You can read the rest here.

Under CMO Joe Tripodi, who actually arrived just before Kent became CEO, the marketing group has a lot of new faces, a clear vision for its brands (for example, Coke is about universal refreshment and moments of happiness), and innovation throughout. Coca-Cola was named marketer of the year in 2011 with a litany of visible successful programs including becoming the leading brand in social media with over 42 million Facebook “Likes.”

“The antidote to a life online seems to me surprisingly simple. We must pay more attention to building a life offline, in which we seek depth, take time for reflection and define for ourselves what really matters, rather than letting a passel of promiscuous pings set our priorities.” Tony Schwartz

So I’ll say something unpopular. Negative ads are by and large good for our democracy. And when they are not – when they overreach unfairly, they boomerang and the people who ran them take a well-deserved hit. But when they focus us on something important -like who would make a better commander in chief, who would fix the economy or when they bring up past events that need a real vetting – they do a service. They don’t let politicians off the hook and hold them accountable for their past actions.

As I reflected on the piece over the weekend it occured to me that one of the mentors that most impacted me was one of my teachers way back when I had hair. Barbara Morgan. She taught English at Dilworth. I regret not mentioning her in the same sentence as Michael Dell.

One day she made a comment to me in passing that I then sought to apply every day. It went something like, “Lark, you are good. But when you work hard, you are exceptional”.

All around me were much brighter kids – I could see that then. Much brighter. But as soon as I applied that lesson, I started doing as good, or better than them. 

Same is still true to today. Chris’ post got me reflecting on this. He remembers a quote from Vidal Sasson:

“The only place you will find success coming before work is in a dictionary“

Damn Right. Chris’ life seems to have mirrored mine, as he reflects:

During the first 20 years of my career, there is no doubt my star rose faster than many others because I quite simply worked harder than just about anyone else. I certainly was not smarter, so I drove my career forward by underpinning the attributes I did have with bloody hard work. Consistently. Persistently.

Now- in fairness, I went too far for sure, and for many years devoted my life, literally, to work. I’d work most weekends, and brutally long hours during the week. In truth, I loved it. And in truth, I kind of regret it now, as I did miss out on a lot of life; during that 20 year period.

I have some of those same regrets, but the joys far outweigh them. And like Chris, its why I put so much emphasis on productvity and efficiency. Every second counts. Even the seconds you aren’t counting.

For us at CBA, they pay off. If they didn’t we might stop, but we’d also be mindful of the folks that follow and like us, and expect us to participate in their favourite online destination.

The ROI is clear – both in advertising, promotions, and community engagement. In fact, if I had one complaint about Facebook it would be this, at times, it is very, very effective. We have had campaigns we envisaged running for a month sell out in days – reducing the brand reach. But that’s ok.

The reality is that GM Isn’t abandoing facebook. Just advertising.

“Although many will latch onto this news in the next few days as a reason for the skepticism around Facebook’s advertising model to continue, we believe that this proves that Facebook’s power lies in engagement, not display advertising. According to the WSJ report, GM is still spending approximately $30 million on Facebook. They’re not abandoning ship,” Dachis said.  “Engaged users on Facebook – whether they’re on mobile or the browser – will monetize better than throwing mobile or display ads at them.”

My prediction, is that we will see much, much, much more advertising on Facebook. When paired with an analytics platform Facebook will light-up and the skeptics, inlcuding GM, will be back.

You’d have to be ignoring the worlds most powerful social media platform at your peril.

Recommendations on products, content, people. On just about everything.

Recommendations are a barometer of trust. The Global Trust in Advertising survey released this month says that the majority of digital users, trust lies first and foremost in recommendations and opinions from their peers. As for the bulk of formats found on web sites or on mobile (such as various flavors of display advertising), they fall to the bottom of the chart. Nielsen’s study, based on 26,000 respondents in 56 countries, was conducted in Q3 2011.

Taco trucks are the OG food trailer, and Austin is a mobile Mexican food Mecca. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, gorditas or tortas, there’s no need for a hasty run for the border! Just grab some cash and a copy of this Weekly Yelp, your secret map for tracking down all that tasty treasure.

The rooster is crowin’, and Ann Marie N scores two breakfast tacos from Taco Bella: “I get a potato, egg, and cheese and a sausage, egg, and cheese. I just can’t help myself – I need one for later!” And when later rolls around, find Matt P for a midday pep talk: “Dude. Just do it. Veracruz tacos are three bucks apiece. Cilantro, onions, tortillas, everything made fresh daily. PS, the lady who owns and runs the truck is smoking hot!” And for heaven in a “delicious corn tortilla,” Tina N takes a little trip to Matamoros Tacos. “They’re cash only and open until 2am,” perfect for late-night noshing.

“Before trailers became the foodie’s amusement, this was what it was all about: A questionable looking taco truck, dishing up cheap and tasty food,” per Tasha B. She recs La Fogata if you want to experience the real deal. For other glorious handhelds, Tayna A snags some “totally authentic” gorditas from Taqueria La Canaria, “made the ol’ school way – by hand.” And Piedras Negras‘s “gordita is two big-ass meals in one,” promises Illi G. “Make sure you douse it in hot sauce and limon to really experience its potential!”

Next, find tantalizing tortas at Tortas El Guero with Brian B: “They specialize in Mexico City tortas, which are really big sandwiches with loads of toppings, jalapeños, and spicy sauce on buttered bread.” In other parts of town… “a crusty roll gives way to a soft interior overflowing with spicy chorizo, grilled ham, avocado, tomato, lettuce, and a hot dog.” That’s Tony B‘s torta Cubana from Taqueria 7, aka his “love sausage. This sandwich could easily take the centerfold in any food porn mag.” And finally, at El Primo, Solomon W chides, “You’re obligated to indulge in a $5 torta with migas – an amazing conglomeration of egg, freshly sliced tortilla, and sauce.” Te gusta migas? So do we!