In this issue, we tackle a number of issues relevant to the challenges of 2009. From achieving sales success in a down economy to the Twitter phenomenon, the global future of CSR, environmental positioning for US companies in the year of Copenhagen, and the new role of social media courtesy of the US presidential election, our H&K contributors have a point-of-view on the communications implications. And, lest we forget that inspiration is at the heart of what we do, John O’Keefe, worldwide creative director of WPP, argues that creativity must challenge sub-prime thinking, now more than ever.

• How to Influence Tech Decision-Makers in a Down Economy by Joshua Reynolds
  
  
• Five Simple Steps to Twitter Success by Niall Cook
  
  
• Flight from CR? I Don’t Think So. by Boyd Neil
  
  
• Getting in the Game Before Copenhagen by Michael Kehs
  
  
• Harnessing the Power of Social Media: Understanding the Strategy and Impact of the Obama campaign in Digital Public Relations by Sydney Sarachan
  
  
• Inspiration Only by John O'Keeffe
  
  

With all best wishes for your success,

Paul Taaffe
Chairman and Chief Executive, Hill & Knowlton
Paul.Taaffe@hillandknowlton.com