Since it’s Friday (and because I like to show-and-share) I’ll leave you to watch the video and ponder the question it poses: Is social media a fad? Or is it the biggest shift since the Industrial Revolution?

Take the weekend to think about the following statements (they were the most powerful statements in my mind):

• Social media has taken over porn as the #1 activity on the Web – Wowza!
• It took the following mediums how many years to reach 50 million users?
• Radio = 38 years
• TV = 13 years
• Internet = 4 years
• IPod = 3 years
• Facebook = had 100 million users in less than 9 months
• And lastly, if Facebook were a country it would be the fourth largest in the world!

Now do you still think social media can’t help your business?

I hadn’t either, well, until earlier today when I attended a social media lunch and learn at Waterloo’s Accelerator Centre. Today’s speaker, Melissa Schenk from MS2 Productions, introduced us to the compass as we explored effective ways that businesses are leveraging social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) to connect with customers, peers and influencers, and how some have successfully made their customers true “brand ambassadors” of their company and it’s products and services through social media and viral marketing.

Solis is recognized as a leading-thinker when it comes to new media, and his compass serves as a true physical indicator that companies should consult as they define their social media strategy. Check it out using the link above and use the Social Marketing Compass to establish a solid social media direction for your company.