It's interesting to see how annoyed people are at the changes on Facebook.  You've likely seen the news articles, blog posts, and (ironically) status updates on Facebook bemoaning the changes.  Yet as irritated as we all might be, here we are talking about it, using it, and remaining loyal to it. 

Frankly, I think Facebook is being smart. With the advent of Google+ and it's own ubiquitousness in an era where novelty is a given, it is at risk of becoming irrelevant.  It's changes (as explained on the Facebook site) continue to build on the insights that led to their success in the first place:
- Everyone is at least a little narcissistic.
- Humans seek connection and are curious about others' lives.

It remains to be seen whether the changes will help monetize the site any better, but I'm guessing that the changes will keep Facebook a very relevant part of their users' lives - assuring advertisers that the eyeballs are there.  Share your thoughts on whether or not Facebook's approach seems strategic.  We'd love to hear your opinion.

-GLG
 

It's disconcerting, but far too often two declarations are made about social media in the business world: 1) "Everyone/My Competitor/My Neighbors use social media so my company needs to do it, too." 2) "I'm running a business not trying to make friends.  I don't see how social media makes any business sense."  In both cases, I cringe.  

Social media is a communication vehicle or a tool - just like billboards, bullhorns, hammers, or whisks.  You don't decide you want to use a whisk and then run around trying to whisk things, results be damned.  Rather, you start off with a task (in Hat Trick 3C parlance "an objective") and then pick the right tool for the job.  The decision to use social media should go the same way: What are you trying to accomplish? Why? What does success look like?  When you approach Twitter/Facebook/YouTube in this manner, you're more likely to be pleased with the results.

Millward Brown, one of my all-time favorite market research agencies, recently posted a great POV about considerations around social media.  You should check it out:

http://www.millwardbrown.com/Libraries/MB_POV_Downloads/MillwardBrown_POV_Social_Media_Bubble.sflb.ashx

- GLG