TARGETING BY ITSELF A NO-NO?:  A special Editor’s shout out to Karina Montgomery for forwarding me this beet.tv article and video.  It’s an interview with MEC Chief Digital Officer Carl Fremont.  Towards the beginning of the interview he makes the point that the pendulum has swung too far towards micro-targeting via data, and that brands need to find a better balance of storytelling on top of targeting.  This is an echo of what P&G CMO Mark Pritchard said a few weeks ago on their decision to reduce targeted ads on FB.  So this seems to be an emerging trend which more marketers are embracing.  Towards the end of the piece Mr. Fremont touches on video – stressing the importance of mobile and viewability as the next chapter in video’s evolution.  The interview is eight minutes long, but worth sticking with. http://www.beet.tv/2016/09/carl-fremont-demexco.html

DIGITAL TRENDS FROM THE PAST WEEK:  Late Friday AdWeek released its top digital trends from the past week.  Such and interesting list this week – everything from the social power of Pumpkin Spice Latte (who knew?!?), to Snapchat’s revenue growth, to Apple Music’s sub growth.  You guys already know about the big stuff – but it’s always a helpful look back.  http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/9-digital-marketing-stats-you-need-see-week-173370

BE A SHARK THIS MORNING:  And finally, this one’s an oldie but goodie and always gives me a chuckle on a Monday.  But there’s actually an important message in the Shark Monday proverb.  Our industry is loaded with talented people who work their butts off from noon on Monday until noon on Friday.  So how can you give yourself a competitive edge – it’s the work you do Monday morning and Friday afternoon.  Nobody needs to work 70-80 hours a week, a la Marissa Meyers, to get ahead.  Just give it 40-45 hours per week, and make sure every one of those hours counts.  It’s amazing how much further you can get ahead when you have your game face on at 9:00a on Monday, while everyone else is still trying to figure out the Keurig machine and gabbing about their weekend!

Have a  great “Shark Monday” guys!