The Facebook Era

In this summary, you will learn

• What the “online social graph” is
• How businesses can use social Web sites to build sales, improve public relations and become more efficient
• How to assess the social Web’s commercial possibilities and downside risks

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Why you should read The Facebook Era

In-the-know companies now actively leverage online social networks – MySpace, Facebook, Friendster and their numerous compatriots – to increase sales, improve public relations, gain market research data, reach customers, offer technical support, find new employees and more. Despite the stereotype that social communities are “just for kids,” many online sites exist strictly for business people and professionals, including CEO Network (controlled access for select senior executives) and LinkedIn (a professional referral and networking portal). Online social networking draws countless mainstream consumers. If you want to reach them, getAbstract recommends this book by Clara Shih, who developed the first business application for Facebook. She details online social networking and even explains how you might make some money with it.

About the Author

Clara Shih is a product line director for the customer relationship management firm Salesforce.com. She formerly worked for Microsoft and Google, and developed Facebook’s first business application. Unesco commissioned her first book, Using New Media, to help people in developing countries use digital media.