The New Currency: Ideas or Influence?
July 20, 2010
One of the things that’s so inspiring about the Information Age is that the possibilities for an individual are limitless. A college drop-out created one of the world’s most powerful companies. A college kid came up with a billion dollar operation out of his dorm room, (and at 26 years old he’s running it). A child from … {Read More}
TEDWomen: Brilliant or Belittling?
July 21, 2010
I grew up in Texas. (It’s no secret if you hear me talk). Forget the podcasts, my relaxed language is tinged with y’alls and drawls. And yes, y’all has both plural and possessive form in case you were curious. I do a pretty good job of keeping it on the down low at work, but there’s always that occasional “fixin’ to” that gives me away. Well, the thing about being a girl growing up in … {Read More}
Is Your Company Ready for a Brand Whisperer?
November 1, 2009
You watch Ghost Whisperer, right? How could you not. It’s a great show. Jennifer Love Hewitt is adorable and entertaining to watch, and every episode is a new mystery that centers on communication with spirits in the afterlife. Well that and her cleavage. So yeah. Each week the show’s protagonist, Melinda Gordon, is faced with a supernatural challenge. Such as there’s a ghost … {Read More}
Is it Worth Getting Your Hands Dirty in Fast Company’s Influence Project?
July 15, 2010
These days, trends pop fast. And they fade fast. Before you’ve even had a chance to run down to the mall, the latest craze is already sitting in the garbage bin out back. Tossed aside like last season’s undersized clutch. So, what’s this year’s latest has-been item? Apparently it’s “authenticity.” It was all the rage 10 months … {Read More}
Volkswagen’s “Fun Theory” More Strategy Than Child’s Play
DDB Sweden earned one of three Cyber Grand Prix awards at Cannes with the whimsical, yet acutely strategic "The Fun Theory" campaign. But there's something more at work here than just clever consumer amusement. This is an example of a brand and agency engaging in the future of marketing by crafting ... {Read More}
Pennsylvania Tourism Gets Foursquare Awesomeness Badge
The land of lush green hillsides and quaint Amish farms has now become the land of Superstars, Adventurers, and Crunks. Pennsylvania Tourism has launched a pretty incredible promotion with Foursquare that encourages tourists and locals to experience everything Pennsylvania has to offer, one check-in at a time. The objective of the promotion is to ... {Read More}
The BrandForward Blog℠
The BrandForward Blog provides a fresh look at trends in marketing and advertising, technology and social media, with a focus
on how emerging technologies are changing the way brands connect with consumers.
Michelle Tripp is a 
creative director, brand consultant, and marketing
and social media strategist based in New York.