It struck me in a lengthy discussion with an old CIO friend of mine this weekend at Big Bear Ski Resort.  As the great Mark Twain once said, “All you need is ignorance and confidence and the success is sure.”

Brandon Matthias wasn’t aware of FourSquare or Gowalla or even Google Buzz. 

Not surprising given how recent these tools have become popular with the early adopters.  But after I explained the social geo-location networks and Mayor concepts he brilliantly suggested that companies do the same. 

He believes companies should create a “Mayor” concept for the company where enterprising employees earn the right to become departmental or functional Mayors.  

In other words, create content or knowledge experts that are socially elected by their peers based on the frequency and quality of the knowledge shared.   

So in addition to expert search, you create an environment where experts self-proclaim – motivated by social recognition. 

Lesson Learned: Wisdom can be found in the oddest places.  Even places too.