We know social media has taken off like wildfire. Ten years ago if you’d even said the phrase “social media” you would have gotten funny looks. But today’s it’s a fundamental part of our everyday lives. Why is that? Here are six reasons why social media has become so huge:

1. Social media is fast. The internet gives us a means to exchange information more quickly than we ever thought imaginable before. Social media combines fast information exchange with human influence. There’s no longer a need to wait for news reporters to gather and prepare information. Everyone with a smart phone and a Twitter account can become the “eyes on the ground” providing minute-by-minute updates when news is breaking.
2. Cultures are shifting. In the world, there is good and there is bad. As our access to the knowledge of both increases, so does our desire to be aware of the very best and the very worst—and to give our opinion of both. Sharing of opinion is something mankind has done since cave man days, but never has it been so easy to share with so many, so fast.
3. Driven by Generations X and Y. The baby boomers’ kids, and their kids. If you were born after 1975 in a civilized environment, there’s a pretty good chance you use the internet. And if you’re an internet user in that age range, there’s a really big chance you use social media. And social media is built in such a way that using it drives it to grow. Sharing pictures of a party, posting to your blog, making a statement through a video or just gossiping in your Facebook status all drive social media and fuel its ongoing success.
4. Create a new you. Call it a benefit or call it a drawback, but social media gives everyone the ability to define themselves and to promote that identity widespread. Create your own “place” in life. What’s “class” when even the poorest people can be trendsetters and tastemakers thanks to social media. On the flip side, those who are famous, rich and powerful can suddenly and safely interact with those perched on less tall pedestals.
5. Social media makes money. Facebook generated $2 billion in revenue last year.  Twitter made $45 million.  LinkedIn netted $4.5 million in profit in its last quarter alone.
6. Social media is new. We like to try new things, and as a society we were ready for social media. The timing was right you might say. Television was getting old, and books… what are those? The bar scene’s bland and three-way calling never really caught on. We were ready for something new. Social media means mass interaction that’s super-fast and far-reaching.

Have I missed something? Are there other factors? Or, do you disagree with some of my rationale? Please share your comments!

Daniel Mark Wheaton is an Internet and Mobile Marketing Consultant with Flipside Marketing. He is a self-taught internet guru with a background in journalism who’s been dabbling in web design and online marketing since 2000. He enjoys showing small businesses ways they can reach out to new customers and build relationships with their existing customers using the internet and mobile technology.

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by Daniel Mark Wheaton, Flipside Marketing

Have you heard the term O2O yet?  If you haven't, you will.  It stands for Online to Offline and it's the newest strategy in marketing.  It is actually considered to be one of the top trends to shape small businesses in 2011.  While most small businesses focused on getting online and involved with social media last year, the trend this year will be to integrate the online marketing with the offline marketing.

The O2O marketing strategy provides a more personal experience by bringing people from your online networks to your offline networks.  This is done by connecting and engaging with people online and then inviting them to your store, a networking event, a Chamber meeting, for coffee or lunch.  I have met many people "in real life" that started as online friends or connections.  Some have turned into great friends and some are now clients.

There were many predictions last year about traditional marketing being dead.  While it may have slowed down, it definitely seems to be making a comeback.  People miss seeing people, the handshakes, and real conversations.  Networking groups have increased nationwide, thanks to the popular site Meetup.com.  In this high-tech world, people still need high-touch.  I've always believed that you need a combination of both traditional and technology styles of marketing.  This past year I've helped clients establish an online presence for their business and implement social media marketing.  Now, it's time to integrate that with offline meetings and events.  Online and offline marketing will be working together!

So, add the O2O strategy to your marketing plan for 2011 and have fun meeting people. Let us know your thoughts on O2O!