Professional social networking site LinkedIn has received funding of $53m, valuing the 5 year old site at $1 bn.
LinkedIn claims to have 23 million members worldwide.
With the funding, they are set to embark on a european expansion strategy.
Wednesday, 18 June 2008
Monday, 16 June 2008
A search engine for Social Networks!
There are now thousands of social networks that cater to a whole variety of subjects. These smaller, focused sites allow users to connect with like-minded people and give advertisers targeted demographics. Niche social networks are also good for marketers who have a product or service they want to promote that relates to a particular interest. A good place to find such sites is a search engine that caters specifically to social networks such as http://findasocialnetwork.com. Check it out!
Debrett's draw up networking rules
Etiquette experts Debrett's have drawn up a new set of rules to help young people politely navigate social networking sites.
The authority on good manners said users should never post a profile picture they would not want to see in their local newspaper.
And it was always necessary to wait 24 hours to "gather your thoughts" before accepting or removing a friend.
Almost two-thirds of people (62%) are frustrated and confused by social situations presented by sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Bebo, a poll for mobile phone network Orange found.
Among the annoying habits named by users were allowing social networking to become more important than real world events and posting embarrassing photos without permission.
More than a quarter (26%) were uncertain how to respond to unwelcome "pokes" or messages, while confusion also arose over responding to former partners once in a new relationship.
Debrett's has come up with five new "golden rules" for polite social networking.
Jo Bryant, an etiquette adviser for Debrett's, said: "The trend for social networking has made new demands on traditional etiquette.
"Play it safe, and always employ your usual good manners when online, treating others with kindness and respect.
"Remember, social networking is meant to complement and enhance your existing social life, not complicate it."
The authority on good manners said users should never post a profile picture they would not want to see in their local newspaper.
And it was always necessary to wait 24 hours to "gather your thoughts" before accepting or removing a friend.
Almost two-thirds of people (62%) are frustrated and confused by social situations presented by sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Bebo, a poll for mobile phone network Orange found.
Among the annoying habits named by users were allowing social networking to become more important than real world events and posting embarrassing photos without permission.
More than a quarter (26%) were uncertain how to respond to unwelcome "pokes" or messages, while confusion also arose over responding to former partners once in a new relationship.
Debrett's has come up with five new "golden rules" for polite social networking.
Jo Bryant, an etiquette adviser for Debrett's, said: "The trend for social networking has made new demands on traditional etiquette.
"Play it safe, and always employ your usual good manners when online, treating others with kindness and respect.
"Remember, social networking is meant to complement and enhance your existing social life, not complicate it."
Sunday, 15 June 2008
More and more people are social networking.
Hello again!
I've been quiet for a while as I've been away, but now I'm back and I'd like to tell you about a recent report illustrating the growing popularity of social networking. You can read it below.
"NEW YORK, June 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Social interaction platforms, includingMySpace and Facebook, have grown dramatically in recent years, with more people joining every day. Once a niche activity, online social networking nowengages millions of consumers and has become an integral part of many people'slives. Currently, one out of every four people online visits social networkingsites, according to the Consumer Internet Barometer.The Consumer Internet Barometer -- produced by The Conference Board, theglobal business research and membership organization, and TNS, a world leaderin market insight and information -- surveys 10,000 households across thecountry and tracks who's doing what on the Internet.Says Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board Consumer ResearchCenter: "Online social networking is an integral part of many people's livesand a natural extension of our means of communication which the Internet hascreated. The next growth wave will be expanding and incorporating thesenetworks into our business lives."About half of social networkers visit these sites on a daily basis. Infact, half of these people say they log on several times a day. Among otherhousehold members, those age 12 to 17 are more likely than their siblings tobe daily users, with 57 percent saying they frequent social networking sitesat least once a day.And people are logging onto these social networks from everywhere. Whilethe majority of users -- more than three quarters -- logs onto socialnetworking sites from home, they're also logging on at work, school, andpublic places throughout the day.Women are more likely to frequent social networking sites than men. Ingeneral, women use the internet more than men for personal communication.Don Ryan, Vice President, Technology and Media, TNS, sees socialnetworking sites as integral to the new media mix, "as social networkingbecomes a staple in people's media experience, brands will place it alongsideprint, TV and search as a main advertising vehicle."Make New Friends, But Keep the OldThe number one reason cited by the vast majority of online consumers -- atleast four out of five -- for visiting social networking sites is to be ableto connect with friends. In addition, about half of all users report usingsites like MySpace and Facebook to update and maintain their online profile,email, and connect with family. At least one out of five social network userslogs on to blog or meet new people. Among the 30 and over working-agepopulation, one out of eight uses social networking sites to conduct business.The cheery atmosphere of social networking sites tends to generate morepositive rather than negative experiences among users. Social networkingsites' ability to facilitate new dimensions of interaction -- such asreconnecting with lost relationships or obtaining information about others --is the most positive experience noted by the majority of consumers. Less thanhalf of visitors say they have had a negative experience. Among those whohave, common peeves include exposure of information to strangers, lack ofprivacy, and lack of "manners."
As you can see, more and more people are visiting and taking part in social networking sites and spending more time during the day on them. Is it any wonder advertisers are so keen to exploit this trend?
I've been quiet for a while as I've been away, but now I'm back and I'd like to tell you about a recent report illustrating the growing popularity of social networking. You can read it below.
"NEW YORK, June 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Social interaction platforms, includingMySpace and Facebook, have grown dramatically in recent years, with more people joining every day. Once a niche activity, online social networking nowengages millions of consumers and has become an integral part of many people'slives. Currently, one out of every four people online visits social networkingsites, according to the Consumer Internet Barometer.The Consumer Internet Barometer -- produced by The Conference Board, theglobal business research and membership organization, and TNS, a world leaderin market insight and information -- surveys 10,000 households across thecountry and tracks who's doing what on the Internet.Says Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board Consumer ResearchCenter: "Online social networking is an integral part of many people's livesand a natural extension of our means of communication which the Internet hascreated. The next growth wave will be expanding and incorporating thesenetworks into our business lives."About half of social networkers visit these sites on a daily basis. Infact, half of these people say they log on several times a day. Among otherhousehold members, those age 12 to 17 are more likely than their siblings tobe daily users, with 57 percent saying they frequent social networking sitesat least once a day.And people are logging onto these social networks from everywhere. Whilethe majority of users -- more than three quarters -- logs onto socialnetworking sites from home, they're also logging on at work, school, andpublic places throughout the day.Women are more likely to frequent social networking sites than men. Ingeneral, women use the internet more than men for personal communication.Don Ryan, Vice President, Technology and Media, TNS, sees socialnetworking sites as integral to the new media mix, "as social networkingbecomes a staple in people's media experience, brands will place it alongsideprint, TV and search as a main advertising vehicle."Make New Friends, But Keep the OldThe number one reason cited by the vast majority of online consumers -- atleast four out of five -- for visiting social networking sites is to be ableto connect with friends. In addition, about half of all users report usingsites like MySpace and Facebook to update and maintain their online profile,email, and connect with family. At least one out of five social network userslogs on to blog or meet new people. Among the 30 and over working-agepopulation, one out of eight uses social networking sites to conduct business.The cheery atmosphere of social networking sites tends to generate morepositive rather than negative experiences among users. Social networkingsites' ability to facilitate new dimensions of interaction -- such asreconnecting with lost relationships or obtaining information about others --is the most positive experience noted by the majority of consumers. Less thanhalf of visitors say they have had a negative experience. Among those whohave, common peeves include exposure of information to strangers, lack ofprivacy, and lack of "manners."
As you can see, more and more people are visiting and taking part in social networking sites and spending more time during the day on them. Is it any wonder advertisers are so keen to exploit this trend?
Monday, 19 May 2008
Comcast buys Plaxo
More illustration of big business' fascination with social networking as US cable giant Comcast buys Plaxo. The price-tag is reported to be upto $175 million based on performance.
The two companies had already been working together for the last year and claim to share the same vision of making social media a part of everyone's lives.
Plaxo was founded in 2001 by students from Stanford.
The two companies had already been working together for the last year and claim to share the same vision of making social media a part of everyone's lives.
Plaxo was founded in 2001 by students from Stanford.
Sunday, 18 May 2008
AOL buys Bebo
It has recently been announced that AOL has bought popular social network Bebo for $850 million. Bebo has about 40 million users and fits into AOL's social media strategy. Bebo is popular in UK, Ireland and New Zealand but is not that well known in the USA.
Bebo will give AOL a bigger exposure to online advertising revenues, of which social networks like Bebo, Myspace and Facebook are currently taking an increasing share.
I'm sure that AOL's parent, Time Warner, are hoping that this purchase will help turn around the former internet giant and help it secure a foothold as a big internet advertising player. Time will tell if AOL can synergise with Bebo and turn those millions of users into bottom line numbers.
Bebo will give AOL a bigger exposure to online advertising revenues, of which social networks like Bebo, Myspace and Facebook are currently taking an increasing share.
I'm sure that AOL's parent, Time Warner, are hoping that this purchase will help turn around the former internet giant and help it secure a foothold as a big internet advertising player. Time will tell if AOL can synergise with Bebo and turn those millions of users into bottom line numbers.
Saturday, 17 May 2008
Social Networking!
What is a Social Network?
A Social Network on the internet is a website that utilizes various "Web 2.0" technologies to enable people to communicate, connect and share.
Social Networking sites use features such as personal profiles, blogs, chat, video, photo, forums, messaging and widgets to allow people to communicate in fun, engaging and exclusive ways.
Popular Social Networks
MySpace is by far the biggest and most popular social network on the internet with over 200 million members. MySpace grew in popularity with musicians and music lovers as it allowed them to post mp3's online. This allowed unsigned bands to gain exposure. It has expanded with even companies creating profiles to promote their products and brands.
http://www.myspace.com
The second most popular, but fast catching up social network is Facebook. This was originally started by a former Harvard student and only students at certain colleges could sign up. In September 2006, the site was opened up to anyone over 13 years of age. The software giant Microsoft recently took a small stake in Facebook valuing the 4 year old company at $15 billion dollars.
http://www.facebook.com
A Social Network on the internet is a website that utilizes various "Web 2.0" technologies to enable people to communicate, connect and share.
Social Networking sites use features such as personal profiles, blogs, chat, video, photo, forums, messaging and widgets to allow people to communicate in fun, engaging and exclusive ways.
Popular Social Networks
MySpace is by far the biggest and most popular social network on the internet with over 200 million members. MySpace grew in popularity with musicians and music lovers as it allowed them to post mp3's online. This allowed unsigned bands to gain exposure. It has expanded with even companies creating profiles to promote their products and brands.
http://www.myspace.com
The second most popular, but fast catching up social network is Facebook. This was originally started by a former Harvard student and only students at certain colleges could sign up. In September 2006, the site was opened up to anyone over 13 years of age. The software giant Microsoft recently took a small stake in Facebook valuing the 4 year old company at $15 billion dollars.
http://www.facebook.com
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