Friday Blog Log, and Happy New Year!

We've come up with an interesting list of links today. Thinking of the New Year, reflecting on 2007 and wondering what 2008 will bring to us...

Thought you'd all be interested in this top ten list of New Years Resolutions. Of course, all of the usual suspects appear--lose weight, get fit, etc. However, topping the list was the resolution to spend more time with friends and family. That's a good one for all of us, no?

We were also intrigued by this Christmas Day post from the Diva Marketing Blog. It talks about how the movie, Miracle on 34th Street can be compared to social marketing. From the movie we all know and love:

"The CEO of a major retail organization briefs the company's ad department. "No high pressuring and forcing the customer to take something he doesn't want. We'll be known as the helpful store. The friendly store. The store with a heart. The store that places public service ahead of profit. The plan sounds idiotic and impossible...consequently, we'll make more profit than ever before."

Yes, the concept DOES sound familiar to the social marketing we're embracing now.

For another look on social media/marketing, check out Greg Verdino's "7 trends that defined 2007". This provides nice insight into what was significant this year in terms of social marketing, including the rise of Facebook and the less-than-stellar rise of mobile marketing.

And, finally, if you're in the mood for cleaning house, check out this post from John Jantsch of Duct Tape Marketing: Fire 10% of your customers. It contains some pretty practical ideas about how to look at your customer base, and how to evaluate just how profitable they might be.

So, there you have it, a round-up of New Years tips for 2008 and reflections on 2007.

Happy New Year to All!