My First Blog

1.Why should blogging be part of our class and what do you hope to gain by contributing?

On our first day of the class (Monday) it was the first time I ever hear of blogging. When the professor mentioned that we must do homework through blogging. I truly didn’t have any idea and I was very concerned. When I came home I visited her site and read her personal story. I started to have a better picture. I realized the blogs are interactive sites, allowing every visitor to leave comments and even messages. They are different from other websites. You can use them as personal online diaries, add pictures or links to other blogs, or add Web pages and other media related issues to its topic. After having a better picture, I strongly believe blogging is good for our class. Not only for someone like me to learn and update myself with this new technology, but also to help me to connect with every student in the class. By reading what other students have in their minds actually can help me in many different ways. The best of all is I can read what everyone writes, including the professor’s comments. Reading others’ writings is extremely beneficial to me since English is not my first language. For my English, there is always a room for improvements.

2. In your opinion, how well are businesses living up to the expectations for social media in 2010?

Again, social media is another new area for me. However, after visiting You Tube and watching many videos, there is no way any business can do without it.
This is a wonderful way to communicate with your customers. The best of all you can hear what your customers are saying and need. In Facebook, Linkedln, Twitter, My Space you can create a personal account, and use the “Advertising” link to create business pages. I found out the Twitter offers great opportunity for realtors to post pictures of their listing, also being able to listen what homeowners and sellers are looking for. In this way, the realtors can respond, give advises and tips.
From research I found out the 2010 business has increased Social Media Budget as below:
Retail & E-Commerce 79%
Publishing & Media 63%
Computer Hardware & Software 55%
Business & Consumer Services 54%
Manufacturing 53%
Travel & Leisure 52%
· Education & Healthcare 43%
From the information above, I believe business is living up to the expectations of social media in 2010. The majority of business and organizations realized social media is a trend and in order to maximize the profits. It is must be done.
Li Ching Jung