Confidence and empowerment are cousins in my opinion. Empowerment comes from within and typically it's stemmed and fostered by self-assurance. To feel empowered is to feel free and that's when people do their best work. You can't fake confidence or empowerment.

By providing memorable social media customer service, companies not only create deeper connections with consumers, but they glean valuable insights on how to improve their products or services.

You're more likely to drown in the sea of sameness than get eaten by a shark while navigating new waters.

I realized that social media can be powerful force for good in the world and that acts of kindness can be scaled globally.

Social media is the ultimate equalizer. It gives a voice and a platform to anyone willing to engage.

Ask forgiveness, not permission. But make sure you bring your results with you.

We'll continue to see more and more brands integrate social causes, charitable components and environmental issues as underlying themes to their campaigns and messaging. Humans connect with humans after all, and brands are using this as a point of connection to engage with their audience, especially charity-minded Generation Y.