Comments by Paul Chaney Subscribe

On E-commerce Comes to Facebook

Social commerce is the next iteration of social media. Forrester, last year, indicated we would see its rise starting in 2011. I think we're already seeing it and your post provides ample evidence of that fact. Certainly, it's one sure way to show that social media does indeed impact the bottom line. 

On Do Small Businesses Still Need a Website?

One very good reason a company needs a website is that a sole reliance on third-party sites is dangerous, a fool's errand in fact. Facebook makes constant changes to its platform, for example, so something you do, say, on your Fan Page today might not run afoul of their TOS tomorrow or, more likely, be undone by some change in the platform structure. Case in point, recently there was a bug that made all graphics on custom fan pages only about 1/3 their normal size. Talk about creating a dust up! If you thought the privacy issues were a concern, you should have seen all the fan page creators crying to FB to fix the problem, which took several days to do. Soon, FB is mandating a reduction in the size of custom fan pages to 520 pixels. What's that going to do to all the pages which don't fit within those parameters. Unless you're a small, small business, to not have a web presence you can truly call your own is not wise. Use it as your digital hub, a clearinghouse of information to all the other places you have a presence online. But, still have a website.

On How do you want to lead your life?

Very inspirational Pam. I <3 the introvert issue. I'm an INFP. 

On Stop Wasting Your Time With Social Media

I'm with you on this one. Any form of marketing engagement must begin with a focus on strategy. To do otherwise is to take a shot in the dark. Social media can and does work, but, as a form of marketing, it is subject to the same rigors and scrutiny faced by any other form.

On #27: Here's a thought...

Brian, thanks for including my post in this list of esteemed bloggers/marketers. Much appreciated. 

On Social Media for B2B is a Game Changer

Amen! The seismic shift toward the mainstreaming of social media is taking place right under our nose and we better get with the program. It's time to fish or cut bait. 

On

While I can see and appreciate that there is room for growth among Web 2.0 startups to service the needs of corporate or enterprise entities like the ones you mentioned, my concern is for small business. What about their needs?

There is no way an SMB can afford to hire Communispace, BOF or Mzinga. Yet, they need to be able to take advantage of the tools the Web 2.0 provides. Are they left to forage for themselves using apps like Ning or Kickapps? Further, is there room in this space for agencies to provide social media services to the small business market?