How content can create a worldwide network

In today's economy, we are faced with extremes: An extreme surplus of information and an extreme deficit in economic stability. In this strange environment, people are coming up with new ways to create and connect. Digital and Tech entrepreneurial hopefuls seem plentiful and all of these people want and need the same thing: Information. Smart networkers know that although content is king- you needn't rely on original content alone. Yes, it helps if you can provide some thought leadership and opinion of value, but it isn't necessary to churn out volumes of original content every day. Simply curating and commenting on existing content and helping like-minded people wade through the informational over-load is a a valuable service. Once you establish yourself as a credible source of quality content, you can expand your network. As long as you provide something of value to an audience- they'll ask for more. The following blog is about young people who started a site called Under 30 CEO. These people started in their dorms and homes curating content (creating some as well). Reinventing and re-purposing what was widely available, building a network with trust and credibility. The blog talks about how the content they curate and promote has given them access to a broad network of people around the world. Essentially, social media at work, making the world a smaller place.  

Link to original blog here: http://bit.ly/s5N8Ql

How the Fortune 100 Companies are using Social Media

Source: Flowtown

Social networking increases workplace productivity

Study finds workers who surf social media sites are 39 per cent more productive than those who do not

IT leaders who restrict employee access to social media sites are not doing their employers any favours, according to new research.

An experiment by the National University of Singapore found that workers who are allowed access to social media sites are 39 per cent more productive than those who are not.

They were also less mentally exhausted and bored, and more psychologically engaged, the research found.

"Managers must recognise that blanket policies that prohibit all forms of personal web usage are ineffective, and excessive monitoring is likely to be counterproductive," the researchers said.

Click here to see original article

1, 2, 3, 4, 5...8 things you must do for social media

We see alot of 8 best, or only 3 things you have to do, and 7 best habits, all the books say this is the best way to get your content out, add more visitors... People love to read these, I like to scan these, here is the edited version and my comments

 The article explains more, but you will get the major points.  Read the entire article  

1. Social media is relational, not transactional, don't broadcast
2. Organizations must have a dedicated social media evangelist.   Not sure I agree with this, but ok if you have the money
3. An organization should focus on engagement and not on numbers. Are you kidding
4. Define your core audience and identify your area of expertise.   Agree
5. Content is king.   YES
6. Updates should be consistent and frequent.  YES 
7. A Social Media platform must be manifested. I would say intergrated
8. A Profile must be Perfect.  Only God and people in tea party are perfect

Read the entire article  by Joshua Leatherman 

Buy Local

The recent consumer push for local product has extended beyond produce and has created a desire to buy other goods and services from local vendors. This desire to support the local economy has created an opportunity for small business owners who might otherwise be lost in the sea of global providers. In the case that your business may not be able to achieve page one status in a broader search for your keywords, the search focus that your regional identity can bring might be just the variable needed to put you on the top of the list.