Teens Don't Like Facebook

Is this title surprising to you? It's an interesting trend that social marketers have been in denial about for awhile. Although Facebook is still a prominent social platform and should be optimized, if your target audience is teens, ad spend needs to be heavily invested in other platforms teens actually like and use more frequently.

So what do these hard-to-crack teens like? Predominately Twitter followed closely by Instagram. An article by Jim Edwards of Business Insider (found here) details this teen trend. In the Fall of 2012, 42% of teens said Facebook was the most important social site, however, one year later only 23% of this same group said Facebook was important.

What does this mean for Facebook? Well, good thing they bought Instagram! Although the two platforms are not "connected' as of now, Facebook is able to reach some of the Facebook-disliking crowd through Instagram. But something noteworthy is that Instagram is currently still pre-revenue.

In addition, although teens are not Facebook fans per say, they are still using the platform. Most teens still maintain an account, but are not actively posting, contributing, and interacting. They simply use it as a supplement to Twitter and Instagram.

What platforms do you use? What do you think the future of Facebook looks like?

Thanks for reading!

-Lindsay

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Can Netflix and Cable be Friends?

The age we are in is proving difficult for cable companies. When services like Netflix first came out in 1997, cable companies and rental services snickered. But they wouldn't be laughing for long. Blockbuster is a prime example since Netflix is largely to blame (or credited) with their demise.

Since around 2009, Netflix has exploded, stealing many cable company's loyal customers. Currently, the service offers a one-time monthly fee (~$8) for access to their extensive library of TV shows and movies. People looking for inexpensive entertainment have loved this because it is economical, gives them plenty to watch, and allows streaming on up to 3 devices at once. Translation: you can split the $8/month between you and your roommates, friends, or family instead of paying $100+/month for cable.

But what is the future of Netflix and cable companies? According to this article released by John McDuling, Netflix put its own version of a "Netflix box" (like a cable box that allows you to stream Netflix on your TV) on hold due to talks of joining in with cable companies to become a default on the cable boxes. This is huge.

Although this could increase Netflix's customer base, it could further cannibalize cable sales. Netflix could easily steal these consumers once they realize the benefits of simple paying for Netflix and not cable. Additionally, I am interested to see what happens as more people are figuring out how to get around having a "box" and using things such as Apple TV or HDIM cords to stream online TV shows and movies.

Should Netflix partner with cable companies? What do you think the future will hold for both cable AND Netflix?

I guess only time will tell, but I will be interested to see how this battle plays out.

As always, thanks for reading!

-LC

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5 Leadership and Success Predictors

Leadership. One of the most sought after skills, yet being a “leader” is one of the hardest things to achieve and/or convey. Almost EVERY company asks you about your leadership experience or lists leadership as a job qualification.

But what makes a great leader? What marks you as “successful”? More specifically, how can you start building good leadership and success habits NOW?

Well you’re in luck! Because I found this great article outlining 5 great predictors of just this! Here are THE 5 things:

1. Getting connected to the right people.
2. Possessing adaptability and resilience.
3. Developing high emotional intelligence.
4. Targeting a clear outcome.
5. Making good decisions.

^Make sense, huh? I know in my personal experience with job-hunting that every company in some way, shape, or form asks about these 5 things. They want to know who I’m connected to (or they look on my LinkedIn...see previous post for LinkedIn tips), how I deal with adversity, my leadership style, etc.

I believe that all of these 5 “predictors of success” are great! But one that I highly stand behind is #3: developing high emotional intelligence. Although I may be young, one important lesson I have learned is that if you can develop a good sense of who you are and how to also read people, you can be successful. One of my favorite ways to gather emotional intelligence is by taking the StrengthsFinder test in conjunction with personality tests, such as the MBTI. These tests will help you learn more about yourself, as well as others.

All in all, it is important to look ahead. How will success and leadership be defined for you? Constantly evaluate this question and its impact on you.

Until next time,

Lindsay

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