The social media revolution

It took radio 38 years to reach 50 million listeners. Terrestrial TV took 13 years to reach 50 million users. The internet took four years to reach 50 million people…

Social media has captured an audience of hundreds of millions in the last 12 months alone!

At a recent conference of well respected business leaders I was dismayed at the various negative comments based around social media. From my own experience, many more senior executives have taken the stance that its a complete waste of resources. Just to ensure I am not completely mad, I checked out all the speakers on LinkedIN and found, that’s right, none of them…

These highly experienced networkers just don’t get it – Social media is a new era of communication. The problem is – its growing so fast very few grasp its opportunity in the short-term never mind the strategic benefits of early involvement in the long term.

1. Networking – There is no better way to create new contacts.

2. Sales – Used correctly its an ideal tool to skip over gatekeepers.

3. Online marketing – Synchronise your online content and your search rankings are vastly improved.

4. Branding – Its practically free!

5. Online Recruitment – There is no better way to reach passive candidates.

Love it or hate it social media is here to stay, the question is how will it develop?

Real-time search

Google is great for finding the information you need, but try searching for the same information on twitter. Any good?

You have just potentially discovered phase 2 (2010 – 2011) of the social media revolution – Google v Microsoft – The search Wars