Sean Moloughney04.04.11
I’m officially convinced that social media outlets like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn are worth the investment, especially since they’re basically free. I was skeptical for a very long time, but I’m on board now thanks to @BronxZoosCobra, which recently “escaped” its reptilian confines for some old fashioned slithering around New York City.
In case you missed this viral Twitter episode, because they come and go about as often as Facebook changes its privacy settings, a venomous snake recently went “missing” from its home at the Bronx Zoo for nearly a week. It was later found alive and well in a dark corner of the reptile house, however, not before one clever individual assssumed the identity of the snake on Twitter and began humorously documenting its NYC exploits, which included appearances at Yankee Stadium and the Statue of Liberty.
@BronxZoosCobra picked up more than 200,000 followers and another 10,000 people liked its Facebook page, which was designed as a “cause” to have the snake host Saturday Night Live (SNL). And why not? “Apparently it worked for Betty White,” according to @BronxZoosCobra.
For companies in the dietary supplement and food and beverage businesses, social media platforms represent an opportunity to connect with customers in a more personal and direct way. And it costs nothing but some time and a little effort to get going.
Twitter—now five years old—seems to have developed into more of an information-sharing hub as opposed to a social network like LinkedIn or Facebook, according to a recent study from Yahoo Research. About half of all tweets “consumed” are generated by just 20,000 elite users—where the media produces the most information, but celebrities are the most followed.
Meanwhile, Facebook has more than 600 million monthly active users and LinkedIn claims 100 million members in more than 200 countries and territories. Even LinkedIn has a Twitter account and a Facebook page.
So what does this all mean for you? If you’re not on board, the ship is sailing away without you. If you’re still not sure how to make social media work for you, you are certainly not alone. And if you’ve already gone viral, maybe I’ll see you on SNL.
In case you missed this viral Twitter episode, because they come and go about as often as Facebook changes its privacy settings, a venomous snake recently went “missing” from its home at the Bronx Zoo for nearly a week. It was later found alive and well in a dark corner of the reptile house, however, not before one clever individual assssumed the identity of the snake on Twitter and began humorously documenting its NYC exploits, which included appearances at Yankee Stadium and the Statue of Liberty.
@BronxZoosCobra picked up more than 200,000 followers and another 10,000 people liked its Facebook page, which was designed as a “cause” to have the snake host Saturday Night Live (SNL). And why not? “Apparently it worked for Betty White,” according to @BronxZoosCobra.
For companies in the dietary supplement and food and beverage businesses, social media platforms represent an opportunity to connect with customers in a more personal and direct way. And it costs nothing but some time and a little effort to get going.
Twitter—now five years old—seems to have developed into more of an information-sharing hub as opposed to a social network like LinkedIn or Facebook, according to a recent study from Yahoo Research. About half of all tweets “consumed” are generated by just 20,000 elite users—where the media produces the most information, but celebrities are the most followed.
Meanwhile, Facebook has more than 600 million monthly active users and LinkedIn claims 100 million members in more than 200 countries and territories. Even LinkedIn has a Twitter account and a Facebook page.
So what does this all mean for you? If you’re not on board, the ship is sailing away without you. If you’re still not sure how to make social media work for you, you are certainly not alone. And if you’ve already gone viral, maybe I’ll see you on SNL.
