The Ability to Adapt...

"Adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature's inexorable imperative. "
-H. G. Wells

Why is it that so many prolific science fiction enthusiasts and writers, such as Herbert George Wells as an example, are able to really touch upon in quotes and in movies- e.g. War of the Worlds - what is so relevant, thought provoking and true more than a century later?

Why?

The quote above really reminds me of how many individuals and businesses, are so hesitate of adapting to this new world of social media and integrating their lives and companies into the web...

This whole social media influx of need to know now, how, what, when, who is really mind blowing, so I really do understand why many businesses or individuals may fear it. It can be sort of overwhelming if you are taking it in on one big gulp.

I just attended an interesting Social Media Rewind webinar, it was so interesting because it confirmed many of my wonders, thoughts and questions that have been running through my mind about this social media craze going on. 3 of the top marketing consultants served on this online panel and discussed what is going on in B2B and B2C businesses regarding social media.

They brought up some great points which ignited much talk on the live message board, one point in particular, as many companies are trying and making the attempt to integrate their businesses into the web 2.0 social media model, how are they keeping up with the time commitment? One online user mentioned companies should just hire a dedicated person to keep up with their businesses social networks, but many of us disagreed... Companies can't just hire any $12- $15 writer as their marketing liaison to set up their facebook, twitter and blog pages, they need an expert in their industry, one that knows their product, an expert who knows how to position their business and speak to their consumer, one who can report what is going on from operations, to sales, to shipping and receiving. The experience has to be real, the relationship has to be made in a trustworthy approach. Its all about educating them about YOU and "YOUR COMPANY". Social Media and Marketing are now working hand in hand more as a customer service and Public Relations arm now more than ever...

The world wide web has really grown in leaps and bounds over the past 10 - 15 years and with the advancement of social media, relationships are becoming so much easier to rekindle, restart and literally at our finger tips. With the popularity of these social networks it has now become mandatory for companies to adapt, customers are now more savvy than ever and need information- So start connecting!!!

The real deal statistics on DirectMag.com- say it all for all those more number and factual orientated people out there...

Social Media, Email top investment areas: Survey
http://bit.ly/4zJHLe

Proving the point of the matter.. BUSINESSES ARE ADAPTING...

"As businesses are developing their marketing plans for 2010, this survey reveals a strong focus on high ROI channels like email and emerging ones like social media," said Bill Wagner, executive vice president of business operations at StrongMail, in a statement. “While an unprecedented number of companies look to integrate e-mail and social media in 2010, the data shows that companies need to adopt new tools and strategies to properly measure and monetize their efforts."

ADAPT OR PERISH....