Google Buzz : Google’s answer to twitter and facebook

Written by : Bridget Kow

The internet is buzzing with google’s new platform, aptly named Goggle Buzz.

The aim of Google Buzz is to tap into how the online communities love to share. Be it status updates, links and even pictures and videos. That is what Google Buzz does, it makes sharing easier and more convenient.  All those can be done under one roof. Google’s roof specifically.

Features of Google Buzz

– No set-ups needed, it is integrated to user’s existing Gmail

- Sharing can be public or private

- Thumbnails of pictures from Picsa and Flickr

-Status updates/ Comments are shared in real time

- Mobile integration via google maps , google mobile site and Buzz.google.com on iphones and android phones.

> It has Geo-tagging and Voice recognition functions.

> User will also be able to look at “Buzz” that are nearby them via the mobile.

References : http://www.google.com/buzz and  http://mashable.com/2010/02/09/google-buzz/

Is Social Media Networks profitable?

Facebook and LinkedIn are considered one of the most successful social networking sites of the new millenia. But are they making profits?

According to data report from NYPPEX, they are.

For the year 2010, it is estimated that Facebook will earn a revenue of USD $710 Million whereas LinkedIn stand to gain USD$205 Million.  All these revenue projection is in line with the current growth in marketing budgets for Social Media sites.

In terms of users, Facebook is at the forefront with 350 Million users and counting. However, the fragility of such social media sites also makes valuation of social media networks unpredictable. READ MORE

Importance of Social Media for CSR

Before the age of Social media, CSR ( Corporate Social Responsibility) was instilled to make sure corporations work ethically and legally. During those time, CSR issues revolves around Human Resources issues. CSR has since evolved from just being a rule book to keep companies out of trouble.

Companies should set formal social media strategies in order to build more sustainable and socially responsible entities.

Today, companies can no longer just issue press releases and work under the impression that they can moderate their brand messages amongst publics.  The image of a brand is determine by the thoughts and conversations of company’s stakeholders.

Therefore, companies need to promote two-way symmetric communication via social media. Through open and transparent conversations there,companies will be able to find out about what exactly do their stakeholders want or see.

The proliferation and influence of social media can aid companies in creating long-term relations with their consumers. It is effective so long as the consumers feel that the company’s Brand identify is in line with theirs.  Social media can be used to promote dialogue between companies and consumers, which bonds the consumers to the company. When consumers feel like they are part of the company’s community,  they will become positive advocates for a company.

The viral aspect of social media can also be leverage by companies to promote their social causes and work together with their various stakeholders to create a positive impact. At the end of the day, companies have to understand and learn how to make use of not just internal staff but also their consumers to achieve social goals.

Social Media not only helps the company in its CSR but it also helps to strengthen it’s brand image and build a sense of community amongst the consumers.

Reference:http://mashable.com/2009/11/06/social-responsibility/

Reported on Mashable Website