Major engines going after a HUGE mom and pop stores that do not even have a website. A new wave of local listings...
Google Places launched for local businesses is accessible for just $25 a month.
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=126654
Apr 26, 2010
Twitter users expected to continually grow
Research analyst firm eMarketer estimates the number of U.S. adult Twitter users will reach 36 million in 2012, up from 18 million in 2009. As a percentage of people who use the Internet, Twitter users will account for 18.8% in 2012, up from 10.5% in 2009.This forecast assumes that Twitter will deliver on its mission to shift its focus from audience building to revenue generation in 2010.
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=126764
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=126764
Apr 17, 2010
Management Guru C.K. Prahalad Passed Away
One of the great minds of our times and a management guru C.K. Prahalad passed away on April 16th, 2010.
It is a sad day indeed and a great loos for the management and management research community.
It is a sad day indeed and a great loos for the management and management research community.
Apr 15, 2010
Ezinearticles Expert Author
My article on "Water and Conflict - What Can You Do to Decrease Conflict?" was published on EzineArticles.com. To read click here:
Apr 14, 2010
Search Engine Marketing Sees Growth
Search Engine Marketing (PPC/search/search marketing) is back and growing fast! Who knew that 2009 will be such terrible drag of a year for marketers and for the online ad business specifically. But we were there and survived.
2010 is looking even better for the online world. Just look at the buzz around the social media.... Twitter just launched a new new ad platform (http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052702303695604575182233558434518-lMyQjAxMTAwMDEwMzExNDMyWj.html.
Everyone is talking about Facebook and how to use it: not just for big brands but also for smaller firms. So why should the search market be left behind. And of course it is not. Search market is picking up speed and showing signs of revival from 2009- http://www.adotas.com/2010/04/search-rekindles-the-flame/
Per "Efficient Frontier reports search engine marketing jumped 20% year over year in the first quarter of 2010". Retail and Travel segments contributed to the biggest spike. Enjoy the readings.
2010 is looking even better for the online world. Just look at the buzz around the social media.... Twitter just launched a new new ad platform (http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052702303695604575182233558434518-lMyQjAxMTAwMDEwMzExNDMyWj.html.
Everyone is talking about Facebook and how to use it: not just for big brands but also for smaller firms. So why should the search market be left behind. And of course it is not. Search market is picking up speed and showing signs of revival from 2009- http://www.adotas.com/2010/04/search-rekindles-the-flame/
Per "Efficient Frontier reports search engine marketing jumped 20% year over year in the first quarter of 2010". Retail and Travel segments contributed to the biggest spike. Enjoy the readings.
Apr 13, 2010
Social Media Tips for Small Businesses
Social Media is the new buzz word. While there are stories of big brands leveraging the power of the social channel to their benefit, there are often questions on how smaller guys can use this channel to increase revenue. Peter Wylie discussed 5 ways in which small businesses can use social media in this article: http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/5-small-business-tips-for-social-media-success/
These 5 ways include:
1) Writing about more than just your business. Perter wants you to write about relevant content that is related to your business. The example he uses is that or a DC area Realtor who along with promoting the core realty business offers general advice on the DC area.
2) It is important to offer value to consumers who come to your site. If the content is not appealing and relevant to the user landing on your social site they will have little incentive to stay and read what you are offering.
3) Peter mentions consistency, i.e. posting frequently about interested and related content for your users.
4) It is important to have diversity in content. Think about it, who would want to read the same stuff over and over...
5) Be sure to monitor your competitors and learn. Be sure that you observe their actions and outcome closely. You will be surprised that competitors always teach you a lot and who knows you could possibly get a brand new idea of your own from their tactics.
These 5 ways include:
1) Writing about more than just your business. Perter wants you to write about relevant content that is related to your business. The example he uses is that or a DC area Realtor who along with promoting the core realty business offers general advice on the DC area.
2) It is important to offer value to consumers who come to your site. If the content is not appealing and relevant to the user landing on your social site they will have little incentive to stay and read what you are offering.
3) Peter mentions consistency, i.e. posting frequently about interested and related content for your users.
4) It is important to have diversity in content. Think about it, who would want to read the same stuff over and over...
5) Be sure to monitor your competitors and learn. Be sure that you observe their actions and outcome closely. You will be surprised that competitors always teach you a lot and who knows you could possibly get a brand new idea of your own from their tactics.
Apr 12, 2010
Social Media: How Have Firms used Facebook?
Social media is the newest coolest emerging media. With number of users almost equal to the population of the United States, Facebook seems to be one of the most favored destinations for many brands. For marketers it seems to promise the starts and the moon and $$.
When it comes to the buzz around Facebook strategy there are definitely ad agencies that have specialized in providing topnotch ideas and there are companies that have definitely identified how to leverage this new channel. These companies promote their brand, acquire “fans” and get people talking about the site, products and services and above all consume them.
Many firms have created their Facebook business page. Some just wait for fans to linkup, others create the page and actively seek out fans by posting about their products and services and then there are others that do something out of the ordinary that they stand out and have a huge fan following.
Examples of sophisticated social media strategies on Facebook range from H&M’s to Pepsi’s Refresheverything to E&Y.
H&M created a fan page (http://www.facebook.com/hm) that boasts over 1.8million fans. The company uses this page to very actively engage with its fans. It promotes the latest collection on this page, answers questions about store openings and interacts with customers when they have a question on style or a clothing line. H&M representatives actively participate in the discussions. The page also has a section called “Your H&M” which offers multiple links such as Style Guide and Fashion Studio that link back to a very interactive website which gives users the required information.
Pepsi created a page called refresheverything (http://www.facebook.com/refresheverything) for social causes. The company is offering grants to ideas in such categories as health, education and Art and Culture. The Facebook page gives users the option to vote for their choice of social cause and the one with most votes gets grants. It also offers users the option to write about other social causes that may not be covered in the competition. With over 600,000 fans this is a page dedicated to improving lives.
While many firms are still struggling to identify how to leverage the social media, there are firms that have indeed identified a way to connect with fans and not only increase their business returns, but also contribute back to the society at large.
And there is more. A recent BusinessWeek’s BX published the article on 5 companies that very successfully launched a socialmedia strategy that resulted in not just a large number of fans but also in increase in sales.
http://bx.businessweek.com/facebook/view?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.businessbrief.com%2Fhow-5-companies-use-facebook-to-boost-business%2F
But, the success of these brands also begs the question, are these firms successful in their Facebok strategy because they already are recognized brands or it is their unique idea and approach on Facebook that got people joining and contributing.
Regardless, firms that have been successful at gaining fans have a huge database of loyalists who can be tapped any day for help and ideas, a concept that utilizes the fundamental essence of social media – ‘being social and sharing ideas and thoughts’.
When it comes to the buzz around Facebook strategy there are definitely ad agencies that have specialized in providing topnotch ideas and there are companies that have definitely identified how to leverage this new channel. These companies promote their brand, acquire “fans” and get people talking about the site, products and services and above all consume them.
Many firms have created their Facebook business page. Some just wait for fans to linkup, others create the page and actively seek out fans by posting about their products and services and then there are others that do something out of the ordinary that they stand out and have a huge fan following.
Examples of sophisticated social media strategies on Facebook range from H&M’s to Pepsi’s Refresheverything to E&Y.
H&M created a fan page (http://www.facebook.com/hm) that boasts over 1.8million fans. The company uses this page to very actively engage with its fans. It promotes the latest collection on this page, answers questions about store openings and interacts with customers when they have a question on style or a clothing line. H&M representatives actively participate in the discussions. The page also has a section called “Your H&M” which offers multiple links such as Style Guide and Fashion Studio that link back to a very interactive website which gives users the required information.
Pepsi created a page called refresheverything (http://www.facebook.com/refresheverything) for social causes. The company is offering grants to ideas in such categories as health, education and Art and Culture. The Facebook page gives users the option to vote for their choice of social cause and the one with most votes gets grants. It also offers users the option to write about other social causes that may not be covered in the competition. With over 600,000 fans this is a page dedicated to improving lives.
While many firms are still struggling to identify how to leverage the social media, there are firms that have indeed identified a way to connect with fans and not only increase their business returns, but also contribute back to the society at large.
And there is more. A recent BusinessWeek’s BX published the article on 5 companies that very successfully launched a socialmedia strategy that resulted in not just a large number of fans but also in increase in sales.
http://bx.businessweek.com/facebook/view?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.businessbrief.com%2Fhow-5-companies-use-facebook-to-boost-business%2F
But, the success of these brands also begs the question, are these firms successful in their Facebok strategy because they already are recognized brands or it is their unique idea and approach on Facebook that got people joining and contributing.
Regardless, firms that have been successful at gaining fans have a huge database of loyalists who can be tapped any day for help and ideas, a concept that utilizes the fundamental essence of social media – ‘being social and sharing ideas and thoughts’.
Water and Conflict : What you can do to decrease conflict
Water, the very foundation of life on earth, and now as we know on other planets as well, is a fast depleting commodity. But still not many today can understand its importance and do not have the foresight to see what its depletion can mean to our generation and for our future generations.
There is no doubt that water, as important a resource as it is, is not necessarily used or cherished properly by most of the developed and developing world. In the developed world, and based on my own personal experiences, I know that water is taken for granted. Starting from how much water is used to brush ones teeth to long hot showers people take, there is plenty of water wasted.
History is riddled with proof that when ever there is water shortage there is conflict. Why? That is because water is indeed the foundation of every life form on our planet. Without it there is no life.
Here is a great time line that illustrates the disputes over water from around the world.
http://www.worldwater.org/conflict/timeline/
I am starting to do my part. I have started by turning the tap knobs that control the water force in my bathrooms to a minimum. This way I control the speed with which water is dispensed from my taps. And I have no complaints, in fact it reminds every day the little contribution I made to the world.
You should try doing the same. Just remember that water is a fast depleting commodity and that you CAN save it for the future generations. In doing so you WILL directly decrease conflict around the world.
There is no doubt that water, as important a resource as it is, is not necessarily used or cherished properly by most of the developed and developing world. In the developed world, and based on my own personal experiences, I know that water is taken for granted. Starting from how much water is used to brush ones teeth to long hot showers people take, there is plenty of water wasted.
History is riddled with proof that when ever there is water shortage there is conflict. Why? That is because water is indeed the foundation of every life form on our planet. Without it there is no life.
Here is a great time line that illustrates the disputes over water from around the world.
http://www.worldwater.org/conflict/timeline/
I am starting to do my part. I have started by turning the tap knobs that control the water force in my bathrooms to a minimum. This way I control the speed with which water is dispensed from my taps. And I have no complaints, in fact it reminds every day the little contribution I made to the world.
You should try doing the same. Just remember that water is a fast depleting commodity and that you CAN save it for the future generations. In doing so you WILL directly decrease conflict around the world.
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Lessons for a Lifetime
I was always fascinated by the advertising world. It all started when I was a kid, 10 years old, watching the first color TV my father bought in early 80s. I always wondered what it would be like to be able design an ad that intrigued people. Wondered what would make people stop and make them watch what I created. I was puzzled as to how I could gain their appreciation for my ideas and thinking and above all make them consume the message I had in mind. Of course back then there weren’t as many channels as we have now. I remember 1 channel, DD. Now I have too many options and I still watch may be 3 channels at most.
It is almost by accident that I got into the advertising business. Growing up I was supposed to be an engineer. So I did get my bachelors and masters in engineering. As I grew older and wiser I decided to pursue my true passion of people, ads, ideas and thought leadership. And sure enough on one hot summer day in early 2000, sitting in my MBA school computer lab, I decided to apply for a position in marketing with a start-up Search Marketing company. At that time I had little idea what Search Marketing was about and searching for it did not yield many results back then for me to learn either.
Soon enough I get a e-mail and a call to attend the interview. I was interviewed by the CEO in the company's NYC office. I drove down there and of course got a fat ticket (which I paid by the way- just to set the record straight). But, on the brighter side, I guess he saw the potential and passion in me and kicked me off to his operations office in LI, NY. A week later I met the President in the LI office, who after speaking with me decided to give me a full time opportunity in the Search Engine Marketing department. Needless to say, I accepted. And the rest as they say is history.
I consider myself fortunate to have entered the ad space, specifically online ad space, as early as I did in its nascent stage. My life in this field has been anything but boring and static. I have had a very exciting professional career, not to mention social gatherings that took me to the swankiest places in NYC, Florida, Chicago, SanFrancisco, Dallas and to many more cities and now countries. Places where only the elite would dare step in and I could not afford on my own.
The successes have been immense, so have been the downfalls. But with each step came learnings. Learnings, that shaped me to become a better person. I learnt from people on how to approach business, how to be strategic, creative and think to grow your business and that of your clients’ and above all how to be with people and work with fellow ad professionals. And just when I thought I have learnt a lot, I did more- most importantly from ‘a few’ people on what NOT to do. I almost see learning 'what not to do' as more critical than learning what to do.
The field of online advertising, yes, as you can tell I have diversified myself tremendously from the early days of search advertising, has given me the opportunity to lead teams of great professionals who helped me become a good manager and a good leader. Here I have touched various facets of online advertising from search to display to affiliate to social media. I have also had the opportunity to diversify in terms of my companies and clients, ranging from B2B to B2C with verticals touching pretty much all industries from hotel and travel, to finance to technology/telecom to dating.
Today, through an experienced but a constantly learning mind, I see new emerging media taking over the world. Everyone is talking about it, everyone is looking to sound cool with buzz words like social media, socialCRM and socialcommerce.
I am glad to be, once again at the cutting edge of this new wave in the online advertising field where I get to test and prove and do all sorts of cool things. Once again learning from the good, the bad the ugly and diversifying myself towards the good.
It is almost by accident that I got into the advertising business. Growing up I was supposed to be an engineer. So I did get my bachelors and masters in engineering. As I grew older and wiser I decided to pursue my true passion of people, ads, ideas and thought leadership. And sure enough on one hot summer day in early 2000, sitting in my MBA school computer lab, I decided to apply for a position in marketing with a start-up Search Marketing company. At that time I had little idea what Search Marketing was about and searching for it did not yield many results back then for me to learn either.
Soon enough I get a e-mail and a call to attend the interview. I was interviewed by the CEO in the company's NYC office. I drove down there and of course got a fat ticket (which I paid by the way- just to set the record straight). But, on the brighter side, I guess he saw the potential and passion in me and kicked me off to his operations office in LI, NY. A week later I met the President in the LI office, who after speaking with me decided to give me a full time opportunity in the Search Engine Marketing department. Needless to say, I accepted. And the rest as they say is history.
I consider myself fortunate to have entered the ad space, specifically online ad space, as early as I did in its nascent stage. My life in this field has been anything but boring and static. I have had a very exciting professional career, not to mention social gatherings that took me to the swankiest places in NYC, Florida, Chicago, SanFrancisco, Dallas and to many more cities and now countries. Places where only the elite would dare step in and I could not afford on my own.
The successes have been immense, so have been the downfalls. But with each step came learnings. Learnings, that shaped me to become a better person. I learnt from people on how to approach business, how to be strategic, creative and think to grow your business and that of your clients’ and above all how to be with people and work with fellow ad professionals. And just when I thought I have learnt a lot, I did more- most importantly from ‘a few’ people on what NOT to do. I almost see learning 'what not to do' as more critical than learning what to do.
The field of online advertising, yes, as you can tell I have diversified myself tremendously from the early days of search advertising, has given me the opportunity to lead teams of great professionals who helped me become a good manager and a good leader. Here I have touched various facets of online advertising from search to display to affiliate to social media. I have also had the opportunity to diversify in terms of my companies and clients, ranging from B2B to B2C with verticals touching pretty much all industries from hotel and travel, to finance to technology/telecom to dating.
Today, through an experienced but a constantly learning mind, I see new emerging media taking over the world. Everyone is talking about it, everyone is looking to sound cool with buzz words like social media, socialCRM and socialcommerce.
I am glad to be, once again at the cutting edge of this new wave in the online advertising field where I get to test and prove and do all sorts of cool things. Once again learning from the good, the bad the ugly and diversifying myself towards the good.
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