Search Engines Versus Social Media

Years ago, when search engines started taking over, print and television advertising started to become second nature. Droves of people started heading online and marketing departments began to shift their efforts and advertising dollars toward the web. I was one of those people who searched on Google, Yahoo or Dogpile for everything I needed. Reading a newspaper became very inefficient. Waiting for television news became old.

Today we have shifted again. I have noticed that for many of my decisions, I am now listening to the buzz of social media and social networks. When it comes to Twitter, it is the "quick biz buzz" and it is right up my alley. Life is busy, time is limited... so if you present something to me that has better results in less time... I AM IN!

Crowdsourcing rules! In a theology class I took in college, we once dissected a biblical verse that stated "In a multitude of counselors, there is wisdom." When we are looking at things that are directly connected or totally disconnected from our lives, sometimes we gain partiality and prejudice. When we ask others, sometimes dozens, hundreds or thousands of others; we are able to balance our information out and get a clearer understanding followed by a fair conclusion. Social networking and media creates the perfect scene for this.

When searching for information, a search engine may be a great place to begin; but when it comes to suggestions without the big sales approach and hype; social media and networking will be my best resource. When I am making a business decision, I am not looking for a bunch of companies to all tell me they have the best product or superior service. We all know how to toot our own horn. I am not looking for whoever won the SEO and keyword battle to get on the 1st page of the search engines. On the other hand, I am not looking for a social networked media clique that is programmed to all say the same thing and point me in the same direction, because their paycheck depends on it. Too robotic for me. I want individual ideas, opinions, and experience from a variety of random sources to be able to make the best possible decision.

I want true Networked Social Media!! Don't You???