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My name’s Ben Cotton and Social Web Thing is my personal blog. Here I pen my thoughts on communications, social business and ‘big data’ in the Validation Era, as well as looking at business, strategy, social media, content, analytics, search, great food & drink and whatever else catches my attention.

I’m a PR professional, blogger and occasional speaker, working for Edelman Digital as an Online PR Consultant. However, this blog only reflects my views and not those of my employer, clients or anyone else for that matter.

I’m currently based out of Edelman’s Dublin office, but work with both the agency’s UK and Irish teams, so I have a nice mix of local, european and global clients. My role is varied, but can more easily be described as helping brands listen, understand and engage within social media. We use data and research, coupled with great content to create and execute online communications strategies. 

I’m was previously an Associate of the Centre for Public Relations Studies at Leeds Metropolitan University and my work was acknowledged in Planning and managing public relations campaigns.

I’ve been writing about and working in social media since 2007, but this blog was launched in October 2009. Social Web Thing has already been up for several awards; winning a European award at Euprera Spring Symposium and received nominations for the some comms and CRAPPs. I’m also an occasional guest blogger for The Next Web, Edelman Digital and Behind the Spin – when they’ll have me.

You may also notice the occasional sponsored post, often related to graduate employability, however I’ll always provide full disclosure when this is the case.

I think it’s important to try and give something back and have undertaken pro-bono consultancy projects and speaking engagements for the CIPR, Family Holiday Association, Supporters Direct and Councillor James Bond.

I have broad PR experience and work for an agency that is making digital the focal point of it’s communications offering. Previously I have been a PR researcher, freelancer, as well as working in a busy press office and a famous cricket club. I am experienced in devising and executing communications strategy.

However, it is social media engagement coupled with the accompanying data and metrics that interests me most and led me to Edelman.

If there is anything else you would like to know do feel free to get in touch or say ‘hi’ via one of the social platforms on the right.