Jeremiah Owyang discusses how web tools and social media enable companies to connect with customers

Transitions

September 13th, 2007 | Category: Ruminations

Tonight, I had the companies that I advise (I’m on their BoA) over to my house for dinner, it was a thank you, good luck, and best wishes.

The topic as usual? Discussion about Google launching a phone soon, iPhones dropping in price, being unlocked, and they ever present Facebook buzz. There were a few CEOs over, and we all agree, the market is buzzing, and things are busy. I had some other friends over who live in the area, most are in tech, which made for a fun time.

Also, tomorrow is my last day at PodTech, and it’s a sad transition as I move on. Today, my friend, Jennifer Jones organized a good bye lunch where some of my favorite colleagues showed up, they brought some pretty good gag gifts too, good times.

I’m not retaining any shares from these companies I advise (Usually, when someone is on the Board of Advisors, they are issued equity) as I need to maintain objectivity and be unbiased in my reporting and analysis. Nor am I retaining any shares from PodTech.

Many folks have asked me if I’m still going to blog, and Yes, I’m going to continue to blog, and will try to continue to add value here as well as in the reports that I’ll be writing. As the first blogger to become an Analyst, it will be an interesting transition, my new employer is savvy, and supportive of the social web industry, which means participating in it. Have you seen this list Nathan created of Analysts that are covering the Social Computing space? It’s just getting started, I’m sure it will grow.

Yes, lots of changes, many sacrifices, but I’m looking forward to this next stage.

(Update: I’m not the only one making transitions, Marshall Kirkpatrick is leaving Splashcast to join Read Write Web. I first learned of Marshall when he was a TechCrunch writer, he’s often very thoughful and analytical in his coverage)

8 Comments so far

  1. Mark Forman September 14th, 2007 12:27 am

    Good luck-wish you well.

  2. Vera September 14th, 2007 12:30 am

    Good Luck, don’t forget about us

    : )

  3. jeremiah_owyang September 14th, 2007 5:28 am

    Thanks Mark

    Vera, I’ll never forget the fun times we had, it was a tremendous experience.

  4. jennifer jones September 14th, 2007 5:38 am

    Jeremiah, We will miss you very much! You have been an incredible asset to PodTech and we will continue to read your blog and tie into your knowledge while at Forrester. You are joining a wonderful company having come FROM a wonderful company! Wear your talking skeleton that glows at night with pride! Keep it close. :)

  5. John Furrier September 14th, 2007 8:11 am

    Jeremiah,
    I am very excited for you in your new role. PodTech will miss you for sure. Forrester is a great group and you and Charlene will do great work as the social media landscape evolves. I’m looking forward to your coverage. Between Charlene and the solid team there I’m sure that we’ll see some great analysis. I’m looking forward to seeing you around and reading your blog(s).

    Thanks for working at PodTech we’ve all enjoyed your energy, intelligence, and integrity.

  6. jeremiah_owyang September 14th, 2007 1:05 pm

    Jennifer, Thank you, we’ve done a lot as a team, and now we’re great friends!

    John, thanks for your support, and cheering me on the entire time while being there, we will continue to be friends and grow in this industry together.

  7. Ann Handley September 14th, 2007 3:28 pm

    Jeremiah — I didn’t realize you are the first blogger to become an analyst, but I’m sure you’ll be fabulous. It’s truly your passion.

    Congrats — and enjoy.

  8. jeremiah_owyang September 14th, 2007 4:25 pm

    Ann

    This is what I’m told by folks, I’ve to hear of another social media practitioner or blogger to become an Analyst.

    In any case, thank you!

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