It would appear that social media appears to be gathering a critical mass when it comes to small business marketing.  While this report seems to be addressing the more virtually engaged members of the small business community, it definitely is a trend on the upswing.

I am interested in some examples of businesses successfully utilizing social media.  Does anybody have any example of small or medium sized businesses that they interact with through social media?

Has your interaction increased your patronage?

Has their presence provided any value to you as a consumer?

2.  How we start and do business

3.  How we meet and stay in touch with people

4.  What we reveal

5.  What we can influence

I found it difficult to add to the authors analysis.  I believe social media has, and will continue to shape how we relate to each other as friends, acquaintances, consumers, and as voters.

In summary the author points out...

"As the networks for sharing and amplifying information strengthen, the ability of each person to influence public opinion and policies increases. As a result, we feel much less like passive bystanders and much more like participants who have a voice in the events in our world."

As more people adopt social media, whether it be though a blog or a network like Facebook, I believe that we will continue to witness the phenomenon of how the tools that we make truly do shape us.