What's missing in your Brand Monitoring

Most businesses are online with a website, social media presence and possibly doing some SEO within those properties. Now some have taken the next step to include monitoring brand content and industry specific conversations online. Tools to monitor these activities vary from free (Google Alerts) to paid (Raven Tools) and can be set to keyword terms that are being used to describe and define your brand.

So what is missing with Brand Monitoring?

Missing from Brand Monitoring is when marketing agencies are contracted to provide social media and content strategy services that are Not capable of accurately representing the brand. This type of brand negligence can rapidly damage the brand with months of work needed to clean up the mess. Just cause an agency states that they know social media and/or content management does not mean they are astute in this marketing activity. Your responsibility as a brand or agency of record (AOR) is to perform your own online review which should include basic searches about the company and its constitutes.

The current customer is getting savvier by the day with reading reviews, joining brand's social media platforms, performing their own search and finally, ad networks are getting in on this action by way of designed ads that include who likes what brand and what they are saying. For the unskilled marketer, this can be a daunting task with a wide variety of answers online.

The amount of information and data about your brand is there for your taking. So take it and run with it! What you'll find is truly a gold mine of information and the most embracing, wonderful brand ambassadors that can do more for your brand than ever imaginable.

All the Best,


Michael Newhouse




WCNGroup is a Strategic Marketing and Branding agency founded by Michael Newhouse. Services include brand identity, demographic discovery, marketing planning, business plan development, experiential campaign execution, digital marketing and social media.

Who was Aaron Swartz

First, let me introduce to Aaron Swartz. Per wikipedia, Aaron was born November 8, 1986 and was an American computer programmer, writer, archivist, political organizer, and Internet Activist. His latest endeavour was merging Infogami with Reddit by which he became one of the owners. His story is fascinating while also tragic. He fought hard for his passions but also with depression.

Please take a few moments to read this revealing post and if motivated, search for other postings to learn more about his passions.


WCNGroup is a Strategic Marketing and Branding agency founded by Michael Newhouse. Services include brand identity, demographic discovery, marketing planning, business plan development, experiential campaign execution, digital marketing and social media.

What's in store for 2013

Happy New Year!

What a year 2012 turned out to be. The economy seemed to stabilize with some positive signs of better outcomes. Companies started reaching out seeking more services and consumers responded by a strong Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Online sales continue their strong growth with no sign of slowing down. Global markets were hit and miss with some regions doing well while others decreased.

All of this and more this year brought a new found wealth of business knowledge that multiplied faster than in years past for me. This knowledge along with current business topics will be document and shared this year on a consistent basis. I have added some dedicated pages including Consulting, Quotes, Management and Organizational Development. I request that you provide commentary and share with your social networks.

Here's to a fabulous 2013.



Michael Newhouse

WCNGroup is a full service Brand and Marketing agency deeply rooted in developing successful solutions for brands that match their marketing and sales goals. From brand research, customer discovery, events, creative, digital marketing and social media.

Quotes, Quotes and more Quotes

Announcing my new Quotes page. Quotes are a great way to share motivation, inspiration and positive sentiment. I will share business quotes, personal quotes, motivational and celebrity quotes. They are one of the most shared post on Twitter and are rampant on Facebook. So please, share and check back often to my quotes page.

All the Best,


Michael C. Newhouse


WCNGroup is a full service Brand and Marketing agency deeply rooted in developing successful solutions for brands that match their marketing and sales goals. From brand research, customer discovery, events, creative, digital marketing and social media.

Actions Speak Louder than Words

"Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do." Bruce Lee.

During this time of unlimited self-promotion people are making claims about their experiences, skills and capabilities. I am finding that a majority are making false claims as I do my due diligence to research what they are actually claiming.

I recently needed to reach out to my Linkedin network to find somebody with a certain experience and skill set for a project with our agency. Having a well developed Linkedin network, I knew that finding this person would be attainable. I then reached out and was disappointed with the response and interaction. I felt this person was definitely not the powerhouse I was looking for and wondered who is paying their unreleastic consulting fee because their pricing was not equal to their value.

As our world becomes more entwined with the ability to communicate to the masses via multiple channels, we must be even more cautious of who and what is real. Check your sources and be diligent about what this person or company is offering and always ask for the most current examples. Finally, expand your network outside of your industry in order to open your spectrum of influences, exposure and knowledge.




WCNGroup is a full service Brand and Marketing agency deeply rooted in developing successful solutions for brands that match their marketing and sales goals. From brand research, customer discovery, events, creative, digital marketing and social media.

Social Media Paparazzi Catches Russell Brand

Russell Brand unfollows Katy Perry on Twitter as reported by Wonderwall. Social media is now the go to de-facto in Celebrity relationships. Celebrities not only have photographer paparazzi following their every move, they now can include social media paparazzi.

Social media will never go away, it's not a trend or a fad it is extending conversation with technology. Technology will change is the only constant at this time. If you are a social media strategist, agency, community manager or a small business owner, this better be in the back of your mind daily.

Following celebrity relationships social media interactivity is as intriguing to people as their career itself. What will this do to the Publicist, PR agencies and entertainment management companies that retain these clients? This new level in exposure is a real concern due to one tweet can endanger a career, at least for a moment (we tend to forgive and forget).

The sheer power of social media is undeniable but the management of it will be more critical as social norms and other regulations will be instituted. The role of social media agencies who truly understand pr, marketing, promotions, technology, advertising and digital strategy will be key players in all agencies and businesses.

Stay thirsty for knowledge my friends....


Michael Newhouse

WCNGroup is a full service Brand and Marketing agency deeply rooted in developing successful solutions for brands that match their marketing and sales goals. From brand research, customer discovery, events, creative, digital marketing and social media.

You'll Pay the Price

What Brands are you "Less Price-Sensitive" towards?

WCNGroup is a full service Brand and Marketing agency deeply rooted in developing successful solutions for brands that match their marketing and sales goals. From brand research, customer discovery, events, creative, digital marketing and social media.