Social Media Integration and the Changing American Society



It hit me like a ton of bricks while at the Auto Show last week.  Business people who have not joined the social media bandwagon will be left behind.

Social media is is a relatively young medium, but has become the preferred means of communication and collaboration.  

Onstar, who provides the Social Media technology for the auto industry considers this one of the biggest social imperatives they have to solve for.

Video:  Onstar launches hands free Facebook voice status updates




Consider the following:

1. Facebook launched in February 2004 and as of January 2011, Facebook has more than 600 million active users.  Today its valuation is $59 billion and it boasts more than 600 million members.


2. Twitter was introduced publicly in 2006 and spun off into its own company in 2007.  By 2010 they has 20 Billion Tweets. They reached 10 Billion tweets in 4 years and 20 billion tweets in another 5 months!  Twitter has 165 million members worldwide.


3. YouTube was created by  former PayPal employees in 2005.  It was acquired by Google for $1.65 billion in 2006.  In June 2008, a Forbes magazine article projected the 2008 revenue at $200 million, noting progress in advertising sales
 
4. LinkedIn was launched in 2003 as a business oriented social networking site.  By July 2010, Tiger Global Management LLC purchased a 1% stake in the company at a valuation of approximately $2 billion.  With 90 million users, LinkedIn is ahead of its competitors and membership grows by a new member every second.

These four powerhouse companies embody the accelerated growth of social media at a global level.

Auto Show and Social Media Integration


The 2011 show was very exciting even more so than the 2010 auto show.  Here are some of the features and benefits that caught my eye.

1.  More cars come with an iPod docking station.  Forget about CD players, and just Satellite radio.  People want to listen to their own music choices while on the road.

2.  Cars have social media tools built in.  One of the takeaways from the auto show is that you will soon be able to use Pandora, Twitter and Facebook all from the comfort of your car.  In fact, GM has teamed up with OnStar to provide Facebook access for cars.

Video:  Facebook and Twitter in your car




At a time when there is a strong push to not text and drive, I find it interesting that this feature is being built into new cars.  We know the dangers and yet social media is so ubiquitous that manufacturers have added it to your vehicle.

I love social media because used well it enhances your personal and professional brand, extends your reach, and increases your career and business success.

If you are someone who has avoided social media in the past, I encourage you to take a second look.  Used properly Social Media is a powerful tool for your career and your business.

Do you have a Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube presence?  How do you use them to market your brand?  I would love to hear from you about it.  Please send me an email at Yvonne@YvonneFBrown.com
 

Connect to me on these Social Media sites:

Facebook: Personal Facebook Page

LinkedIn:  Yvonne's LinkedIn Page

Twitter:  Yvonne's Twitter Page

Subscribe to my YouTube channel:  
Yvonne's YouTube Channel

Like our Facebook Corporate Page
Facebook Corporate Page

---{}---