It’s that time of year again. The time that we all get to sit back and reflect on the things that have made our lives a little better over the past year. The time when we can drop our guards and truly open up about what we’re thankful for in our lives.
This year has brought with it many things that social businesses should be thankful for. Here are just a few of them:
1. The Cloud
This was something we predicted a while back as something that would be important for Social CRM and Social Businesses this year. I never really had any doubt in it’s future, but it’s nice to see a prediction pan out.
Studies done this year showed that 82% of respondents say they upgraded to some sort of cloud software as a service (SaaS) option this year and 88% expecting to use it in the coming years. While no study completely articulates the voices of the masses, big numbers of companies are sidestepping the fears of security in cloud computing and taking the leap.
Not only are companies looking more and more into cloud computing, but personal use is skyrocketing as well, with companies like Dropbox reaching over 100 million users.
The lines between personal business and corporate business are blurring along with the lines of personal representation vs business representation online. We are able to connect more easily with more people on personal levels while at the same time, corporate communication systems like Social CRMs are accessible through quicker and more efficient means.
All Social Businesses should be thankful this year for the adoption of The Cloud.
2. Big Data
Big data is a term that’s been around for a while, but one that truly found it’s footing this year. Big data basically necessitates the use of a well-instituted Social CRM system in place and will continue to be an important factor in businesses for years to come.
With the amount of information we are able to pull in and the accuracy and speed at which it arrives, it’s nearly impossible to keep up without some sort of internal Social CRM digesting and organizing the info.
Social CRM firms, rejoice, the year of big data application has arrived and all Social Businesses beam from ear to ear as 2012 brought the gift of gigantic customer insights.
This is a trend that will be important in 2013 as well, but, like the trusty groundhog, it poked its head out in the cold of 2012 and decided to stay, making all social strategists and data pioneers celebrate.
3. Mobile
This is another one we predicted way back in March and were thrilled to see come to fruition. Just like with The Cloud, mobile usage reached new heights this year. Also, just like with The Cloud, it was totally based on ease and user experience.
Globally, the use of mobile technology has increased 145% since 2010. That’s a pretty big number, but it’s not that surprising when you think of all the advancements made in smartphone technology and the prolific introduction of tablets into our culture.
More and more mobile devices are created, bought and used each day and while this probably makes the C-suites at AT&T and Verizon cream their pants, it also puts a smile on the executives of Social Businesses’ faces too.
The more people that are using mobile devices means that more people are accessing data digitally, meaning more actions can be tracked and more big data can be collected.
It also means that more and more consumers are blurring the lines between how they act at work and how they act in social settings, making work AND social activity easier to track and theoretically predict.
These are the types of trends we, as marketers love to see, because they allow us deeper insights into the activities and thoughts of the people we’re trying to connect and market to. 2012 was a great year for insight and with the increase in mobile use, big data, and cloud usage, 2013 is looking like it’s going to be a good year for Social Business growth as well.
If you have questions or would like to make the transition and put the right tools in place, feel free to contact us and we’ll make sure you are set up and prepared for what’s to come.
Have you noticed any other trends this year that Social Businesses should be thankful for?
(Note, with Thursday being Thanksgiving, we won’t have a new post for you that day, but we will be posting one of Friday for you to read on your smartphones while out shopping or at home in your PJs.)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
| Get our latest posts straight to your inbox! |    |