Will Facebook impact the global economy in the future?

August 2nd, 2011 | by: Miguel Cano
Miguel Cano
FacebookTwitterGoogle+LinkedInEmailPrintShare

Facebook is no longer a network we talk about. It’s a network people live by. For some, checking status updates comes first before getting out of bed in the morning. For others, it’s the most loathed online entity.  Regardless of whether you love or hate it, Facebook has transformed how we connect and communicate with people. We no longer have to know a person to make them our “friend.”

But does Facebook have the might to influence our buying behavior?  Is Facebook really poised to become an economic engine that merges currencies into a virtual one?  With more than 800 million users from around the world, some believe Facebook is set to transform the global economy.

The Future of Facebook project released the first video of six. The first video focuses on the economy and addresses these questions.

People are encourage to add their voice to the mix by creating a video response on the futureoffacebook youtube channel, sharing your thoughts on Twitter with the hashtag #fofb, posting on the project’s Facebook page, or answering the Quora questionnaire.

Let us know what you think by leaving us a comment.  Thanks!

Enhanced by Zemanta

Tags:
Posted in social media | No Comments »

Thumbs DownThumbs Up (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ...

Wanderlusting

March 13th, 2009 | by: JSH&A
JSH&A
FacebookTwitterGoogle+LinkedInEmailPrintShare
Wan.der.lust (noun) – a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about.

I heard last week (actually, saw all over my tweets) that airlines are making major cuts to airfares to prime international destinations in Europe and Australia. While this is bad news for airlines that made the cuts based on plunging sales, it’s good news for travelers like me who love to get away but can’t always afford the price.

According the Chicago Tribune, round-trip summer fares to Sydney are reduced 57 percent from what they were a year ago, London fares are down 36 percent and Paris fares have been slashed 43 percent. I’ve been longing to get out of the country again for quite some time, and recently made it my goal to save up for a 2009 international getaway. But in light of recent news, I’m seriously considering taking advantage of the 2008 deals and have developed a serious case of wanderlust. And an addiction to Kayak.

Tags:
Posted in consumer news | No Comments »

Thumbs DownThumbs Up (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ...

2009 Food Trends

February 5th, 2009 | by: JSH&A
JSH&A
FacebookTwitterGoogle+LinkedInEmailPrintShare

There will always be food trends. This year, www.foodchannel.com listed their picks for the Top Ten Food Trends in 2009 based on research they conducted in conjunction with the World Thought Bank and the International Food Futurists™. I’ve picked three trends that show that the current economy is affecting everything – even how we eat.

 

Home of the Range – It’s much more cost efficient to dine in rather than eat out. Look for more home cooks becoming creative in the kitchen, but also returning to retro-styles that require less interaction but still churn out a warm, delicious meal, like Crockpot cooking.

 

Local Food – More and more, home cooks and chefs are looking to purchase fresh products from local farmers. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been in on this trend for a while. Our local farmers market is open every Wednesday and Saturday, and I make at least a weekly trip.

 

Food Philanthropy – More companies and individuals will look to make donations to organizations that help those in need. Additionally, more food drives and Web sites will make automatic donations when you purchase their products.  

Tags:
Posted in Food & Beverage, General, Lifestyle | No Comments »

Thumbs DownThumbs Up (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ...

Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget

January 30th, 2009 | by: JSH&A
JSH&A
FacebookTwitterGoogle+LinkedInEmailPrintShare

In the spirit of the recession (my, that sounds sad) I thought I’d share a thrifty new blog that one of my friends started recently. In LaidOffLadies.com, she and her co-author share must-visit Web sites and budget-friendly deals that those of us pinching pennies or in a financial pickle would be wise to check out. They focus particularly on Chicago, where they’re both “living on the North Side, trying to figure how to keep our Kate Spade notepad and pay our heat bill, too.” Both journalists, they know the realities of layoffs all too well. (I met my friend through an internship at a Quad City newspaper.)

As more and more Americans face layoffs and economic uncertainty, the companies who many trend reports predict will strive this year are like the ones mentioned in this blog. Companies who care about their consumers’ bottom lines, not just their own.

What’s your company’s game plan?

Tags:
Posted in consumer news, General | 1 Comment »

Thumbs DownThumbs Up (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ...