Word of Mouth Breakthrough

Via PR Machine a post about Buzz Metrics, the leader in word of mouth research and planning, and co-founder of the Word of Mouth Marketing Association.
The company has announced:

A new research methodology and creation of the world�s first syndicated Influencer Panel to continuously track the thousands of individuals who most effectively spread buzz and start trends among millions of consumers online.

Findings from the Influencer Panel enable marketers to identify how the most engaged consumers are talking, and what issues will influence them in the near future � usually by several months. The Panel also reveals potential threats and helps companies prepare for impending crises.

Yet another tool for forward thinking companies to monitor their presence online.