Cenla 2.0

The term “Web 2.0” generally refers to current modifications and/or updates to the Web, where users share knowledge and collaborate their efforts.  Wiktionary defines Web 2.0 as “The second generation of the World Wide Web, especially the movement away from static web pages to dynamic and shareable content.” Examples of this would be Web Blogs, Flickr, Twitter, Face Book, etc. In these sites users participate in an activity such as sharing knowledge, making comments, etc.
 
In his book, What Would Google Do? (WWGD), Jeff Jarvis explains that “…The most successful enterprises today are networks—which extract as little value as possible so they can grow as big as possible—and the platforms on which those networks are built…Google is not a portal. It is a network and a platform.  Google thinks in distributed ways. It goes to the people. There are bits of Google spread all over the web…” (pgs 4-6)
 
In What Would Google Do, Jarvis does an excellent job of pointing out ways in which Google succeeded by “thinking outside the norm.”  If knowledge is power, then shared knowledge would be an exponentially graduated sum of that power.  Shared knowledge, especially among internet users, about a particular product or service, is an excellent way for a business to stand out from the multitude of others selling the same products and/or services.  The more information about your business users know and share, the greater exposure your business gets.
 
The question, therefore, is first, How does a business transfer information about goods and services to the Web? and second, but equally important, How does that business make sure that discussions from viewers and potential customers are beneficial to them?
 
Today, maintaining a Web presence is a necessity instead of a luxury for businesses.  Websites can:

1. Inform potential customers about your business, just like signs, ads in newspapers and telephone books do. Many people today search for products on the Internet prior to purchase. If your business is not visible to those customers, you lose the option for a potential sale
2. Provide driving information, telephone numbers, and a physical address for a business
3. Tell clients about products and/or services you offer. It also allows businesses the option to upload information on new products, specific sales events, etc. more quickly
4. Save businesses money. Not many firms staff twenty-four hours a day. The Web never sleeps—it can provide information about products and services every minute of every day. The same goes for advertising costs. It is much cheaper to update a website about product promotions and sales than it would be print sale circulars or brochures, or place newspaper ads.

 
Interactive blogs are another way businesses can achieve a web presence. Unlike websites, blogs are more personable. Blogs are normally written in the same vernacular in which people speak—their goal is to encourage discussions between you the business and customers. People learn about you and your business through blog topics and discussions. Are you an expert on a particular subject? If so, use your blog to tout your expertise. Smart, computer-savvy companies are building and branding their businesses via trust built with blog readers over a period of time in which the company proved its worth—which can and up to not only repeat, but loyal customers.
 
Depending on how you view it, Web 2.0 can be either your company’s worst enemy or its best friend. Smart companies are embracing Web 2.0 as a way to not only get information out about their products and services, but also as a vehicle in which they can build a loyal client base that contributes, through shared knowledge or product/service suggestions, to the long-term viability of that business.
 
Knowledge is power, and power lies in the hands of the people—people who now utilize the Web on a daily basis. 
 
 
References / Further Reading:
 
Why Should My Company Have A Website?
 
http://www.bizinformer.com/50226711/why_should_a_business_have_a_website.php
 
http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/5-21-2005-70293.asp
 
http://www.dot.jo/node/52
 
http://www.myownbusiness.org/videos/html/t_mix_t1.html
 
http://www.small-business-consultants.net/internet/QuestionsAnswers/why_should_have_website.htm
 
http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/strauss/2008-02-11-getting-a-website_N.htm
 
 
Why Should My Company Have A Blog?
 
 
http://www.askdavetaylor.com/should_business_blog_delete_critical_comments.html
 
http://www.askjim.biz/answers/advantages-of-a-blog_291.php
 
http://blogbusinesssummit.com/2008/02/why-should-every-business-have-a-blog.htm
 
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/smallbusiness/promotion/aware/aware-08.html
 
http://www.goodwebpractices.com/seo/why-your-business-website-should-have-a-blog.html
 
http://www.goodwebpractices.com/website-design/5-tips-how-to-write-a-good-business-blog.html
 
http://www.pronetadvertising.com/articles/should-your-business-have-a-blog.html
 
http://sbinfocanada.about.com/cs/blogarticles/f/whyblog.htm
 
http://thefuturebuzz.com/2008/06/30/10-reasons-your-small-business-should-have-a-blog/