social media, brand management, and buzz marketing...

This is a great resource. A detailed strategy for a direct offensive on social media:
6 Steps for Creating a Social Media Marketing Roadmap & Plan

FYI - a social media group
http://socialmedia-strategy.ning.com

Here are some BUZZ monitoring services:
http://www.buzzlogic.com (cost $)
http://www.MightyBrand.com (cost $)
http://www.startpr.com (BETA)
http://www.buzzding.com (BETA/cost $)