[Posted by Neil Strother]

At Forrester's Marketing Forum today in Orlando, my colleague Christine Overby led off the day with an insightful example of how Walt Disney took risks in the Great Depression despite the odds, and succeeded. That same kind of action can be applied today by interactive marketers, even in this down economy. Christine notes how it takes vision, marketing skills and a willingness to do things differently – to embrace innovation.

Later, AT&T Mobility CMO David Christopher described in his keynote how the big carrier is staying the course in this turbulent economy and betting big on wireless and asking the key question: What problem am I solving for customers? Christopher noted how AT&T continues to drive ahead with smartphones (its helps having the red-hot iPhone), and that data revenues continue to climb. Seems AT&T is solving the mobile needs of its customers rather well.

The Forum continues through Friday with more on how you as a marketer can succeed even in tough times. If you're looking for innovative ways to boost your marketing efforts in this recession, let me know at nstrother@forrester.com. Our team is ready to sprinkle some Disney-like dust on your plans.