Almost everyone I know can describe the future of their industry. In this future, brands know their customers. They personalize their experience. They reward their loyalty. Brands create smarter products that use connectivity and sensors to mold themselves to our lives and inspire us to be at our best. They are powerful tribal leaders of the digital and physical communities that rally behind them. They have managed to create seamless fluid experiences that meet every expectation and desire, no matter how minor or personal. Read more

I had one of the most pleasant digital encounters with a brand last week. It was with Bergdorf Goodman. Read more

This week Gilt.com agreed to offer a special percentage discount to Klout users based on their Klout influence score. The higher the score, the larger the discount (up to 100% off). This is one of a new class of “perks” to come from Klout. While the introduction of programs like this are extremely exciting, especially to those with a high degree of influence, they also portend a future we need to approach with a measure of caution. Read more