Original Link:
http://www.readwriteweb.com/enterprise/2011/07/the-business-impact-of-social-media.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+readwriteweb+%28ReadWriteWeb%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
So I guess I was wrong. I can admit it. I predicted that because people in the world today are only interested in something for just a short while, that I thought that social media was going to be a fad. I guess not. Not only does social media outlets offer new ways in which people communicate with each other, now I see that companies think that investing in social media is very important to their marketing and promotion of their products and services. And it only going to get bigger. When you think of social media, you think of websites like youtube, twitter and facebook. What many people don't realize is how many blogs, wikis, online video and podcast websites have emerged over the last few years. In order to compete in this global economy of today companies have to invest in these media outlets in order to remain relevant.
It is amazing how fast and far technology has come. I would bet that it isn't going away any time soon too. The fact is that technology changes so fast and so many new things come out that its hard to stay on top of it.
ReplyDeleteSo here is another perspective on social media in business. For some businesses it is just another form of advertising. It is a way to gather information about the buying public for future contact. Have you ever noticed how the sites you visit or more importantly purchase from are on the side bars of the website? Not a coincidence I am afraid. I am careful not to use sites that have an abundance of advertising on the side in the classroom because students will (whether they mean it or not) click on these sites. Then you could be asking for trouble.
ReplyDeleteMy husband works as a news anchor for a TV station and is required to have a Fan page on Facebook. It is just another way to stay in touch with the public but it adds probably another 1-2 hours a day to his 12-hour a day schedule. So I am not too happy about that. If it garnered vital news info he could use it would be worth the time, but sadly it is, "Shout outs" and people wanting to say they are "friends" with him.
In addition, the station asks the public to choose a story for their "Facebook Story of the Day". The premise is not bad because in theory it is a good way to see what is on people's mind. However, the underlining reason is to get "hits" on the sites and info from those responding. It all is then translated into advertising dollars.
I guess I would feel better if the reason businesses were reaching out on social networks were more to reach the people and not reach into their pocket books I would feel better. But that is just me...