• by George Simpson , Featured Contributor, December 18, 2009

This is the time of year when everyone makes predictions about will happen in their businesses for the next 365 days or so. While I have my own ideas, I tend to turn to the smartest people on the planet -- my clients -- to see what they think will happen. Why? Because they are experts in their fields, passionate about what they do and tend to be right more often than they are wrong. I asked them to focus on their own niche. Here then, are "Predictions for 2010 By Some Really Smart Folks":

Dave Morgan, CEO of Simulmedia, says, "2010 will be the year of TV. TV is the "tent pole" of the media industry. Data-driven TV -- which will come of age in 2010 -- will only extend that dominance."

Jason Glickman, CEO of Tremor Media, predicts, "Brand dollars will accelerate their shift to online, driven by the scale of professional online video content and the rise of technologies that enable real-time demographic targeting."

Omar Tawakol, CEO of BlueKai, says, "Agencies will become more active and skilled in acquiring audiences through data partners -- separate from their purchase of media."

Scott Jones, who founded ChaCha as a free answers service, "like calling a smart friend," reaching over 14 million online and mobile users every month and emerging as the single best way for marketers to reach the teen and young adult market, forecasts: "In 2010, advertisers will figure out that they can significantly boost campaigns by augmenting with innovative mobile phone and social networking solutions that more fully engage consumers."

Brian Silver, president-CEO of Travel Ad Network, says, "One of the major OTA's (online travel agencies) will be eliminated by a merger leading to consolidation in that business."

Peyman Nilforoush, co-founder and CEO of NetShelter Technology Media, predicts, "The shift of ad dollars from standard display ads to social marketing programs that deliver engagement will be most notable as marketers shift focus from clicks to engagement and from CPM and CPC to cost per engagement metrics."

Andy Monfried, CEO-founder of Lotame, says, "The marketplace will realize that the market for conversions relies on retargeting, which everyone does, leaving lots of people scratching their heads with 'OK, now what do we do to move real dollars online from brand marketers?'"

Cory Treffiletti, president-managing partner of Catalyst:SF, makes this prediction: "The subscription model for content will re-emerge as a viable business, because content publishers are having trouble standing on paid ads alone." His partner in crime, John Durham, CEO/managing general partner, adds, "It will be the year of the niche. Mass is dead. A focus on being nimble and resourceful are the keys to winning in 2010."

My own prediction? A select few (other) people in the adverting and media businesses will do and say profoundly silly, negligent, dishonorable, inane and/or stupid things calling attention to themselves and assuring that I'll have another 52 weeks of subject matter.