Jason Alba is the author of I’m On LinkedIn, Now What???, a popular primer on how to get the most out of LinkedIn, the powerful online networking site with over 32 million members that can help you cultivate business connections and opportunities.

The Internet plays an increasing role in consumer purchasing decisions. Whether you sell products or services, online findability must factor into your marketing mix. Findability addresses the question, “When potential customers seek your product or service, do they find you, or your competitor?”

Twenty years ago, people turned to the Yellow Pages to find local businesses or Consumer Reports to explore which television they should buy. Now, it’s both faster and easier to do the same research online. This affects everyone, no matter what your business, and has huge implications for all industries and professions.

(The following has been adapted from the Get Slightly Famous Podcast Series)

Paul Gillin is a writer, speaker and online marketing consultant specializing in social media and the application of personal publishing to brand awareness and business marketing.

Paul is a veteran technology journalist with more than twenty-five years of editorial leadership experience. His book, The New Influencers, was published in 2007, and his latest book, Secrets of Social Media Marketing, was published in the fall of 2008.

Andy Beal is co-author of Radically Transparent: Monitoring and Managing Reputations Online. In this interview, Beal draws from his experience as an Internet marketing consultant specializing in online reputation management, illustrating the growing importance of online reputation for all businesses, and the role of company reputation in overall marketing program.

I don't know about you, but as a b-to-b marketer who focuses on telesprospecting and lead nurturing, even I'm a bit overwhelmed by the fervor around social media marketing.

Don't get me wrong. I've blogged for five years, and I've been Twittered, LinkedIn, Facebooked—and I'm waiting to be Pownced. But I think all these activities specifically in terms of lead generation can be “mis-leading” us to think that the amount of time we spend connecting virtually translates into successful lead nurturing and boosted sales.

Blogs have passed their fad stage and are now accepted as serious business tools, but far too many people have entirely the wrong idea about making money blogging. Making money because you blog is a much more common than making money from blogging.much
more common than making money from blogging.

Like the Industrial Age, the Conversation Age (often referred to as Web 2.0) requires businesses to change and recognize that the status quo is unproductive and unacceptable. If your company is to remain competitive, increase market share and grow its business, the time to reinvent yourself is now. That means it's time to invest in social media, specifically blogging, and add it to your marketing and branding toolbox.

As a coach and consultant working with all kinds or entrepreneurs wanting to grow their businesses, I am always looking, always studying, always paying attention to what creates success beyond basic business acumen.

What is it that makes one financial planner, professional organizer or image consultant successful, and another of equal talent struggle? I have noticed one significant principle that I am compelled to shout out loud. I sincerely believe it is the barrier between having a good business and having a phenomenal business. Take a look at yourself as you read on.

There’s a quiet revolution going on in the world of business. A 2005 survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported that 81% of business executives believe that “corporate citizenship” should be a priority, and 75% report their businesses are actively involved in bettering their communities. In a 2006 survey of MBA students by Net Impact, 81% thought businesses should work toward the betterment of society.

Is there such a thing as practical podcasting? Enter Tom Webb of F & H Solutions Group. After taking part in the podcast, he used his appearance to open doors to new business for his company, calling attention to his appearance to position himself as a recognized expert in his industry.