Q&A with a Corporate Blogger: John Earnhardt, Cisco

Posted by Blog Council Staff on October 15, 2008

Have you ever wondered about the real people who run the biggest corporate blogs?  This week, we’re sitting down with them to get their thoughts about the broader issues and landscape of social media at the corporate level.

John Earnhardt, Senior Manager, Global Media Operations for Cisco

Describe the key social media efforts at Cisco
We have a new media group, led by Jeanette Gibson, within our Corporate Communications department.  Our entire company is encouraged to utilize all aspects of Web 2.0 technology to collaborate and communicate with colleagues, customers, media, investors and the general public.

What’s the big deal about video?
Video is the fastest growing component of 21st century communication and, as such, Cisco is using it in all aspects of our outreach, messaging and communication. Video is authentic and transparent and allows a company to directly communicate effectively with a myriad of audiences. As Cisco Chairman and CEO John Chambers says, “if there is a new killer application on the Internet, it’s video.”

What do you love most about your job?
Not always knowing what the day will bring.

What is the biggest challenge you face with social media?
Making “new” media,”social” media.

What advice do you have for marketers just beginning to utilize social media?
As per Nike: “Just do it.”

What are your three favorite blogs?
NYTimes Bits Blog
Dilbert Blog
And of course, Cisco’s The Platform blog

Meet John at BlogWell on October 28 in San Jose, where he will be presenting the case study: “Cisco: Why Vlogging is Better than Blogging.”

Get practical, how-to advice, a lesson in disclosure and corporate social media responsibility, and loads of ideas and examples – all for $200. BlogWell is presented by GasPedal and the Blog Council.