Does the foundation of relying on traditional media releases work in the Internet age? Josh Korr of Publishing 2.0, along with other social media knowledge leaders like Matt Thompson and Jeff Jarvis, don’t think it does. Josh says, “…The Internet’s depth and variety have made newspapers’ pool of wire sources look increasingly shallow.” He continues, “The longer newsrooms ignore this amazing universe of content, the less relevant they are for readers.” What today’s wire needs is to aggregate links for the web’s top content. Creating the “web’s newswire, version 1.0” is Josh’s initiative.

As the demand for news accelerates, we question how corporations can get more connected? Kami Huyse of Communication Overtones offers five great tips. For example, corporations must “listen and respond in real time” and collaborate “to bypass antiquated bureaucracy.” There are a lot of tools that can help corporations develop these Kami’s five competencies and improve their messages. “The bottom line,” Kami says, “is that the needs of the communication should drive the use of the tools, and not the other way around.”

Kyle of Kylelacy.com says, “The biggest hurdle in explaining social media is the issue of weighing the benefits against the time spent on social media platforms.” In the first of five posts focusing on social media’s benefit for small businesses, Kyle says that prioritizing is important – “Find four to five social media platforms that cater to what you are wanting to accomplish.” He also says to plan, stay active in your communities, and execute by joining the conversation.

With limited time, how do you manage all of your social networks? An insightful post on Louisgray.com suggests that the mobile world is helping to, “bridge the gap between ‘following friends’ and ‘real life friends.’” Louis also anticipates a unification of multiple social networks under one umbrella network, and expects to see users “blur your online persona with that you use at the office or at home.”

Jennifer Laycock offers great thoughts on how social media benefits companies during a recession on Search Engine Guide. With a creative chart, Jennifer shows you how your small business can “weather the economic storm.” Jennifer says that those companies that get in the social media game first will generate the greatest rewards. With consumers spending less, and companies doing more to understand their customers, they will use social media to meet in the middle.

Small business owners wear many hats. Additional work to an already hectic regiment is not typically welcomed. But, according to Jim Bensen, social media simultaneously “Can help [small business owners] market, improve our operations, build loyal customers, attract new sales, and better collaborate with our peers.” Jim’s post offers great insight into how social media can help small businesses mine company information, develop professional relationships, manage their reputation, and build a community. Check out details on Evolving Web.

Small business owner and want to get a better grasp of social media? Connie Benson of Solutions Are Power highlights a free event in Atlanta, Georgia on Oct 21 which will do just that. Registration is required, but the event’s sponsor (and our client), Network Solutions, is footing the bill. According to Bensen, “featured experts will share innovative and practical insights about how they have successfully used the power of social networking to increase their online presence.”