I am heading to Tokyo but a few thoughts before I go …

Thanks to everyone who has been so engaged in the debate over Technorati’s utility as a data source for ranking blogs.  I guess I opened a can of worms with that post but the debate has been just great!  But on to bigger and better things …I’m just about to board my flight to Tokyo, Japan to give the keynote presentation at Digital Forest’s Marketing ROI Day conference on August 1st.  I’m very excited about this opportunity and to finally meeting my generous hosts at Digital Forest.  If you are reading this and live in-or-near Tokyo, please come to Marketing ROI Day and meet me in person!

Incidentally, I’ve finally updated my presentation schedule.  You can learn where I’ll be presenting pretty much through the end of the year at this URL:

https://www.analyticsdemystified.com/link_list.asp?l=Presentation

Finally, I think I mentioned that I’m writing for DM News now.  My second article, titled “Hiring Myths for Web Data Talent” is now available online (and theoretically in print as well!)  In this article I address four key issues that anyone looking to hire experienced talent — regardless of which analytics platform they’ll be using — needs to consider.  I encourage each of you to read the article, but here is the top-line summary of hiring myths:

1. That an analyst is always the most important “first hire”
2. That a mathematics background is a must
3. That web analysts salaries can be easily compared to common IT functions
4. That a good hire guarantees positive return on investment

I welcome your comments and feedback regarding my presentation calendar, the DM News article, and pretty much anything else you’re interested in chatting about.