Why did Facebook succeed (where MySpace failed)? What led an odd thing like Twitter to be so valuable? Why did LinkedIN beat entrenched careers sites? How did Groupon get so valuable, so quickly? The answer lies in how they created value first for their members–then leveraged this at scale to reward their investors.

MySpace, one of the original big social media players, is on the sales block for $50-$200 million. Groupon, founded years later, is now preparing a $15-BILLION IPO. What did Groupon do so differently to create 100x more value using social media?

Most designers of social media communities are “greedy”, requiring registration before showing visitors content. However, in this case greed is NOT good. (In fact it can cost you 60% or more of your potential market and ROI.)…

Communities only work when those you want to engage actually participate. This may sound obvious. However, many businesses forget to ensure that the communities they create area actually compelling and rewarding to their target audience. Here is an explanation why and some examples of business that remembered, “it was not just about themselves…”

Last week, I participated in a panel discussion at the Wharton School on the effects of social networks on technology and business strategy. Here is a wrap-up of what I heard…

On May 22, Steve Ennen, Managing Director, Wharton Interactive Media Initiative will be moderating a panel discussion on the business and strategy in the Age of Social Networks. Here is some food for thought to those planning to attend…