We know a lot of statistics about the baby boom generation. The US Census Bureau says these 79 million Americans make up 26% of the population, and the oldest boomers turn 65 this year. But who are they really, and how do you effectively reach them in a digital world?

I was fortunate to be in the audience during the taping of the historic Jeopardy! match pitting IBM's Watson computing system against the game's all-time champions. As Watson proved its speed and accuracy in 
answering questions across many different categories, it was clear this type of groundbreaking technology will benefit a broad range of industries.

When you think of direct marketing, do you think of a static print piece addressed to "occupant," a printed direct mail piece personalized with an individual's name, or are you thinking of a customized cross-media campaign where 
individual recipients are sent relevant marketing materials regardless of media channel? Over the last two decades, direct marketing has transformed dramatically, but the main purpose has not changed.

There are 83 million moms in the US, and they are the golden ticket to marketing success. There is no shortage of focus around this segment, and many brands are recruiting mom panels, such as Walmart Moms, to help them connect with these consumers.

For marketers, mobile technology is a dream come true. We now have the capability to send the right offer to the right consumer, at just the right moment: the point of decision.

Direct mail. Nobody talks about it. It's not cool. It's the Rodney Dangerfield of direct marketing. When marketers talk about it, it's usually in the context of the drop in mail volume to the tune of tens of billions of pieces. Or about how expensive it is.

The drumbeat has pounded for decades: Interactive television is here. From Qube to the Full Service Network, from Wink to Navic, there's been no shortage of promises and ballyhoo, but little actual progress to make one believe the TV industry is much closer to fulfilling that promise.

The chief marketing officer's role is undergoing a massive shift that matches the shift we're seeing to a mobile and social online world. The Internet, social media and the turmoil of the publishing industry have radically altered how we connect with customers and prospects.

B-to-b marketing professionals have goals as well as challenges in mind for the year ahead, and what works for one company may not for another.

Digital marketing strategies in 2011 will be played out against a background of macro-trends in the US culture and the economy.