No Recession in Social Marketing?

[Walt Goshert]

Morgan Stanley’s Internet Trends report from last month takes a big turn from previous reports - the focus is nearly 100% on social applications and how they are taking over the Internet.

Check out the Morgan Stanley Internet Trends Report at TechCrunch.

Scroll through the slides and draw your conclusions.

What strikes me is the growth of mobile apps outside the US. And, the tremendous growth potential of China.

[Christopher]

I think special attention should be given to the trends with emerging markets. People involved in those markets would do well to gain presence on the internet now ... like right now. And not just China and India. Those markets are the tip ... a big tip ... of an iceberg.

The stats on Facebook represent a strong drive for something we all feel intuitively ... a drive toward interactivity and knowledge sharing. The rising usage for Facebook creates advantages for marketers, but the most lucrative opportunities will come to those who treat the application with respect and keep in tune with what people are there for. Disappointment awaits those who think they can step into these mass gatherings of people and expect their business to soar.

The recessions will only drive and strengthen social media applied activities. Whatever economic declines businesses and citizens create and/or make for themselves ... people will be passionately wanting to reach out to each other about it.

[JaWar]

How do you think the information sharing will continue to be monetized in emerging markets in the coming years (2 to 3)?

GOJAWAR.COM

[Bob Riddell]

Hey Walt,

Awesome information that everyone of us needs..........Bob

[Walt Goshert]

Chris,

Specifically what trends with emerging markets did you notice?

Study the the numbers on Slide #61. I agree it's not only India and China, but that's clearly where the growth is trending. India and China are tips of an iceberg in and of themselves.

Perhaps the recession will fuel "bootstapping" among the individuals trying to carve out a living as marketers online, but a concern I have is lack of access to capital potentially slowing social niche site development.

As an individual marketer, that's both good and bad. I'd personally would rather see social niche sites emerge in more diverse hands, rather than the big players like Google, Facebook, or MySpace calling all the shots.

Humm... imagine the next Google, Facebook, YouTube coming to the World from India or China?

The Flat World is here.

Walt

P.S.--- Bob, I wonder how all these trends square with your post on the Iacocca letter? Do you trust that anyone in government understands the financial, trade, educational impacts of all this? I read a post that Marc Andreessen wrote on his hour and a half lunch meeting with Obama. (I think it's in my Stumbles somewhere)
Interestingly,Andreessen was impressed with Obama's understanding of Internet trends and ramifications.
But, does he have "The Right Stuff" to lead?

[Christopher]

I was thinking about the South American, Russian, and Non-English Speaking EU markets ... markets we've generally ignored as a nation. These times are great opportunity to get a foothold in non-english social sites. People in other countries have been heavy users of social sites before it started showing up in newspapers.

The way I see it going, is that emerging markets are going to have a surge in economic activity (despite slowdowns from worldwide "recession" effects). I think the smart money is going to go into investing in telecommunications. That means more internet access.

If lack of capital is a problem ... tell them to call me! That means more clients for my creative problem solving superpowers!