02 Sep Topics That Are Igniting : 9/2/11
Canadian Companies Struggle with Social Media
Research firms Léger Marketing and SAS Canada surveyed 1,000 Canadian executives. They found that only 17 per cent said their company regularly posted to and monitored websites such as Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Lori Bieda, executive lead of customer intelligence for the Toronto-based SAS noted several reasons as to why this is. The bad American economy forced businesses to leverage social media in an effort to repair some of their battered brands. Canadian businesses on the other hand have not had to because of their healthier economy. She also believes Canadian companies are still just looking to see what is being said about them online without responding because the business culture in Canada is more conservative.
Proliphiq Announces New Social Media Search Tool
Proliphiq, a new social media search tool based out of Minneapolis, is separating itself from the competition by putting an emphasis on finding credible sources. Its unique system ranks profiles based on three metrics — engagement, credibility, and audience. It also incorporates reviews, as well as personality and tone, to ensure each user receives the most valuable source for them. Proliphiq also encourages users to become sought after sources themselves. Individuals can see how they rank within their own social networks and against the rest of the social world — helping them learn why they are, or are not, credible. You can pre-register now at phroliphiq.com to get a preview before it launches in October.
Startup Tries To Put Sociability Back Into Movies
Mitch Galbraith and Mark Smallcombe noticed digital streaming services liked Netflix lacked the personal and social elements of going to the movies. That inspired them to create the social streaming startup, flickme. The site encourages users to recommend movies to their friends and offers a “sharable discount” feature. New releases are offered for $3.99 and older films for $2.99, but users can rent a film for $1.49 if a friend recommends it. Flickme has some notable backers including Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. The site is currently in Beta until next Tuesday, when it will launch a library of more than 1,000 movies for rent or purchase with Facebook and Twitter integration.
New Site Aims to Start a Social Revolution
A brand new social media website called UNTHINK will be launching in the coming weeks as the newest alternative to Facebook and Google+. Based out of Tampa, FL, UNTHINK aims to not just create another social network, but a “revolution.” Back in 2008, their creators foresaw potential abuse from social media giants like Facebook. They started the corporation to better serve people and brands, empower them, and make their lives easier. It’s getting quite a bit of buzz, even gaining the attention of the legendary Stephen Fry. Will this anti-Facebook challenge social networks to change or will they continue to maintain the status quo? Tell us what you think in the comments.
