Andrew Eklund: CEO, Ciceron—"The firm Andrew Eklund founded is now an industry veteran, having stuck to its guns that the web is the most significant “game-changing” business influence of the past half-century. Entire markets have emerged as a result of disintermediation and disruption of traditional customer relationships and business models. Simply stated, those companies who are nimble and adaptive win. And those companies are Ciceron’s clients. Eklund has been instrumental is helping companies make sound business and economic decisions out of the fluidity of the Internet. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at national and international conferences, including the E-Tourism Summit, MIMA Summit, and other influential organizations."
How did you get involved in the community? Were you asked to join by editors at the Star Tribune, or was there some kind of application process?
I was asked by the editors at the Star Tribune to join a small group of other people from the Twin Cities. I have been a digital strategy guy for the past 15 years, and apparently, they thought I might have something to say that's interesting. ;) There was no application process.
Do you get paid to post? How often do you post?
We do not get paid to post. I post every two weeks or so. (Probably not enough.) Others do it more often.
Are you given specific topics to blog about?
Occasionally they give us a topic -- like the economy -- but there's no requirement to post.
What do you think are the benefits of posting?
Well, for me, I think it perhaps gives me an audience that's more mainstream and less "insider" than my usual blogging or Twittering. My firm works closely with leaders of companies, and they're obviously not as wired-in as others in my line of work.
Do you blog outside of the Your Voices blog? If not, why did you want to join this blogging community?
Yes, I also blog at Minnesota Business magazine's site, and at my own company - www.ciceron.com.
Do you think there are any professional conflicts to your posting? In other words, do you think the views expressed in your posts should be seen separately from the views of your employer? Why or why not? Do you think readers can differentiate between the two views?
I'm fairly consistent in my out-spoken-ness. :) I'm as tough on people and the industry in Your Voices as I am in my own writings. I understand that people seldom differentiate between what's said professionally and personally, so I try and be consistent at all times.
Do your posts get edited by someone at the Star Tribune?
No one edits our posts. I find that refreshing.
I saw that the comments are moderated. Do you think more people would post comments if they weren't approved before being published?
I do wish that comments were immediate and non-moderated. I think it limits the openness of the community.
(bio, photo courtesy Star Tribune)
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