For instance, I  typically start my day by hopping on my Galaxy Nexus (get one) and checking email. Then I move to the Pulse app to read news from a variety of sources that I’ve chosen. One source that always intrigues me personally is Mashable, because it keeps me up to date on current technology and how it is being used in business today. By 6AM, I’ve downloaded all kinds of information into my brain and gotten up to speed for the day ahead.

This highly technological society has certainly had an influence on businesses and their marketing as well. Our company has seen an increase in demand for iPad and tablet ready exhibits/displays. This coming after everyone wanted to integrate LCD screens over the past couple of years. Using technology offers companies an easy way to engage and relate with their audience.

Take a trade show exhibit as an example. A company will spend weeks, and sometimes much more, building an interactive campaign to engage their clientele using technology such as interactive websites, social media and email campaigns leading up to their trade show or trade shows. At the trade show, technology is used to broadcast live, via streaming video and social media updates; helping those who cannot attend, or are not at the booth at that specific moment. In the booth, there are monitors with videos, product demos and/or messaging. There are also touch screen tablets to engage the attendee. Sometimes these tablets also serve as a guestbook or lead retrieval system. Booth attendees are using technology too, snapping pictures, making videos and tweeting what they like and dislike.

My clients have been coming to me asking for ideas on how they could add technology, and sharing with me how they are already using it. We’re printing graphics for our clients more and more with social media icons on them. Technology has become an integral part of modern marketing. It continues to be exciting for me to keep up with and be a part of.

In 2012 the question is not how are you going to utilize technology in your company’s marketing, but how have you been using it and what are you going to do to build upon that usage. We’d love to know what cool things your company is doing with technology; so tweet us or let us know on Facebook.

The first two weeks of 2012 are in the books, so I ask, where are you with your new year’s resolutions? Did you have any work related resolutions?

I’ve noticed more and more that those in marketing roles tend to work long hours and wear an unbelievable number of hats within their organizations. Was one of your resolutions to lessen your workload this year? Maybe there are some relatively easy ways to do this that you’re not taking advantage of.

For instance, our company recognized that our contacts at different organizations could greatly benefit from an expanded product offering. So last year we began to focus on the additional services and segments we could provide to our clients, to be their sole source for face-to-face marketing needs. Our clients have been very receptive.

Clients that were previously coming to us solely for providing trade show exhibits are now utilizing us for handling the ordering of services and logistics for trade shows. Some others are utilizing us for different segments, like retail environments, outdoor events and office decor.

The point is, we’re offering a number of additional products and services to help alleviate stress for our clients. I’m sure other companies are doing this as well for their industries. Discuss some of the challenges you’re having, or things that are time-consuming for you, with your vendors. You may be surprised how much of your workload could be delegated.

Now of course these additional offerings will typically come with an additional expense, but your time has a value too. If we can handle the equivalent of one day’s work for you, I’m sure it would assist you in becoming more productive in other, probably more important, areas of your position.

Everyday I challenge myself to provide the best customer service possible to my clients, and become a trusted partner of theirs. I see this as one of the main purposes in my role as an “account manager.” In dealing with suppliers myself, I’ve found that some others feel the same way I do about their position. Through these dealings,I’ve identified my trusted partners and discovered areas where they can help me be more effective and efficient based on the products and services they provide.

Take the time now to determine who your trusted partners are, and explore their capabilities and product offering. By doing this, you could effectively save time for years to come.

Here in the U S of A we have a worldwide reputation for loving life in excess. The past couple of years of everyone trying to live like they’re college freshman again just doesn’t fit our style. With many companies engaging consumers early and often for Black Friday, the pot boiled over and we showed our true colors again. From a recent article on WSJ.com, “According to the National Retail Federation, a record 226 million shoppers hit the stores and websites over Black Friday weekend, with the average shopper spending 9.3% more to about $400 and pushing the total spending to a record $52.4 billion. ” Even the following Monday was strong, as seen in this Washington Post article, “Online sales rose 22 percent to $1.25 billion on “Cyber Monday,” when retailers ramp up online promotions, according to research firm comScore Inc. That makes it the biggest online shopping day ever, the research firm said. A year ago, “Cyber Monday” sales topped $1 billion for the first time.”

Americans love having the newest, coolest products and services (see items like iPhone 4s sales)!

Those in B2B companies that do not feel this represents them, read this. Trade shows are very important for B2B companies, and despite positive ROI, we acknowledge that trade shows do have a heavy cost associated with them. Here is the kicker, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research just came out with a press release showing that the trade show industry has improved for five consecutive quarters, and continues to outperform real GDP. Maybe those same consumers that are spending at home, are bringing that great American (spending) spirit to work.

What does this all mean? Well, its time to rev up the marketing effort. If people want to buy, be the one showing them something they can buy. Its as good of a time to get back into it as it has been in years.

I know the economy is not where it once was, and that we still have a long way to go, but as I sit here about to open a package of something I ordered on Black Friday, I’m more hopeful than ever.