Many AgWired fans know I recommend Micro Persuasion written by Steve Rubel. The man has more insight into how new media can be used as corporate marketing tools than anyone else I’ve found. I have tried diligently to apply his ideas to the agricultural marketing world. He also writes a column for Advertising Age and his latest one is right on the money in my opinion.
He writes about a new career path that’s emerging on the advertising/PR agency and client sides called the Geek Marketer. “My thesis is this: it’s very difficult for anyone in marketing to keep up with all the twists the digital space because technology changes so darn fast. It’s like chasing a cheetah. Most marketers – be they clients or agency side – are heads-down running their business. Therefore, companies are creating a new role. They’re hiring people who act as translators between the ultra geeks and the marketers, if you will, and shepherd the development of pilot programs.”
He says about people like us, “They are marketers by trade, yet they also have a hard-core interest in technology and social anthropology. As curious individuals, they are constantly studying how digital advances are changing our culture and media. Armed with these insights, they regularly apply them in a marketing context by working closely with brand teams to codify new best practices.”
So, do you have a Geek Marketer on your staff? Are you willing to let that person try some new marketing programs that use technology you’re not familiar with or that you don’t use yourself? If Geek Marketer is not on your corporate flow chart then keep the Godfather of ag blogging in mind.
I had an opportunity this morning to talk with the new President of 
Laura says she’s worked with some of the staff at McCormick on projects over a period of several years so she’s not a complete stranger. She says that clients can expect the same great service they’ve come to expect from McCormick. Mark Perrin, will now serve as President of JLM1926 Holdings, the parent company of the agency.
Various members of Deere & Company’s senior management have become, well, even more senior. The company also opened up a new position.
Joining the senior management team will be James M. Field, who will become President, Worldwide Commercial & Consumer Equipment Division, and Markwart von Pentz, who will become President, Agricultural Division, Europe, Africa and South America and Global Harvesting Equipment Sourcing.
“In the face of significant competitive challenges, it is essential that Deere focuses senior leadership on these four specific areas that serve the entire enterprise,” said Lane. “In this new role, H. J. Markley will help ensure that Deere’s remarkable power of aligned high performance teamwork is maximized across the enterprise.”
Deere also said that John J. Dalhoff will become Vice President and Comptroller to replace Field. Dalhoff has most recently served as Director of Finance, Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division.
The man known as the “Ethanol God-Father” is set to tackle the “myths” about ethanol in Oregon, Illinois, Wisconsin and California. Blume will be giving speeches at various Renewable Energy Conferences and Seminars. The “Bio-expert” will also be featured on XM radio and T.V.
A new era and a new president for 
I’m guessing most of you are not online reading AgWired this weekend and I’m not doing a lot of posting either. It is “Labor Day” weekend after all. However, just in case you’re taking a peek now (or later this week). . .