Power of Social Networking

Social media is leading the biggest transformation in communication and advertising since e-mail. CNBC's Julia Boorstin takes a look at the power in social networking for companies and individuals.



http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?play=1&video=1196213577

Starbucks Gets Its Business Brewing Again With Social Media

CHICAGO (AdAge.com) -- Let's get this straight right away: Return on investment in social media is not measured in how many friends you have on Facebook or how many followers you have on Twitter. It's not calculated in trending topics or YouTube comments. It should, in fact, be held to the same criteria other marketing channels are: Did it move your business?

http://adage.com/digitalalist10/article?article_id=142202

Social Media Marketing Industry Report

To understand how marketers are using social media, we commissioned the Social Media Marketing Industry Report: How Marketers Are Using Social Media to Grow Their Businesses. We set out to uncover the “who, what, where, when and why” of social media marketing with this report. Nearly 900 of your peers provided the kind of insight that previously has not existed. In this report you’ll find:
The top social media marketing questions marketers want answered
How much time marketers are investing in social media
The benefits of social media
How time invested impacts results
The top social media tools
And much more!
If you’re pondering starting social media marketing, these findings will help push you over the edge. If you’re already onboard, feel free to examine what the really experienced marketers are doing (and use this study to persuade others).
Enjoy the report! Remember, the nature of social media is to “share,” so if you find value here, please let your peers know about this report. Download the report here.

Online Marketing Spending

In 2010, two-thirds expect to spend the same or more than in 2009.
Approximately 70% plan to increase (1-30%) or significantly increase (30%+) their unpaid/earned/proprietary media.
The top priorities in 2010 will be social networks/applications and digital infrastructure. Emerging Trends
Customer experience will be more important than ever.
Storytelling will evolve - location will become a key component; the speed at which stories are developed is crucial; and above all, emotional connections matter.
The beginning of the end of the banner ad.
Branded content syndication will replace some paid media.
40% of opportunity is mobile Social Media
Social is becoming increasingly mobile.
Measurement will be more important than ever.
Real-time search is inextricably linked to the "statusphere."
Forms of content consumption will continue to be fractured; the nimble marketer will need to be in as many places as possible. Read more: http://www.scottmonty.com/#ixzz0eyykYf1a

How Important is Social Media in a Marketing Plan?

Many businesses are struggling and asking for help. I know because I meet with them every week. Actually, it is not too surprising to find that entrepreneurs who are doing most of the work might have trouble seeing the forest for the trees. I listen to them as they tell me that what they used to do is no longer working. What does surprise me is their reaction when I bring up the subject of Web 2.0 marketing or social media. All too often I am told, “I don’t want to talk about that.”

Read the full story here:
http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=105675829&gid=1426&srchCat=RCNT&articleURL=http://bestbizpractices.org/2010/01/29/how-important-is-social-media-in-a-marketing-plan/&urlhash=dCKK