Brookwoods Group’s Weekly Refresh provides our users with a weekly summary of valuable news and information trending on the web and within our office. 

MarketingEDGE 2012

Brookwoods Group is a proud sponsor of AMA’s MarketingEDGE, a full-day conference designed for marketers and communicators looking to SUPERCHARGE their careers in 2012.  Register today to take advantage of this new event!  Plus, Brookwoods Group users can receive a discount on registration!  Simply use promo code: SPONSORVIP to receive a $25.00 discount off of a full-day conference registration.

12 Most Essential Ways to Interact with Customers

How many different initiatives do you take to engage with your (internal / external) customers? 12Most reminds readers of some essentials we take for granted, along with tips on how to optimize your current efforts.  (Source:  www.12Most.com)

No More Resumes, Say Some Firms

New vetting practice for 2012:  The amount of employers researching their prospective candidate’s web presence will continue to increase, along with video submissions.  (Source:  www.wsj.com)

Strategy Is Fun Too, You Know (Well, Fun-ish)

Whether you’re contemplating a website redesign or have already lived through the experience, you’ll appreciate Pete Gaioni’s breakdown of the ideal process.  (Source:  www.MarketingProfs.com)

The content marketing guide: 15 tips from the experts

When you develop content, you can lose sight of the big picture from time to time.  The tips from these experts will help you remain inspired and focused on what counts.  (Source:  www.prdaily.com)

29 social media stats and facts

A great list of stats that you’ll enjoy reading, plus a few that just might help you justify a couple new initiatives within your department!  (Source:  www.prdaily.com)

With February fast approaching, 2012 has kicked off in a very exciting way!  New Year, new schedules, new goals, and new demands.  Amid all the excitement, you probably overlooked a few of the industry headlines or interesting reads online. 

Our team keeps track of trends and stories online… so instead of spending your personal time looking for recent popular reads or insight, take a moment to review the Brookwoods Group Weekly Refresh! 

Brookwoods Group featured on MyFoxHouston

Job seekers learn some tips from Marilyn Emanuel, Brookwoods Group Recruiting Manager, on making the most of their job search! 

Now Available:  How B2B Markets Can Utilize Social Media to Propel their Personal Business Goals

Our team member, Trish Cunningham, presented her findings on the topic above to BMA luncheon attendees. We have uploaded the  presentation for those not able to attend and wanted to share it with you too! 

Wikipedia Going Dark to Protest SOPA

Wikipedia is just one of many online outlets that are protesting the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) which states websites that contain or link to copyrighted material can be indefinitely blocked without trial or notice by the U.S. government.  (Source: www.mashable.com)

Hiring plans for digital, direct marketing slots on the rise

Great forecast for marketers in 2012… 52% of companies said they plan to add staff this quarter! (Source: www.b2bonline.com)

8 Ways to Leverage Social Media Beyond Social Networks

A SUPER resourceful article that helps you utilize social media to add value throughout your other online platforms. (Source: www.hubspot.com)

5 Things I Look for in a Great Job Interview

One hiring manager’s views on what separates a good candidate from a great one.  Don’t make the mistake of assuming you know what to expect either!  (Source: www.inc.com)

Facebook promotion turns into PR nightmare for coffee company

Learn from Timothy’s Coffee:  Social Media campaigns can be a great tool to drive traffic, but be prepared to deliver on your promise to users!  (Source: www.prdaily.com)

Featured in the video below, Marilyn points out key factors every job seeker should keep in mind when applying for roles online.

Your Resume Could Be a Dud: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

Each week, our team keeps an eye out for any new or exciting articles we find and shares them with you.  We know your weekdays are full at the office, but that shouldn’t mean you miss out on top industry news and trends, right?   

This week’s highlights include Houston being featured in two national Top 10 lists, a look at some new social marketing tools, and Gen-Y’s online activity could change how future B2B and B2C selling occurs…

Houston among 10 cities “poised for greatness” in 2012

Many of us already believe Houston is an amazing town, but it’s nice to hear it from a national level as well!  One financial news website identifies Houston’s advantages include its low unemployment rate and low home prices.  (Source:  bizjournal.com)

10 Habits of Top-Notch Content Creators

Content creation will play a major role in 2012.  To rise above the competition you need to go beyond what you  are doing today.  Take on these habits and you’ll be a success in no time!  (Source:  HubSpot.com)

Social marketing gems: Tools to make sense of chaos

New companies providing social media tools are popping everywhere.  B2B gives us insight on a handful we may have missed.  (Source:  b2bonline.com)

Facebook: Where Gen-Y’s Personal and Work Lives Converge

Social media and Gen-Y activity reveals the line between personal and business will continue to blur.  This is a trend that we care confident will become increase… how can you take advantage?  (Source: MarketingProfs.com)

Houston fifth largest city for manufacturing workers

Houston continues to thrive: We’ve made another national top 10 list!  (Source: bizjournal.com)

 5 Gadgets From CES That Are Ideal for Journalists

Not just for journalists, these gadgets can help any professional. One emergency kit must have:  a cellphone juiced by a single AA battery!  (Source:  mashable.com)

….next week users will receive exclusive access to our findings recently presented at the BMA luncheon informing B2B marketers how they can SUPERCHARGE their personal business goals in 2012!

This Thursday January 19, 2012, we invite you to BMA’s January luncheon to learn how to maximize your personal branding online with Trish Cunningham, the Brookwoods Group Business Leader.  Attendees will walk away with a great action-plan and thanks to BMA Houston and Texas Pictures, early birds can take advantage of the headshot photography being offered. 

Register Now!

10:30 am – 11:30 am – Professional Headshots from Texas Pictures
11:30 am – Networking
Noon to 1:00 pm – Presentation and Lunch

That’s where we come in… Brookwoods Group scours the web for the best bloggers and websites providing tips and tools each week and then we provide you with this report:  The Brookwoods Group Weekly Refresh!

5 Power Tips for B2B Company LinkedIn Profiles

A quick read on what you can do to refresh your company profile page.  (Source:  www.socialmediab2b.com)

12 Most Kick-Butt Ways to Achieve Your Business Goals in 2012 

12  ideas  to help professionals jump start their 2012 business goals.  (Source: www.12most.com)

8 Great Marketing Infographics To Inspire Your 2012 Objectives

8 infographics that you will want to have on-hand for your 2012 objectives, including Blueprint for the Perfect Blog Post and Inbound Marketing vs. Outbound Marketing.  (Source: www.b2bmarketinginsider.com)

PR is now the seventh-most stressful job in America

We know PR is stressful, but who knew the profession (and other marketing related roles) actually ranks within the Top 10 stressful jobs in America? (Source:  www.prdaily.com)

5 Ridiculous B2B Social Media Marketing Myths

5 social media myths that Social Media B2B debunks, providing social media marketers a great resource for skeptics out there!  (Source: www.soicalmediab2b.com)

Give Your Employees Unlimited Vacation Days

Insight from Inc.com about the impact a positive and trusting work environment can have on productivity… a trend we have seen increase!  (Source:  www.inc.com)

The 5 types of people who post on brand pages

A fun but truly insightful read about the types of “posters” online .  (Source:  www.prdaily.com)

Finalists: Top 10 Social Media Blogs 2012

Time to “add to favorites”… a list of great resources for social media marketers looking to improve and expand their social media skills.  (Source:  www.socialmediaexaminer.com)

Between the finance department wanting to close out 2011 or the HR department needing the intranet updated to reflect the new employee policy changes, many marketing and communications professionals are on the “0 to 60 m.p.h.” road to keep up with all the new activity. 

Rather than “overheat” in week one of the New Year, take a few minutes to recharge your batteries… A quick break with the Brookwoods Group Weekly Refresh will do just the trick.  Catch up on the latest news and trends, all in one place! 

Start-ups to Watch in 2012

Quick read about 7 start-up companies that we may be the next big “thing” for 2012.  (Source:  www.Inc.com)

Top 12 Customer Loyalty Trends for 2012

Slideshow of 12 different trends that can help companies foster loyalty customer loyalty.  (Source:  www.marketingprofs.com)

 The 9 Oddest Job Interview Questions Asked at Tech Companies in 2011

Nine examples of odd questions that companies are beginning to use during the interview process for more insight into how a candidate thinks on their feet.  (Source:  www.mashable.com)

Pinterest: A Beginner’s Guide to the Hot New Social Network

Mashable provides an intro into the new platform and how marketers can use it!  (Source:  www.mashable.com)

6 PR lessons from Santa Claus

Fun read about best practices and brand insight from the big guy!  (Source: www.prdaily.com)

M.I.T. Game-Changer: Free Online Education For All

This new initiative from M.I.T. is something we look forward to exploring!  A free online education in itself is unheard of, but to have access to the curriculum and resources of such a highly acclaimed program is a game-changer.  How will this impact other online education providers?  (Source:  www.forbes.com)

Company Sues Former Employee for Value of 17,000 Twitter Followers

With social media activity increasing, we will see more disputes from companies wanting to keep their followers, regardless of employee turnover.  (Source: www.mashable.com)

12 B2B Social Media Predictions for 2012

Great predictions for B2B marketers in 2012… will Twitter still dominate social media or will we see new platforms arise?  (Source: www.socialmediab2b.com)

Houston unemployment rate continues to drop

Great News!  Houston’s unemployment rate is steadily declining according to the Texas Work Force Commission, especially within the trade, transportation and utilities industries!  (Source: www.bizjournal.com)

Inside a Last-Ditch Effort to Save the Space Shuttle

A look at Mary Lynne Dittmar’s attempt to revive “commercial” efforts of NASA.  Plus, learn about NASA’s new focus… the Space Launch System (SLS).  (Source: www.mashable.com)

The year’s 5 most-useful social media tools for PR and marketing

Throughout 2011, Adam Vincenzini’s Platform Five posts have featured the useful social media tools he learned of each week.  As we close out this year, Adam gives us his overall Top 5 for 2011.  Great tools every social media professional should know… and access to more! (Source: www.prdaily.com)

5 Surprising Reasons Haters Are Good For Your Business

Many companies cringe at the idea of “haters”, but Rohit Bhargava shows us some examples of how businesses can learn AND benefit from unhappy customers in the social media age.  (Source: www.rohitbhargava.com)

Five Pearls of Marketing Wisdom

5 highlights from this year’s Marketing Wisdom Report from MarketingSherpa.  (Source: www.hubspot.com)

Forbes’ 30 under 30 released

Forbes’ latest report includes Houstonians such as Andrew Luck (former Stratford High star who was the Heisman Trophy runner up), Bobby Heugel (food & wine related) , Dave Berry (co-founder of Clean Line Energy Partners), Jerry Bishop (VP of Business Development at EDP Renewables), and more! (Source: www.culturemap.com)

Eight Common Mistakes of Promotional Marketing

Have you thought about your promotional marketing strategy lately?  Remember to avoid these promotional pitfalls in 2012!  (Source:  www.marketingprofs.com)

New rules for gas, oil pipeline safety

Congress has approved new requirements for both testing and the safety systems implemented in the construction of new pipelines.  Although we are not sure of the impact this will ultimately have on marketing and communications, it’s safe to say you’ll want to make sure you are up to speed on any new developments!  (Source: www.pennenergy.com)

This week’s highlights include 2011 brand debacles, generating leads with LinkedIn, and the Deepwater Horizon report being released…

Top 10 Brand Disasters of 2011 

A look back at the brand debacles of 2011 and the lessons learned.  Just for fun, take a minute to write down your predictions before you open Inc.com’s list… how does your Top 10 compare to theirs?  (Source: www.inc.com)

 12 Most Key Year-End Reminders for Business Owners

A look at what your boss or business has on their “to do” list this holiday season.  (Source: www.12most.com)

 The 7-Step Program for Generating Leads With LinkedIn

Nice action list for LinkedIn users wanting more visibility and interaction with the social network.  Plus, they offer an e-book for more information!  (Source:  www.hubspot.com)

4 Steps to Mobile Marketing Success

A broad guide for B2C marketers interested in mobile marketing.  A great “starting point” kind of read… (Source:  www.btobmarketinginsider.com)

Swedish Citizens Now Control @sweden Twitter Account

Sweden’s new social media initiative is worth keeping an eye on in 2012.  (Source: www.mashable.com)

Deepwater disaster caused by variety of mistakes, committee says

A committee within the U.S. Department of the Interior has released a report citing multiple mistakes  that contributed to the explosion, including mistakes made by crew members, design flaws in the blowout preventer and a lack of safety culture.  (Source: www.bizjournals.com)

How The World Will Get Its Energy In The Year 2040

A one-chart look at where energy will come from in the year 2040.  (Source: www.businessinsider.com)

RigZone’s “How It Works“ Section

Although not “new”, this feature of RigZone’ s website is worth highlighting.  Anyone looking to learn about oil and energy applications and/or equipment will find this page to be a great resource!  (Source: www.rigzone.com)

And thus, the Weekly Refresh was born! 

Each week, our users will be able to access valuable information and insight that’s trending on the web and within our office.  Add more value to your day by checking out the great reads below!

The New Twitter: Everything You Need to Know

Peter Pachal provides a great summary of the new features we can expect with new Twitter redesign (more pros than cons)!  (Source: www.mashable.com)

30 Brilliant Social Media Marketing Tips from 2011 

Cory Eridon has done a fantastic job in compiling the best social media marketing tips from 2011!  Some of our favorites include #7 and #15… and #16 and #30… ok the whole list is great!  (Source: www.hubspot.com)

100 Awesome Marketing Stats, Charts, & Graphs [Data] 

HubSpot’s team of experts has developed this amazing (free) ebook, full of valuable stats!  A MUST read; download required.  (Source: www.hubspot.com)

The Cost of Marketing on Facebook  

Nice infographic providing fb stats ; including PPC costs listed by industry.  (Source: www.pamorama.net) 

10 secrets to great writing from bestselling authors

Great collection of quotes that led to Michael Sebastian‘s  list below:

1. Don’t wait for inspiration—make it happen
2. Writers need intestinal fortitude
3. Outlines!
4. Fill yourself with culture and media
5. Be yourself when you write
6. You’re never done
7. Sound familiar (ahem, jargon)?
8. Small spaces = sexy prose
9. You’re a teacher, too
10. Reliability trumps talent

 (Source:  www.prdaily.com)