According to a video on youtube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VInXr2Sl2ao, it took radio 38 years to reach 50 million viewers, television 13 years, Internet 4 years, i pod 3 year it only took less than a year for Facebook to reach 200 million users in less than a year.
While these numbers are astonishing, I can completely believe it. I don't have one friend that is not using at least one social media outlet. These outlets include facebook, twitter, linkedin, youtube, netflix, and blogs. People are using social media as valuable creative outlets and are satisfied knowing that what they say is being heard. Not only are people having a voice at little to no cost, but people are being connected globally. According to Paul Gillin's book, Secrets of Social Media, "Many experts believe that the Internet will become the world's largest advertising medium within the next three to five years."
"78% of consumers trust peer recommendations or Word-Of-Mouth.
Where are they going to research products? Sure they may go to
manufacturer websites, but they’re asking their friends on social
networking sites and user review sites. In fact 46% do this on
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn."
-A guest speaker from a social media firm in Entrepreneurship Marketing class
-A guest speaker from a social media firm in Entrepreneurship Marketing class
Not only is social media being used in PR and Promotions, the business world is using these tools for employment and recruitment. The fact that it is providing jobs for people, adds tremendous value to social media and aids in the long-lasting existence of social media.
My Own Experience:
Once against the Myspace craze several years ago, I fell "victim" to the addiction of social media. With applications being available on my phone now, it's hard for me to not check facebook and twitter throughout the day. Now, I'm a strong user and supporter of facebook, Linkedin, Youtube, and most recently Twitter and blogging. I truly believe that social media is the greatest strategic asset currently taking over old marketing efforts.
Concluding Thoughts:
This industry is rapidly continuing to grow. Each day, people are jumping in the social media world. There are so many different social media outlets (most I haven't even used, let alone heard of) that are still to be tampered with. Social media is positively 'infectious' and is most definitely here to stay to continue to be explored and developed.
Sources:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VInXr2Sl2ao
The New rules of Marketing & PR, by David Meerman Scott
Secrets of Social Media Marketing, by Paul Gillin
Sources:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VInXr2Sl2ao
The New rules of Marketing & PR, by David Meerman Scott
Secrets of Social Media Marketing, by Paul Gillin
I enjoyed how you brought up how social media is being used in the business world for employment and recruitment. One of the only downfalls for our generation is that we use these social media's for a majority of our personal networking that we forget that future employers are also watching our pages and reading our recent activities. Social media is a great way of recruiting because of the ease and cost efficencey involved. You brought up great points!
ReplyDeleteI have fallen victim to the addiction of Facebook as well. But, within the past few months I have been job searching in hopes to find a “big girl” job before I graduate in May. In terms of social media being used for recruitment purposes I talked to a few professionals for networking purposes and the first thing they say to me is “clean up your Facebook”. They informed me that ANYTHING even if you have a privacy block on it can be seen by A LOT of employers (mostly big corporations) because they have programs that can be used to see the information/pictures that are blocked. That made me very paranoid about my Facebook page, so I immediately started cleaning it up. The point of that is, even though social media is a great connection tool and an easy way to catch up with friends, it may be harmful for future employment. Social media outlets are definitely here to stay, but users need to become more away about what they are putting onto their pages and who can eventually see those pictures/information in the future.
ReplyDeleteI personally liked how you admitted to being "addicted" to some social media sites. I would not be surprised if everyone taking this class checks their Facebook pages multiple times a day. Regarding Stephanie, I have also been told to "clean up my facebook." My mother has told me when she is looking to hire someone the first thing she does is Google them which leads to social media sites and looks to see how they portray themselves on the internet. She says that she has put resumes in the "no" pile just because of someone's profile picture. One of the examples she told me was someone was obviously very intoxicated while "flipping the bird." She was looking to hire someone who would be representing a very well-respected company and would be the main communication between the company and its clients. I understand why my mother did not even consider that specific applicant. Businesses do not want to hire someone who portray themselves on the internet in a negative light. Social media tools are becoming very important when businesses are trying to recruit potential employees.
ReplyDelete