The first half of 2009 was a good stretch for Powered. A 10% workforce reduction wasn’t likely how CEO Ken Nicolson -- who took over the helm in July 2008 after a stint as CMO of Pluck -- ideally wanted to ring in the new year. But, so far in 2009, the company landed several new marquee customers, launched additional communities for exist-ing clients, and released two new versions of its Powered Social Marketing Platform. With seven open positions across the organization, hiring is back, too.
Founded in 1999 and based in Austin, TX, Powered works with major consumer brands to develop and run social marketing programs, including building and managing their customer communities. Although the company’s technology platform and service offerings span most B2C use cases, Powered’s differentiating factor continues to be providing community-based learning environments that educate customers on relevant subjects and deepen their affinity with the brand.
(A good example is Sony’s Backstage 101 Community, where members can take courses on photography, participate in discussions, share photos, and rate and review content...and instructors, too.)
