Media Post thinks so.

Here’s an excerpt:
Conversation is king in 2009 because Web presence alone no longer is enough for individuals or brands. “Now it’s about engaging customers in conversation and managing relationships online,” IPG contends in a new slide show forecast. For individuals, it is all about “personal branding.” How you represent yourself online determines how friends, employers and the world in general view you. Primary tools include personal Web sites and blogs, social networks and Twitter. Special interest, connected communities will create and support expert users.

One of the most dramatic examples of late–the top three online activities of Gen X Moms (using photo sites, rating, reviewing products and shopping for peers) and Gen Y Moms (reading blogs, participating in online peer communities, creating and sharing videos).

I’m not a mom, but I’m a Gen x’er and I’m just now getting into this whole blog-social marketing-1:1 stuff. And I’ve been online and on the Web for over 15 years now. A brand called me is not a new concept. But I sure am interested and excited to see the application of the concept into the new “Web 2.0″ world.

I first learned about Tom Peters in the late 90′s, from his book, “The Brand You 50 : Or : Fifty Ways to Transform Yourself from an ‘Employee’ into a Brand That Shouts Distinction, Commitment, and Passion!“. He’s the guy who introduced me to that concept of “a brand called me,” when I was still thinking that brand marketing is what I wanted to do for my career.

I’ve since decided that, in the immortal words of my former boss, Torry Burdick,”Direct Response is where the ‘real’ marketers go.” I couldn’t agree more.

Still, “brand” exists.  How we build it, to make people come to it, is a another blog for another day…

For me, I’m just beginning my “discussion” with the world (or as my dad says, myself, because he doesn’t think anyone will ever read my blog). I have  just begun to publish my journey of my brand, Susan McKenna. (I admit it’s kinda weird to talk about myself in the third person…isn’t it?) I have my Twitter account.  My Facebook profile for me.  A Facebook Page for my business(es). This blog.  My LinkedIn Page. I ‘Stumble‘, I  Digg.  Yes, I have a YouTube and a MySpace account…but those are personal for now… and now there’s this Blog, which I haven’t really started to promote on those channels.  Until now.  It seems like every day I’m learning something new.  And it’s exciting.

Honestly, I can’t wait to see what’s next.  I’m buckling up for the ride. Shouldn’t everyone?