Social media has moved beyond being a friendly means of communication to becoming a bi-directional business model. Businesses can tap into the marketplace for marketing, product development, and talent management purposes. - By Joshua Ferdinand

Before the advent of social media, the internet provided a predominately one-sided approach to business practices. The internet was an easy and convenient forum for people and businesses to spread their message. As the social networking aspects of worldwide connectivity emerged, the populace was eager to embrace the evolution socially but not professionally. While risk adverse businesses steered clear of emerging social technologies, businesses that participated were deeply rewarded. Those days of anonymity are long gone. Today’s consumers require a strong social media presence as a marketing strategy, and that strong presence (or lack thereof) can make or break a business.