Goldsocialmedia Presentation2 97 03 Version

The Future of Social Media and What it Means for you and your business

Wikipedia definition: A social network service basically focuses on building online communities of people who share interests and activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others. Most social network services are web based and provide a variety of ways for users to interact, such as e-mail and instant messaging services.

Social networking has created new ways to communicate and share information. Social networking websites are being used regularly by millions of people, and it now seems that social networking will be an enduring part of everyday life. The main types of social networking services are those which contain directories of some categories (such as former classmates), means to connect with friends (usually with self-description pages),

The Future of Social Media and What it Means for you and your business

Wikipedia definition: A social network service basically focuses on building online communities of people who share interests and activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others. Most social network services are web based and provide a variety of ways for users to interact, such as e-mail and instant messaging services.

Social networking has created new ways to communicate and share information. Social networking websites are being used regularly by millions of people, and it now seems that social networking will be an enduring part of everyday life. The main types of social networking services are those which contain directories of some categories (such as former classmates), means to connect with friends (usually with self-description pages),

Social networking emerged as a component internet business strategy and model March 2005.

Around that time Yahoo 360 started, followed by Myspace, and other social networking websites.

There are various social networking that cater to different languages and countries.

It is estimated that combined there are now over 200 social networking sites using these existing and emerging social networking models and this does not count the niche social networks or vertical social networks started by Ning and KickApps.

Benefits of using Social Networks:

•Connects people at low cost

•It’s great for entrepreneurs and small business looking to expand their contact and customer base.

•Excellent for Customer Relationship management Tool for larger corporations and companies selling products and services

•Companies can also use social networks for advertising in the form of banners and text ads. Since businesses operate globally, social networks can make it easier to keep in touch with contacts around the world.

•One example of social networking being used for business purposes is LinkedIn.com, which connects professionals. Currently there are 20 million registered users from 150 different industries.

Professional networking sites serve as online and virtual meeting places for business and industry professionals.

Other sites are bringing this model for niche business professional networking.

Virtual communities for business allow individuals to be accessible. These individuals then interact with each other or within groups that share common business interests and goals. You can post your blog, pictures, slide shows, videos, podcasts, etc.

Virtual and Social networks allow people to advance professionally, by finding, connecting and networking with others and share their experiences which fosters growth and learning.

Business professionals can share experiences with others who have a need to learn from similar experiences.

Interactive technology makes it possible for people to network with their peers from anywhere, anytime in an online environment and makes us global professionals.

It allows us to have informative and interactive meeting places. Full of wonderful empowering information that makes us more informed professionals and people

All Different Types of Social networks

Social good

There are several social networks that have emerged for tapping into the power of the social networking model for social good. They allow for reaching a broader with interests and passionate users. This particular model allows their members and users to interact in a like minded community to channel their energy for giving. Examples of these types of sites include: SixDegrees.org, TakingITGlobal and Network for Good. T

he charity badge is often used within the above context.

Cons of Social networking applications

Communicating in a social networking and social environment creates a relaxed feeling in a professional environment. Sometimes conversations can be inappropriate. And also sometimes some messages that should be relayed in person are being sent through the computer. Personally, I think that Technology should be used to assist in communications and not to replace, however that has happened across the board

There are privacy issues. Sometimes people give out too much information! On large social networking services, there have been growing concerns about users giving out too much personal information and the threat of sexual predators for children. Users of these services need to be aware of data theft or viruses. However, large services, such as MySpace, often work with law enforcement to try to prevent such incidents.

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Pros of Social networking applications

-Business decision makers are now embracing communication channels that are two-way dialogs, channels that resemble social networking applications.

-This is a great way for businesses to advertise their product. Sometimes it’s more effective than “word of mouth” influence and sometimes it works “with” the traditional word of mouth.

-Social networking allows us to identify and connect with friends and strangers while on the go. It also allows us to reconnect with friends from the past whom we may have lost contact with.

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Pros of Social networking applications (continued)

And yes, you can find a job using a Social Network! LinkedIn is a (social networking site) particularly used by jobseekers. It’s a tool that can be used to link to co-workers and managers from previous jobs, contracts, and projects or you have the opportunity to link with companies that you aspire to work with.

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FACEBOOK

General Growth

Has More than 130 million active users

Facebook is the 4th most-trafficked website in the world (comScore)

Facebook is the most-trafficked social media site in the world (comScore)

User Demographics

Over 55,000 regional, work-related, collegiate, and high school networks

FACEBOOK

General Growth

Has More than 130 million active users

Facebook is the 4th most-trafficked website in the world (comScore)

Facebook is the most-trafficked social media site in the world (comScore)

User Demographics

Over 55,000 regional, work-related, collegiate, and high school networks

FACEBOOK (continued)

More than half of Facebook users are outside of collegeThe fastest growing demographic is those 25 years old and older

Maintain 85 percent market share of 4-year U.S. universities

Applications

No. 1 photo sharing application on the Web (comScore)More than 10 billion photos uploaded to the siteMore than 30 million photos uploaded dailyMore than 6 million active user groups on the siteInternational GrowthMore than 35 translations available on the site, with over 65 in development

Twitter

Twitter is an online community that connects online as well through mobile phones, instant messaging and desktop clients like Alert Thingy , MySocial24×7 and Twhirl.

By the way, many of Twitter’s most active users rarely visit the website.

These are the current Twitter usage stats as of March 2008Total Users: 1+ millionTotal Active Users: 200,000 per weekTotal Twitter Messages: 3 million/day

Twitter (continued)

Previously it took nine months to double in size - In April 2007 the service had 50,000 active weekly users. What’s most interesting is the rabid Twitter usage by active users - they send an average of 15 Tweets messages per day.

Twitter is great for connecting and “following” to Thought leaders in your industry

Great for finding new contacts, clients, etc.

Is my target market using Social Media?

-There is a huge growth of social media adoption in the 35 55 year old demographic

This demographic has changed from critics to spectators. There is more social activity among 35 – 44 year olds who are now reading and reacting to content.

•Among 45 – 54 year olds, 68% are now Spectators, 24% are Joiners, and 28% are Inactives.

Under 35 years are very active already using Social and New Media

How can I use Social Media to Improve my Real Estate Business?

Look into setting up a Blog with advice for what to look for in buying or selling a house. This positions you as an expert and when that person is ready to buy, they will consider calling you first.

Don’t forget about youtube. Did you know that youtube is now the 3rd most searchable social media community? Now it’s Google, Yahoo, and Youtube.Shoot video footage and post your houses on youtube and e-mail the link

Set up a profile and page on Facebook and post pictures of your houses (link it from Picasso or Flickr)

Create a Twitter account and tweet when you have a new house for sale

Best Practices for Leveraging Social Networks and Social Media:

Final Words:

It’s going to be more important than ever that we learn how to leverage social media and social networks because of the economic climate that we’re in

We to learn how to leverage our Relationship equity, too….A term I stole from Branding Expert Reginald Christian. We all have off line and online contacts, colleagues, friends, networks, family members that we can reach out to for business, jobs, resources

Final Words (continued):

Re-define what competition is….you can partner with someone that might be perceived as your competition and they really are not

Embrace the Art of Re-invention. Reinvent your business, create multiple streams of income (or add another hustle)

Be open to partnering and collaborating

Final Words (continued):

Re-define in 2009……How you’ve operated your business, how you network, how you connect…..in this new era

Look for more events, workshops, and webinars, teleseminars, books, cds and dvds from Light of Gold PR!

Visit us at http://www.lightofgoldpr.com, [email protected], or call us at 646-278-5658!

Final Words (continued):

Thanks so much for the opportunity to present to you today! Contact me if you need more info or want to sign up for our customized Teleseminar!

Have a great day!