Very Vivid

Twitter had an estimated 18 million users in May and has grown into the third-largest social-networking site, according to research firm ComScore Inc. Facebook Inc. is the largest, with 307.1 million users in April, followed by MySpace with 126.9 million.  Twitter Inc. plans to generate its first revenue this year from companies such as Dell Inc., Whole Foods Market Inc. and Starbucks Corp., which use the micro- messaging site to communicate with millions of customers.

Bloomberg.com highlights the future of Twitter’s revuenue potential. Read more and let me hear your thoughts.

Communication tools, from paper pamphlets to social networks, have helped along many political revolutions. The so-called Twitter revolution may be overstated, but the Iranian election fallout has provided valuable lessons about the site’s utility: It’s difficult to censor, tweets vary from the innocuous to potent, nothing is verified, it can be used to mislead, it allows media criticism and it is self-correcting.

See the latest post by the New York Times, called Twitter on the Barricades and learn how social media has changed the landscape of news and the voice of the people.

The market researcher Nielsen Online recently reported that social networking is up 83% from last year. Facebook reigns supreme holding the number one spot among users. And it’s safe to say that Twitter, although not as high on the list, has made substantial strides in the social media scene.

According to the Vice President of Nielsen, he touts that “Twitter has come on the scene in an explosive way, perhaps changing the outlook for the entire space.”  However, the study did bring out a particular note if interest which points to the fact that online users are easily distracted and move around frequently. What does this say about our online audience?  There are several factors to take into consideration here:

1) The amount on online services, networks, portals, beta sites are enormous. Curiosity is one aspect that keeps us looking around the corner for the next best thing. What is for certain, Facebook users hang around much longer than Twitter or LinkedIn users by a 30% margin.

2) Different business models works best through different networks. When a company has to sell last minute inventory, then Twitter may be the route to go. It’s fast, simple, easy and gets the word out immediately. If a business professional is looking to highlight their resume, experience, and accomplishments, then LinkedIn may be more appropriate. However, I will note that Twitter has become a great platform for those scoping the job scene.

3) Most users are followers. The first movers, influencers, an early adopters are usually the ones who set the charge. It’s amazing that although this group makes up probably the smallest percentage of online users, they are the ones that can make or break an online frenzy. Pinpointing the influencers will give you a good indication of what areas are hot and give both businesses and consumers the best feedback on where to move forward. Many companies are strategizing around this very concept. Find the users who are in the lead, and get them to talk about your product or service. You can increase awareness, reach a larger audience, and create a following.

So what lies ahead for the future of online evolution? The best way to learn is by simply jumping in and getting your feet wet. There are several tools out there to get you up to speed on the social media world. Here are some basic areas to get you started: Creativity, Ad Age, or SmartBlog on Social Media.

The Iranian goverment shut down various lines of communication after a contested national election,,,except one that is. Twitter.

Check out the video and article.

This is nuts!

In the midst of GM’s apparent breakdown, the corporation released a new one-minute video ad to address the standing issues that have surrounded the company and inform consumers as to how the company is restructuring its goals. “Leaner, greener, faster, smarter” are the terms used in the latest article in Ad Age, which broke the news yesterday morning amidst the bankruptcy that loomed across the news media.

Fewer models, streamlined operations, and the creation of more efficient jobs are just a few of the items which GM is broadcasting over its national media campaign.

Can they arise above the ashes?

Watch this video and let me know what you think:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1543292789?bctid=24931063001