it looks like this…


1. Google Gets Into the Music Business

This comes first as I know people in the music business who got drafted by the Search Goliath. Rock on.

2. Facebook Places Kills Foursquare

I’m sorry but why would any advertiser invest in a still-niche platform like Foursquare when you have 500M peeps on Facebook who can’t resist to tell the world they’re having a freaking latte at Starbucks. Foursquare=DeepSix

3. MySpace Implosion Continues

Their focus on music and entertainment was a brilliant move…that they should have done 7 years ago. Too late, Mr. Murdoch, yo space just ain’t cool no mo.

4. Microsoft Shutters Zune

I would consider it a mercy killing. Does ANYONE other than Microsoft peeps subscribe to this brick and bits outfit?

5. Privacy Issues Cripple Behavioral Targeting Companies

If the FCC and privacy advocates have their way they’re going to squash the Big Brother precision delivery of ad targeting to our every keystroke and mouse click and with it, billions of dollars in ad spends and thousands of jobs.

6. Apps Spaces Get a Housecleaning

Average usage of apps are just 3 times once they’re downloaded and Apple says there are over 100,000 iPhone apps of which about 100 are useful. Recent studies show 27% of apps are only used once after being downloaded. Time for a housecleaning. Expect app standards to have higher bars.

7. Google Gets Into the Digital Magazine Business

If they don’t they like totally need to wear helmets on the bus.

8. Apple Flattens

Despite Verizon picking up the iPhone and the 3G dropping to $49 on AT&T - not to mention the tres-sexy iPad, a barrage of tablets and competing handsets are going to chip away at market share…add to that Mr. Jobs health issues and the crisp, juicy promise of Apple earnings calls will sour by Q4.

9. Tablets dominate

PCs will be the new desktop. Remember those?

10. Traditional Agencies Suffer Major Contraction

Oh, the overhead. Many of these agencies remind me of high-end resort casinos…opulent surroundings and full of pretty people…someone’s gotta be paying for it and it’s brand America and Mr. & Ms. Consumer. Watch more brands attach themselves to smaller, nimbler and smarter shops who take more of a consultancy role with their partners and collaborate on greatness.

11. Digital Dominates

Print shrivels, Cable TV stagnates and digital in its many forms continues to prove it is the medium – there will be no other.

We're Hiring...

Senior Web Developer / Technical Director

FGI is looking for a Senior Web Developer / Director of Technical Services to lead our technical team and play an integral role in the growth and development of our technical skills and our clients’ success. If you thrive in a fast-paced, professional and super-fun environment then please read on…


You want an opportunity to work in a small, growing web agency that has huge potential. You’re all about diverse and interesting projects, researching industry and technology trends, delivering the best work possible and pushing the envelope on what’s possible.


This position has limitless potential and is a key component to the technology side of the agency. We’re one of the top web agencies in the area and work with great clients of all sizes. We’re fun, social and often unconventional - and we win.
Responsibilities & Skills

* You are accustomed to and/or understand an agency setting
* Motivated to work quickly and cleanly, delivering the best final product for our clients, always on time and under budget
* Not afraid to put in extra hours if a project needs it, on the same token, ping pong and beers on the days the work gets done early
* Social grace - we need a team leader that knows the value of communication and collaboration - these aren't just buzzwords, this is a major requirement for this position
* An eye for detail - you know the difference between 10 pixels and 20, and how the difference can affect a layout. You're ready to make sure your team knows this too.
* Manage Developers. Not only manage, but lead junior developers and encourage growth.
* Works with Account Managers and Project Managers on daily basis.
* Technical Documentation (Requirements, specifications, technical solutions for proposals, project handoffs, etc)
* Requirements gathering
* Solution Architect
* Client Meetings / Participate in sales pitches
* Research
* 5+ years of .Net experience
* 2+ years of PHP experience
* 5+ years of CSS, Javascript, JQuery, XHTML and other client side technologies
* Integrating with APIs
* Mobile Development
* Database Architect
* Estimating
* Experience working with a variety of CMS solutions
* eCommerce Experience
* Sitecore Certified Developer
* Testing Plan Creation and Execution
* Version Control Experience
* Hosting and Deployment Expertise
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Highly organized
* Team player
* Flexible
* Reliable to be on time to meetings and other important events
* Presentable at client meetings
* Travel: under 10% of the time

Benefits:

* Competitive Salary
* Flexible schedules
* 2 weeks Vacation
* Casual working environment
* Dog friendly
* Small company environment
* Free soda, coffee, snacks
* Free parking
* Medical, Dental, 401k
* Fun group events.
* End early on Fridays for drinks and fun

Salary: DOE
To apply, send a resume, work examples, 3 references and salary requirements to careers@fgi.com. Not including one of these items will disqualify you from the position. This is an in-house Contract-to-Hire position. Please provide both your desired hourly rate and full time salary requirements.
FGI is an equal opportunity employer
No staffing agencies, outsourcing or overseas companies.






Digital Project Manager



Description
FGI is looking for a Digital Project Manager to cultivate excellent client relationships by providing the highest quality client service, project management and end deliverable possible. Digital Project Managers are responsible for the successful execution of projects on time and on budget. They lead the development of project goals and scope, and work closely with internal teams to develop a plan for projects. Digital Project Managers facilitate the creation of comprehensive project specifications as well as create and maintain project estimates and schedules. They are responsible for managing the day-to-day details of numerous projects that differ in size, scope and resource needs.

Successful Digital Project Managers are hard-working with a fierce attention to detail, are eager to learn new things, and are passionate about interactive marketing. This position will report to the Account Director.

Responsibilities





* Inspire and lead team members throughout the entire project
* Manage workflow for assigned online/interactive projects
* Accountable for managing all aspects of project life cycle – design, strategy and execution
* Converts project specifications into detailed instructions for the project team
* Reports status and provides visibility into potential issues to management
* Performs QA / testing of all projects
* Lead a team of IA/UX Architects, Designers, Copywriters, Technical Analysts, Developers, and QA Engineers to ensure a high quality product and smooth delivery
* Develop and adhere to timeline, budget and scope
* Create and maintain schedules for all associated deliverables
* Uphold high standards of project management excellence
* Participate in client and internal meetings with authority and professionalism
* Develop project plans, resource forecasts, contracts and project specifications
* Traffic coordination – Manage tasks and workload of technical and creative teams
* Monitor time tracking to ensure goals are met, budgets are maintained and accountability is monitored.
* Up to 10% travel for client meetings

Qualifications

o A minimum of 3 - 5 years of successful web producing experience
o Superior planning and organization skills
o SCRUM / Agile experience
o Working knowledge of Internet technologies including: CSS/HTML, ASP.NET, PHP, JavaScript and CMS platforms
o Experience working with information architecture and content design teams
o Excellent communication and leadership skillsAbility to adapt to a constantly changing environment
o Ability to excel in a demanding, fast-paced workplace
o Self-motivated, detail-oriented with ability and experience to manage many projects simultaneously and maintain highly organized work while working within pressured deadlines.
o Expertise in MS Excel, Visio, Word and Project
o Understanding of industry best practices
o Bachelors Degree required
o Agency experience is preferred

Salary: DOE
To apply, send a resume, work examples, 3 references and salary requirements to careers@fgi.com. Not including one of these items will disqualify you from the position. This is an in-house Contract-to-Hire position. Please provide both your desired hourly rate and full time salary requirements.
FGI is an equal opportunity employer
No staffing agencies, outsourcing or overseas companies.

We're Hiring...

Senior Web Developer / Technical Director

FGI is looking for a Senior Web Developer / Director of Technical Services to lead our technical team and play an integral role in the growth and development of our technical skills and our clients’ success. If you thrive in a fast-paced, professional and super-fun environment then please read on…


You want an opportunity to work in a small, growing web agency that has huge potential. You’re all about diverse and interesting projects, researching industry and technology trends, delivering the best work possible and pushing the envelope on what’s possible.


This position has limitless potential and is a key component to the technology side of the agency. We’re one of the top web agencies in the area and work with great clients of all sizes. We’re fun, social and often unconventional - and we win.
Responsibilities & Skills

* You are accustomed to and/or understand an agency setting
* Motivated to work quickly and cleanly, delivering the best final product for our clients, always on time and under budget
* Not afraid to put in extra hours if a project needs it, on the same token, ping pong and beers on the days the work gets done early
* Social grace - we need a team leader that knows the value of communication and collaboration - these aren't just buzzwords, this is a major requirement for this position
* An eye for detail - you know the difference between 10 pixels and 20, and how the difference can affect a layout. You're ready to make sure your team knows this too.
* Manage Developers. Not only manage, but lead junior developers and encourage growth.
* Works with Account Managers and Project Managers on daily basis.
* Technical Documentation (Requirements, specifications, technical solutions for proposals, project handoffs, etc)
* Requirements gathering
* Solution Architect
* Client Meetings / Participate in sales pitches
* Research
* 5+ years of .Net experience
* 2+ years of PHP experience
* 5+ years of CSS, Javascript, JQuery, XHTML and other client side technologies
* Integrating with APIs
* Mobile Development
* Database Architect
* Estimating
* Experience working with a variety of CMS solutions
* eCommerce Experience
* Sitecore Certified Developer
* Testing Plan Creation and Execution
* Version Control Experience
* Hosting and Deployment Expertise
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Highly organized
* Team player
* Flexible
* Reliable to be on time to meetings and other important events
* Presentable at client meetings
* Travel: under 10% of the time

Benefits:

* Competitive Salary
* Flexible schedules
* 2 weeks Vacation
* Casual working environment
* Dog friendly
* Small company environment
* Free soda, coffee, snacks
* Free parking
* Medical, Dental, 401k
* Fun group events.
* End early on Fridays for drinks and fun

Salary: DOE
To apply, send a resume, work examples, 3 references and salary requirements to careers@fgi.com. Not including one of these items will disqualify you from the position. This is an in-house Contract-to-Hire position. Please provide both your desired hourly rate and full time salary requirements.
FGI is an equal opportunity employer
No staffing agencies, outsourcing or overseas companies.






Digital Project Manager



Description
FGI is looking for a Digital Project Manager to cultivate excellent client relationships by providing the highest quality client service, project management and end deliverable possible. Digital Project Managers are responsible for the successful execution of projects on time and on budget. They lead the development of project goals and scope, and work closely with internal teams to develop a plan for projects. Digital Project Managers facilitate the creation of comprehensive project specifications as well as create and maintain project estimates and schedules. They are responsible for managing the day-to-day details of numerous projects that differ in size, scope and resource needs.

Successful Digital Project Managers are hard-working with a fierce attention to detail, are eager to learn new things, and are passionate about interactive marketing. This position will report to the Account Director.

Responsibilities





* Inspire and lead team members throughout the entire project
* Manage workflow for assigned online/interactive projects
* Accountable for managing all aspects of project life cycle – design, strategy and execution
* Converts project specifications into detailed instructions for the project team
* Reports status and provides visibility into potential issues to management
* Performs QA / testing of all projects
* Lead a team of IA/UX Architects, Designers, Copywriters, Technical Analysts, Developers, and QA Engineers to ensure a high quality product and smooth delivery
* Develop and adhere to timeline, budget and scope
* Create and maintain schedules for all associated deliverables
* Uphold high standards of project management excellence
* Participate in client and internal meetings with authority and professionalism
* Develop project plans, resource forecasts, contracts and project specifications
* Traffic coordination – Manage tasks and workload of technical and creative teams
* Monitor time tracking to ensure goals are met, budgets are maintained and accountability is monitored.
* Up to 10% travel for client meetings

Qualifications

o A minimum of 3 - 5 years of successful web producing experience
o Superior planning and organization skills
o SCRUM / Agile experience
o Working knowledge of Internet technologies including: CSS/HTML, ASP.NET, PHP, JavaScript and CMS platforms
o Experience working with information architecture and content design teams
o Excellent communication and leadership skillsAbility to adapt to a constantly changing environment
o Ability to excel in a demanding, fast-paced workplace
o Self-motivated, detail-oriented with ability and experience to manage many projects simultaneously and maintain highly organized work while working within pressured deadlines.
o Expertise in MS Excel, Visio, Word and Project
o Understanding of industry best practices
o Bachelors Degree required
o Agency experience is preferred

Salary: DOE
To apply, send a resume, work examples, 3 references and salary requirements to careers@fgi.com. Not including one of these items will disqualify you from the position. This is an in-house Contract-to-Hire position. Please provide both your desired hourly rate and full time salary requirements.
FGI is an equal opportunity employer
No staffing agencies, outsourcing or overseas companies.

Why Google vs. Facebook Isn't The Biggest Battle About To Unfold

It seems like everyone is looking at two recent numbers out there in the land of tech jaw-droppers – Facebook surpassing Google in traffic and the social network’s recent $50B+ valuation. Big news. But what’s funny is these numbers are also driving the focus on the ensuing battle between the two tech giants, yet no one seems to be looking at the jockeying Google is quietly doing on the sidelines, like they’re using Mark Zuckerberg’s monolithic leap into the limelight as a decoy to take the pole position in the exploding world of mobile and tablet devices and the ensuing intersection of geolocation and entertainment.


Don’t get me wrong, it’s fair to say that both Google and Facebook want it all. And it’s possible they could get it. After all, Facebook Places holds a ton of promise, but don’t expect a Facebook phone or OS to hit the streets anytime soon.


And to make things all the juicier, there’s another little company who lusts after consumer domination and has rode the hype train since the advent of the music download, and it starting to lose its edge – yes, Apple.


Recent events lead me to believe that Google is laying formidable groundwork for control of what will undoubtedly be the biggest, most effective, most accountable, most powerful ad platform humans will experience for the next two decades – and for our sake let’s just call it wireless. It’s the land of paper thin tablets, smart phones, wearables, auto systems, home appliances and whatever else they build on top of the Android OS.


Google’s gracious ‘gift’ of millions of free books on top of a device-agnostic platform, Android handset sales flying past iPhones, and some recent insider information I personally know about where very seasoned, very smart, senior people from the music industry have recently joined the big G, tells me there’s music subscriptions, monster digital eReader libraries and video anywhere coming, all neatly baked into the Android OS and residing on the Google cloud.


My guess is Google could care less about the traffic numbers. They are still killing search, with Microsoft’s Bing barely making a dent in their domination and they’re sitting on mountains of cash. And with these little media and entertainment hobbies – books, music and don’t forget they own a little web site called YouTube, folks and a flexible, wireless OS that’s on a major roll and hardware to boot, I don’t think Google has to worry about Facebook’s sub-$1 cpm ad revenue – they’re going to be frying much bigger fish…er…Apples.


Call me crazy but I think Apple’s days are numbered, but then again Mr. Jobs has been known have some pretty amazing tricks up his sleeve. All I can say is, Mr. Jobs, it’s twenty-freaking-eleven, and I know it’s not Apple’s business, but where are our flying freakin’ iCars?

Guy Borgford
VP Strategy, FGI.com

Google's eReader - What's Missing?

Google eBooks – What’s Missing?

By Guy Borgford

The flurry of digital publishing activity and prevalence of eReaders out there has a new high-profile kid on the block. With Google’s long-anticipated entry into the market, there’s now a platform-agnostic player in the game, with the potential to further revolutionize the publishing industry. At first blush, Google eBooks seems to offer it all: it works on pretty much any platform, it offers the latest best sellers and it’s got a large free offering as well. But what’s missing?

What isn’t really touched on is how will Google’s free experience be monetized via the Google advertising machine? Call me crazy, but I’m hoping for some innovation in the space, with the ability to build in rich, animated advertising, offline tracking and integrated promotional platforms such as sweepstakes and interactive contests to make eReader advertising something advertisers can sink their teeth into. This revolution in electronics and publishing deserves a new advertising model that turns print upside down along with innovation in the digital space. With behavioral targeting in danger of getting the proverbial rug pulled out from under it by privacy advocates, the digital space is going to need to innovate and provide some real value in order to get people to opt-in to their cookie drops.

If we look at the publishing industry from a macro level, we of course go far beyond books. Magazines have taken a huge hit from the digital space, with subscription numbers plummeting, titles closing shop and ad pages struggling under the new competition of new media and shifting media habits. This could be a whole, new game for the magazine trade, with archive issues, free in exchange for a bit of information and a few ads. Me thinks a great way to push subscription offers too. And don’t forget newspapers – there are multiple ways to monetize issues that may have slid past their 24 hour temporal shelf life.

At the end of the day, a large part of the publishing industry has lived in the world of perishable inventory – that’s a touch game to play. With the world moving over to digital via eReaders, perishable becomes a much more subjective term and the 2D, static world of print has new possibilities. Think about a digital library, not funded by dwindling public funds but by advertising and sponsorship dollars.

If anyone finds any information on what Google plans to do with the eReader space from an ad perspective, please let me know! Free books and mags for all - for a price…

Email me your thoughts at: guywborgford@gmail.com
Follow me on twitter @gborgford

A New Global Dream...

You see it everywhere – the ads telling you to read on to get rich. Click here to find out how you can get rich working from home, get rich secrets of the super rich, Richie Rich’s Quickest Way to Get Rich Quicker Than the Next Guy…etc…

In the boom of the industrial age, it’s fair to argue that perhaps this was the American Dream and in some developing nations, people are struggling to gain a shred of that dream as they see it through the lens of popular mass media. Was this a carefully crafted construct of the media elite to promote conspicuous consumption of goods and services beyond any real human need? Or is this an innate human need to not only keep up with the Joneses but do better than them – some primal animal instinct, like a human version of the biggest, brightest plumage or the loudest mating call. I think the argument could be made that it’s a hybrid of both – cultural learning and species/lineage propagation that leads humans to want/need to acquire beyond any rational true needs.

Granted, financial independence would be nice to have. What would you do with the freedom that could bring? Travel? Get that vacation home on the beach? Send your kids to the best schools money can buy? Build a McMansion with a 5 car-garage stuffed with cars that cost as much as most folks’ condos? I believe this last ‘dream’ is becoming a thing of the past. As we as a species become more aware of our precarious position on this beautiful planet, we know that dreams founded on conspicuous consumption are simply not sustainable. And if we as individual consumers have any semblance of selflessness or benevolence, we would already have dreams that are less focused on material wealth and possessions and more focused on the experiences and the freedom to make a difference.

Don’t get me wrong. I am a capitalist through and through. And I also am a true proponent of a system built on meritocracy. However, as we move from the rusted over-indulgence of the industrial age, to one built on information and technology, I think our dreams, goals and ambitions are shifting to less material and selfish, to more experiential, humane and sustainable. Call me an optimist.

With this shift, I see a world of minimalism and distilled experiences that heighten the now. Products and services that cater to getting more out of the present with less are going to be the big winners – think modern, pure, minimal, seamless, empowering and sustainable.

Materialism will become a dirty word. We’re already seeing evidence of that with the current economic crises around the planet. The super rich aren’t advertising as much with their overt displays of wealth. Not too long ago I submitted a script idea for a new investigative journalism program called ‘Carbon Footprints of the Rich and Famous”. I think it was ahead of its time. How many super rich have multiple homes, with massive strains on resources just to keep the grounds watered and the internal humidity in check? It’s a crime against this planet and their fellow human beings – several of whom are funding their extravagance by purchasing their albums, seeing their movies and buying their products. I think we need to bring it all down to Earth and not to pick on those fortunate ones of material fortune, but to show the audience that the real dream should be to still have a beautiful, blue planet for our children and the generations of the future.

A guy can dream...

This post was inspired by:

The Meaning Organization
Traditional businesses are struggling to recover from the economic downturn. They'll need to shift their focus from profits to authentic social engagement to have meaningful impact in the world.
By Umair Haque

http://designmind.frogdesign.com/articles/and-now-the-good-news/the-meaning-organization.html#new

A Day Without Social Is Like A Day Without...

A random Tweet telling of Twitter’s Top Tweeters taking time out of the tweetosphere in recognition of World AIDS Day, December 1, 2010, inspired me to take my own break from my connection to an ever-growing number of people, characters and news sources. Granted I’m no Kim Kardashian, with millions of followers [I still have no idea why so many are interested in her] but I think an issue of such importance to the human race needed to be supported, however seemingly small my gesture.

I started by replacing all my head shot images to the symbolic red ribbon in the very early hours of December 1, changing gears from the freakish light bulb head creature I decided to go with to represent my personal brand – it’s really not that far off reality, but anyway…

Then throughout the day I abstained from all postings, tweets, retweets, Likes, comments, links, thank you notes and other feed-based activities in support of this symbolic and important day.

Celebrity endorsement of social movements within the world of social media has the ability to touch a lot of lives. The viral impact of such simple and minimal gestures holds massive implications for the needs of non profits, political movements, human rights efforts and lobbying efforts, both ‘good and bad’.

Personally, I took the opportunity to take the day off Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn – yes I had to respond to email and messages, but I resisted my usual soap box rants to support the possible ground swell social media can pose on general public knowledge, opinion and support.

It wasn’t easy. Social media plays a huge role in my life, being the primary channel for setting up both business and personal real-life engagements and abstaining from its magnetic charms was like a day in solitary confinement. So rather than brood around the machine, I took a ‘me’ day and took time to do some things that always seem last in line. It was a nice change, but man do I feel better I’m back on my soapbox no longer having to resist that tempting, little retweet button.