Interestingly, our experiences in the rapidly evolving marketing automation category were quite common, especially in one area: A year ago, most of the client engagements for both our firms were what my consultant friend called “rescues” – that is, companies who purchased marketing automation software, jumped immediately into tactical campaign mode, and then needed help six or nine months later when they realized they were achieving only a fraction of the platform’s potential. And that fact, I would propose, is a good sign for a maturing market. emphasis mine). No, not necessarily.

Earlier this week, Marketo , the marketing automation company, held its second ever user conference in San Francisco. As a Marketo agency partner, I attended along with colleagues from Spear Marketing Group to greet clients, talk shop, and hear how other companies – including Marketo themselves – are putting technology to use in the service of improved lead management. From Marketo’s perspective, I understand the need to frame marketing automation in ever more mission-critical terms. Marketo has more than 300 content assets on offer on its Website.). Email?