What You Need to Know About Web 2.0 for Your Business

• Bernie’s definition of Web 2.0: web properties where you “hang out” and communicate and collaborate with other people who share common interests (communities).
• Social networking: “same as physical networking, just online.” 
• Don’t overanalyze – dive in with your toe.
• Find social sites that fit your industry.
• Facebook (maybe), LinkedIn (maybe) MySpace (maybe not).
• Look for industry social networks, keep looking if you don’t find one today.
• Consider starting one in your industry as a non profit.
• They are often at an industry blog site.
• Search engines are increasingly watching the content in social networking sites.
• You can create links from Web 2.0 sites which will improve your search engine rankings.
• You can create buzz which will increase visibility and traffic to your website.
• You can create controversy (give something away).
• You can use emotion if it’s ethical and appropriate.
• You can be conspicuously absent if you don’t get involved.
• Would you miss out on the biggest trade show in your industry?
• Don’t miss out on social networking sites that pertain to your industry, or where like minded people are collaborating.
• Designate one person in your company the Web 2.0 guru, coach him or her and stay in the know.
• Encourage him or her to hang out at these sites – allow it to be a portion of how their time is spent. 
• Create buzz, thought leadership, controversy or emotion.
• Develop your own “Matt Cutts.”
• Don’t be reluctant of Web 2.0.
• Devote time to Web 2.0 each week.
• Embrace Web 2.0 into your marketing strategy.
• Don’t get caught behind because your competitors may be way ahead.
• People who participate in conversations in Web 2.0 are visible and can be influential.
• Don’t make the mistake of thinking Web 2.0 is limited to one demographic because it’s not!