Main stream media is downsizing, new voices are gaining influence. Search is the new circulation, people seek out the information they require and no longer sit back and listen passively.

Colleagues, friends, word of mouth have far greater credence than traditional marketing techniques. Social Marketing has created a fundamental shift in the prominence and impact of communities and word of mouth.

All companies should be engaging in, contributing to and monitoring these conversations. Who is talking about you? What is said about you? Who is linking to you? Brands that talk to and engage with their communities of interest can create a consumer base that is knowledgeable, engaged, responsive, helpful and, most of all, spends money!

Using tools such as Twitter, Facebook, Podcasting, Youtube, Flickr, Yahoo Widgets and blog writing, brands can ensure that their business is not left out of the conversation. Read “Look, Listen and Earn.” more