Here is a completely updated version of the Socialnomics “Social Media Revolution”—with stats as current as June 2011. It’s worth a look just for some mind-boggling statistics and information (a new LinkedIn profile is created every second). Even more mind-boggling? That some brands still aren’t capitalizing on the social media opportunity in a meaningful way. 

The New Social Network…?

If you thought the tension displayed between Mark Zuckerburg and the Winklevoss twins in The Social Network was intense, take a look at the relationship between Facebook and Google…

In the last few years Facebook has emerged as a huge threat to Google as the dominating force online. Facebook has even gone as far as hiring away many of Google’s top minds to help grow Facebook.  As of now, Google still reigns king in the world of search, but Facebook has created a formula that Google cannot match when it comes to social media. Google has twice tried to create its own social network with Google Wave and Google Buzz. However, each has failed to convert loyal Facebook users in the past and left the search giant looking out of touch with social.  June 28th marked Google’s third attempt at social with the much anticipated Google Plus; they hope that the third times a charm.

Although both products offer very similar user experiences, Google has the potential to leverage its wide variety of successful and established programs to position itself ahead of Facebook. Seamless integration will be the key to Google’s social success. Transitioning from Facebook to Google Plus will have to be an easy process that presents clear benefits to users. If Google is able to integrate some of its other innovative tools like Google Music (still in Beta testing as well), YouTube, Google Voice, and Google Earth, they may have a chance to offer a better product than Facebook. 

After watching reviews and requesting an invitation to test the program, I am excited about Google Plus. If it is able to be simple, innovative, and is well marketed, I think Google Plus has a chance. My biggest problem with it is the name. But I guess I can look past the egocentrism of Google if they can fully integrate this service into the conglomerate of their products that I already use and love.

How important is the first impression?

I am a true believer of first impression. I can’t deny that I had few exceptional cases throughout my life that didn’t match the first impression but still I do believe that first impression is pretty darn crucial.

Everybody is aware of the last year’s awards winning movie, The Social Network. Thanks to the Hollywood, Mark Zuckerberg became a sensational icon overnight. His creative thinking and bold movement inspired the younger generations to be more inventive.

So, when fans of Facebook write Mark a thank you letter, how Mark would respond?

Some people says paper is dying but there is nothing like receiving a beautiful letter in your mailbox that catches your breath away. I think Mark and his co-workers are same page as I am.

When Ben Barry was an Illustrator at Facebook, he realized that he should create stationery set for Mark to use for his fans. Ben chose muted tone of gray and hand embossed seal to give a classic feel. For the last, clear foil stamp on the back of the letterhead and inside of the envelope is just cherry on the top.

Maybe I should write a letter to Mark and see if I can receive the one of his beautiful stationery set for response. ;p

Let me share, what Mark Zuckerberg uses for his first impression to fans.

(Source: designforfun.com)

Belgium’s Flair Magazine Lets Facebook Users Tag Friends’ Outfits, Ask Where They Got Them

This is a great use of facebook to create content. This inovative idea can be extended to many other types of content that are valuble to your users. This could even be an additional distribution channel for retailers. We’ve built a few Facebook apps with a similar level of complexity but what i think makes this great is the way it uses the social medium to create content.

(Source: adage.com)