Monthly Archives: September 2010
Is Google building a Facebook-like social network? Speculation about the search engine’s social side were recently renewed last week after the company came out with a vague, yet intriguing announcement concerning “social media layers.” While this doesn’t sound like the Facebook-killer critics were expecting, it certainly has caught the attention of online marketers the world over. Could Google have what it takes to create the next social media monster?
Speculation and Secrets
The “Google Me” project has been shrouded in secret since information was leaked on the net nearly four months ago. In the beginning, people speculated that Google would create a platform similar to Facebook, providing people with a centralized place to share information and media online. And while there may be some truth to this, recent information leaks from Eric Schmidt himself have cast the new Google social network in a whole new light. Here’s a quick recap of what’s been released over the last few days.
1) Google wants access to Facebook’s wealth of information…
Last week, Eric Schmidt talked to the press about Google’s social media plans and revealed that the company is interested in accessing the ocean of information that Facebook has collected (and continues to collect) from users. Whether Facebook will agree to this partnership is still unknown.
2) …but not so they can build a Facebook clone.
The idea that Google would create a Facebook-like socia media platform is absurd. Why join another network when everyone is already on Facebook? Last week, Google announced that the new Google Me project would be based around layers of social networking, rather than just one product. Sources from Google have gone on to say that the new platform wil produce an activity stream generated by all Google products.
3) Google has learned from past failures.
Google Buzz and Google Wave are two of the biggest Internet flops in recent history. But that doesn’t mean to say that the framework of the programs can’t be tweaked in order to produce something truly impressive. Plans to rework Google Buzz into something bigger and better were reported by Tech Crunch last week, and from the sounds of it, all Google applications have been altered so as to feed into the new program. While Facebook tried to colonize the web by placing their “Like” buttons on third party sites, it seems that Google is attempting to go one step further by streaming and segmenting information. Facebook has built an empire by providing people with a one-size-fits-all social strategy, but imagine if there was a network that allowed you to categorize your socializing. One place where you could build business contacts and publish personal photos in separate, segmented streams. We’re all guilty of “Googling” new acquaintances as it is already – image a network that had the power to pull all aspects of your social web into one place, seamlessly.
So, is Google building a Facebook-like social networking platform? I don’t think so. I think Google is trying to create a way of networking that capitalizes on Facebook’s one obvious flaw, in order to create one super social strategy.
But that’s just my opinion. More information is bound to leak in the coming weeks, so hang tight. We’ll keep our ear to the rumour mill and let you know what we hear.
What do you think “Google Me” will be when it launches this fall? Leave your speculations below.
If you haven’t heard yet, CIK Marketing is planning a great networking event in Wallaceburg next week (scroll down for the full press release). In order to promote this event, both the Chatham radio station, 94.3 CKSY, AND the Wallacburg Station, 99.1 CKXS, have asked CIK Marketing founder, (Me), to come in and talk about what’s planned for the evening.
You can hear me chatting with Jay Poole on CKSY today at 1:30 p.m., and again at 4:30 p.m. on CKXS with Jay Smith.
Here’s hoping I don’t sound like too much of a dweeb 
Don’t forget to read the below press release and mark September 22nd on your calendar!
Young Professionals of Chatham-Kent Networking Event
Meet and Share Ideas with the Next Generation of C-K Professionals
CIK Marketing has partnered with the Small Business Centre of Chatham-Kent to host a Young Professionals of Chatham-Kent Networking Night on Wednesday, September 22nd at Brent Foster Photography in Wallaceburg.
“The idea behind this event is to provide the next generation of Chatham-Kent professionals with an opportunity to meet, mingle, and share ideas,” remarks CIK founder, Chantielle MacFarlane. “Young professionals are the future of Chatham-Kent – it’s their drive, creativity, and determination that will help move the community and economy forward.” The event is open to young professionals, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and civic minded individuals between the ages of 20 and 40. St. Clair College students are also encouraged to attend.
The event gets underway at 6 p.m. and continues until 8:30 p.m. People are welcome to drop in throughout the night. Mary Anne Ivison from CFCO/CKSY will be on hand to MC the event, and a number of door prizes will be raffled off at the end of the night.
While networking is the main focus of the evening, participants will also have the opportunity to ask seasoned business owners about their entrepreneurial experiences. Dimitar Ljomov, formerly of The Chef’s Table in Chatham, (he is now the head chef and namesake of Dimitar’s fine dining restaurant in Wallaceburg), will be dishing out plenty of free advice along with complimentary appetizers and delicious hors d’oeuvres. Karen Moran, the owner of Glasses & Grapes Winemaking, will be answering questions as well as providing guests with a free sampling of Brix Chocolate. Acclaimed photographer, Brent Foster will be shooting film throughout the night, while MacFarlane will be on hand to help educate young professionals on the importance of online marketing.
Young professionals can RSVP for this event on the CIK Marketing Facebook Fan Page. Tickets for the event are $10 and can be purchased at the Small Business Centre on Grand Avenue in Chatham. Tickets are also available at Brent Foster Photography, Glasses & Grapes, and Chez Denis in Wallaceburg.
