tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18266737.post6326419342039753751..comments2008-04-17T16:29:12.852+01:00Andrew Girdwoodhttps://profiles.google.com/107146049219041450350noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18266737.post-18387295434185663672008-04-17T16:26:00.000+01:002008-04-17T16:26:00.000+01:00I realise I've stumbled onto this post a bit late, but as the unnamed wine-drinking one or more other agencies conversation partner, I wanted to weigh in. Firstly, I must report that I fared better in the fishbowl of business cards, and enjoyed my triple-shot non-fat venti lattes every morning of the conference...<BR/><BR/>I'm in complete agreement with you with the prior direction of SEMPO UK. Thought leadership is widely sought after in this country, but seldom of any real value - SEMPO UK is no exception.<BR/><BR/>I agree with what Gord is saying as well, though. I think there's room to change and be receptive to the needs of the industry in the UK. After talking to some of the folks after the SEMPO state of the market report, I joined, and it wasn't just because of the caffeine addiction I picked up. :) We will see changes this year (as you point out), and I want to be a part of affecting change here in the UK and in Europe. I realise I'm on the other side of the SEM fence to you as well, but the quality of contributions and leadership of both sides doubtless needs addressing, and quickly.<BR/><BR/>Great blog, by the way. Definitely added to the faves.bakerashhttp://bakerash.pip.verisignlabs.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18266737.post-88985345809863546602008-03-30T18:44:00.000+01:002008-03-30T18:44:00.000+01:00Andrew<BR/><BR/>I have been reading through your blog with interest and it was unfortunate that both of us were at the same event and didn't manage to clock each other. This was only down to me missing your presentations, but as you know it was so much to do so little time to do it all.<BR/>I had a very interesting conversation with Chris Bloggs of SEMPO and outline the Ecommerce Excellence University program we are launching in Scotland in April. We have a vested interest from RBS and the Scottish Executive plus Glasgow City Council are also keen to have a role in the program. Chris said SEMPO could also be interested and for the bigger launch we talked about having a SEMPO event in Scotland. I would be very keen to pull together the UK SEMPO group to put it firmly on the map and discuss the Ecommerce Excellence program in more detail. I am of course in the orocess of becoming a SEMPO UK member.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, for now enjoyed your blog and would welcome a call by phone soon. Meanwhile you will find more on me at www.ictadvisor.com<BR/><BR/>I had a very interesting conversation withICT Advisorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253926004596251227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18266737.post-31657298081116603162008-03-18T19:50:00.000Z2008-03-18T19:50:00.000ZAndrew, I off course know to what you refer, but you are off the mark re SEMPO.<BR/><BR/>The working group has 16 regular contributors and is not influenced by any lone voice.<BR/><BR/>The membership is building rapidly with a mix of agencies, specialists, corporations, students and more.<BR/><BR/>It is a diverse and eclectic mix and your voice would be welcome.<BR/><BR/>I personally have an issue with a number of SEMPO members globally actively involved in what I would call link spam, but I want to change things and help the industry mature - hence I buy the raffle tickets.Paul Dolemanhttp://www.icrossing.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18266737.post-69751500824434879212008-03-18T02:11:00.000Z2008-03-18T02:11:00.000ZAndrew<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the post. Although I have stepped down as Chair, I'm still a director, so SEMPO's not rid of me that easily.<BR/><BR/>As far as SEMPO UK, there is a working group and it's picking up in strength. Our regional representation is as strong as the local people involved in the organization.<BR/><BR/>Sometime ago I was also critical of SEMPO (back in the early early days) and was countered point blank by Barb Coll who said, "you want to change things..get involved!" I did and I've never regreted it. I know I've made the same comment to a few of the local board members.<BR/><BR/>If you ever want to chat about SEMPO, I'd be happy to spend some time with you.<BR/><BR/>GordGord Hotchkisswww.outofmygord.comnoreply@blogger.com