Following the Money…..

OK, someone say I told you so.  I have been watching the latest social media trends the past few months with some trepidation and interest.  It’s kind of like watching knee surgery on Cable TV.  You do not want to watch but you just do.

Of course, I am talking about the monetization of social media.  Once upon a time, these tools and networks existed to connect people by interest and topics in ways we never even dreamed of.

Now all people are thinking about is how to make money form something that was supposed to enhance our lives.  Twitter is doing it, so is Facebook, Ning, LinkedIn, Living Social and many others.

Not only are we going to be barraged with paid ads, we are also going to have to pay for some social tools and social networks.

This article/blog (http://venturedig.com/tech/monetizing-social-networks-the-four-dominant-business-models-and-how-you-should-implement-them-in-2010/), discusses several business models that are particularly successful via tools like Facebook.

This Slideshare presentation (http://www.slideshare.net/misteroo/social-networks-monetization-presentation) discusses the Social Networks aimed at children and teens as well as mainstream social network tools.  This is a good overview of the business landscape as well as discussion of the myths and realities in this space.

What is clear to me is that we are at a crossroads for Social Networks and Tools.  These platforms have enabled communication in new ways, increased transparency and knowledge sharing, facilitated new business and educational models, and have shifted the landscape of marketing and advertising.  One article I read called this trend, “Putting your money where your data is.”

What do you think about these developments.  Will you pay for services that used to be free.  Do you care if the platforms disappear because they cannot support themselves?  Will there be enough demand to support many tools?

Please comment freely.

Does Technology Reduce Social Isolation?

Wow!  It has been a long time since I wrote an update to the blog.  I have been busy trying to find my next business opportunity and continue sales consulting in the interim.  I promise to make sure regular updates are posted!

The New York Times recently published an article asking,  “Does Technology Reduce Social Isolation”   They report a couple of interesting things:  (1)  The average person is more socially isolated than 20 years ago  and (2) Cell phones and the internet (including Social Networks like Facebook and LinkedIn)   are not to blame – according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project.

They cite the number of close confidants in a person’s life as the key measure.  With all of the technology available to us, how can we possibly be more isolated or “un-connected”.

They also report that people who regularly use digital technologies are more social than the average American visiting more parks, cafes or volunteering.  This makes sense to me.

As an early adopter of Social Media and Digital Technology, there was lots of trial and error on my part, learning how to make these new networks work for me.  By work, I mean how can these tools help me multiply connections and develop meaningful relationships.

Many more people are jumping on-line and trying their own hands at these tools,  Perhaps the volunteer projects we should be involved in are sharing our lessons learned to help others make meaningful connections through application of digital tools and media?

Then anti-social behavior and isolation should begin to wane.

 

Sometimes the Media gets it right…….

This is one of those times.  Both Social Media and world news have this one right.  I have been following the Iran elections and associated viewpoints both on Twitter and via regular news outlets-Internet and TV.  I am astounded how Social Media (Twitter) has transformed “reporting” and integrated “reality”.  The updates, some grisly and some unbelievable, have been astonishing to read.  The “regular” media focused their reporting traditionally coupled with coverage of the Tweets they followed and were sent their way.  All I can say is WOW!

I am amazed at the adoption rate of Twitter and what it is being used for.

I believe this is a “tipping-point” and will transform Media/reporting, hopefully for the better.