Will Facebook Fade?

There’s a rumor floating around that Facebook will go public in the first quarter of 2012. This has caused some to speculate whether it’s a wise move to invest, considering it could burn bright then fade fast like MySpace. But just like we now Google things and a Kleenex is commonly misused term instead of the word tissue, Facebook has ingrained itself deeply into the fabric of our culture.

Businesses are hopping on, teachers are sending out assignments through it, and proud parents and grandparents can share photos. The platform is continually evolving and users are continuing to evolve in the way they utilize it.

Recently, SmartPulse did a “non-scientific poll” that asked, “Who do you think has benefited from social media engagement the most?” Results were interesting to say the least and obviously didn’t just relate to FB.

• Business-to-consumer companies – 32.08%
• Celebrities – 31.13%
• Media – 10.38%
• Not-for-profit organizations – 9.91%
• All have equally benefited – 6.60%
• Politicians/governments – 5.19%
• Business-to-business companies – 2.83%
• Some other group – 1.89%

But it does speak to the fact that if you know how to use it correctly, FB and other social media outlets can be your friend and a powerful sales tool. Look at the Old Spice resurgence or Betty White’s thunderbolt back to fame on the back of a 'lil old Snickers commercial.

Just make sure you know what you are doing and consider your audience. Once something is out there, it’s out there and can go viral in a heartbeat. Just ask some of the recent blushing and scandalized public figures how they feel about social media’s reaches.