2010 & The Social Web

The approach of 2010 has brought a unprecedented number of "what will happen in 2010" prediction writings.  Why is it we're seeing this deluge of information?  It's because we're now in the full swing of information sharing.  And this is really just the beginning.

Blogging has become so popular that the number of people creating articles has exploded.  And, thanks to Twitter, the sharing of this information has become easier. 

In the last few months, I've taken an interest in the topic of social networking on the web.  I've read papers and blogs, watched videos and listened to podcasts.  I've attended a conference; talked with others in the industry and have concluded that social media is (1) a very broad topic and maybe too undefined and (2) is something that many businesses are unclear on how it will benefit them.

What happened to the "show me the ROI" requirement?  Seems this whole idea of social networking lacks the clear picture that businesses are used to seeing. 

Of the early adopters to social networking, it's easy to see huge successes.  I wonder if they had to move forward without that clear ROI and now are they able to look back and make sense of it?

The use of social media is changing so fast, I think it's hard to truly evaluate which new marketing idea to make use of.  Take for instance GOWALLA, a new social networking travel game that rewards you for visiting extraordinary and everyday places.  You collect points and virtual souvenirs.  The next step to this game - - marketing/advertising for the locations  - - coupons.  Your smart phone will be your new coupon folder.  Walk up to the counter; show them the coupon on your phone.

So, the whole idea of "social" is being transformed from having coffee after church, to adjusting your life to involve Internet-based communities of people.

One article I read (and I'm sorry I forgot to retain the information to give proper credit), said this: "Social media in 2010 will cease being the shiny new object and instead, become part of the everyday lexicon of business."  And if it's a part of business, it will mean consumers will be involved too.

My work for the last six weeks has centered around building a new social networking community.  It's currently in closed beta, so I'll hold off letting you know the details, but I have discovered enough information to believe that social networking is here to stay and we're only seeing the beginning.

2010 …  Here We Come....