Google +1 Launched

Go ahead everyone, go to your local Google page and run a search on anything in particular, I would prefer something that you are actually interested in. When the search runs and the results appear you will notice, look carefully, a +1 feature on Google.

Google has added this feature as a "social function" in order to keep pace with Facebook. This button appears on the organic search results and also appears on the ads. However, I did not see the +1 feature run on the maps section. When you find a search result that you like and think that it will be helpful to your social circle click on the +1. Google will then keep track of your +1's on your Google profile. Also, anyone from your social circle(Google's social circle not Facebook)when they perform a similar search.

This is most impact will take place with advertisers and AdSense according to TechCrunch Magazine:
"The key that Google isn’t really touting yet is that +1 data can be used to make ads social not just on Google Search result pages, but also across the whole web. If you have a site that runs AdSense ads, it may now feature +1 data in addition to the ad. And these newly social ads require no changes from advertisers. The bidding model doesn’t change at all and as a bonus +1 data will now be included in reports, Google’s Christian Oestlien says.
Guess who else would like to do the same thing with ads across the web given the social data that they have? Yep — Facebook."

The war for your attention on the internet heats and I have a lot of questions. Feel free to respond in the comments section.
1. Will these +1 (likes) have an effect on search rankings?
2. Can I buy 100 likes for $5 and rank above my competitors?
3. How will Google regulate this feature?
4. How far is ahead is Facebook compared to Google?

I am a Keynote Speaker @ a Workshop for Small Businesses Sat. 3/27/2011 9am

Workshop for Owners of Small Businesses and Home-Based Businesses

COST:                 FREE Workshop and Networking Opportunity

WHEN:               Saturday, March 26^th, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM

WHERE:             LDS Employment Resource Center

144 West 15^th Street, New York, NY

WHO:                  Preregistration required

Topics will include:

·        Innovation: The Business Idea	·        Building a Brand Strategy
·        Social Media and WEB Based Marketing	·        Financial resources
·        Legal: Structure, Liability & Taxes	·        Business Planning for Results

Presenters will include:

Cameron King  Graphic Design-StudioCase

Rich Mastriani, Regional Director-Crexendo

Larry Turk, COO-SOMAQ International, Inc.

Jim Lucas, Attorney

More to come…

HOW:         Pre-Registration Required for all attendees                                                                                                            R.S.V.P. to: e-mail or by calling 212-255-0579    

                                                                 

DRESS:      Business Casual

The Transformation of Business Through Social Media

Over the past 10 years the world has gone through a complete transformation of communication and efficiency. My mother communicates daily with family members that she hasn't seen nor spoken to in years, people reserve their dinner tables via internet on their cell phones, c.d.'s and D.V.D.'s are becoming more obsolete as I write this article, and most important, businesses can communicate and interact with their customers and potential customers in an instant.

Many businesses and marketing professionals come to me and ask "How much business can you generate for me on Facebook"? The correct answer is none. Anyone else who tells you otherwise is lying to you. Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are social media platforms. People interact on these platforms because it is easier and more reliable than talking on the phone or e-mailing. Businesses need to utilize Social Media as a means  to communicate with customers/potential customers The goal is to position yourself as an expert, offer advice, and provide information when necessary. Potentials sales on social media should then be escalated via e-mail or private message.