The social media revolution is well and truly upon us, but some small business owners are still struggling with integrating these tools into their marketing and sales campaigns.
Social media marketing firm iContact polled more than 1,000 small business owners on how they used and rated Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ and Groupon. Facebook led all platforms by approval, but one in four of the businesses surveyed don?t use social media at all.
Feelings across the different social networks was mixed, and heavily dependent on the industry of the business that was polled.
Facebook was the most highly-rated of all the social platforms, with a 75 percent approval rating. Businesses in the travel and tourism industry rated Facebook at 90 percent
LinkedIn ranked second, with 63 percent of all the businesses rating it favorably (84 percent of businesses with annual revenues of more than $25 million liked LinkedIn)
Twitter fared less well, with just 56 percent giving the platform a favorable rating. Twitter scored best amongst businesses involved in government and politics, with almost an 80 percent approval rating
Google+ rated 48 percent, and Groupon just 30 percent
?It?s not surprising that there are a few staunch holdouts, but the social revolution is here, and three-fourths of our respondents find tremendous value in it,? said Ryan Allis, CEO of iContact. ?We?ve seen email marketing make an incredible impact on our customers? businesses, and social media is growing so quickly it may soon eclipse email audiences, giving small businesses the power to sell and market their services in new, affordable and viral ways.?
Sometimes I think the euro zone debt crisis is like watching a remake of the Bill Murray classic Groundhog Day, with the screenplay written by Financial Times correspondents. I wake up and read the news coming from Europe: worries mount about a Greek default, contagion spreads across the continent, the euro zone leaders are lost in befuddled bickering, and then a new pact to fix the problems emerges, hailed as historic. Then I get up the next day to find we're in exactly the same place we were before, with the cycle just repeating itself. Again and again. The only difference is that Groundhog Day made me laugh. The euro crisis version makes me want to cry.
So today, again, we find ourselves with yet another supposedly historic agreement, the one that will finally, really, once-and-for-all put an end the debt crisis, the most dangerous threat to global financial stability today. But is this the big one? Or will I wake up tomorrow listening to the same euro zone version of "I Got You Babe," sung by Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel? (See pictures of the global financial crisis.)
This latest pact, reached after all-night, hard-fought negotiations Thursday morning, is still short on details and has a long way to go before it can be called actual policy. But looking at the general outlines, I see some good aspects, some bad, and some truly ugly.
First, the good. The euro zone is finally getting real. Its leaders had been in denial that far greater and more comprehensive measures were necessary to quell the crisis, but this agreement shows they're waking up to reality. Everyone knew Europe's banks needed to be repaired; now, finally, we have a plan to recapitalize them. Everyone knew Greece needed a more drastic debt restructuring; now we have a bigger bailout (130 billion euros, or $180 billion) with a bigger reduction of debt. Everyone knew the euro zone's bailout fund, the European Financial Stability Facility, or EFSF, was too small to fight contagion; now we have a deal to increase the fund's capabilities by using it to guarantee private bondholders against losses on sovereign debt purchases. These are all important ? in fact, crucial ? steps to tackling the debt crisis, and Europe's leaders should get kudos for taking them. (Read: "Euro Zone Strikes a Deal With Lots of Promise But Few Details")
But then there's the bad: As has been the custom, the plan is ultimately no more than a politically determined collection of half-measures. With voters at home turning more and more sour on euro bailouts, the zone's leadership has attempted to tackle the crisis with hardly any new money being put on the table. And, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. The bank recapitalization plan calls for banks to raise 106 billion euros ($150 billion) in fresh capital. But that's about half what private estimates say is necessary, so it's unlikely to be a final cure for Europe's banking woes. Nor is it clear what role European governments will play in providing that capital. On the expansion of the EFSF, the deal is aimed at giving the fund more firepower without adding any more ammunition. The actual size of the fund will remain the same; after the Greek bailout, no one is sure how much may actually be left. And as to that second bailout, Greece's situation will improve due to the 50% haircut being imposed on private bondholders. (Yes, imposed. Let's not kid ourselves that this debt restructuring is "voluntary." No one "voluntarily" loses half their money.) But Greece will still be stuck with a dangerously high debt burden. The new deal will lower its government debt to GDP ratio to a still-lofty 120% ? by the end of the decade. And even that estimate is based on unrealistic assumptions ? that Greece can close its budget gap with its economy in free fall, or raise tens of billions in a privatization program that has yet to get off the ground. So my guess is that this deal resolves none of the major issues. The Greek debt crisis will continue; the banking crisis will continue; and Europe still hasn't put its money where its rhetoric is.
And now the ugly. The deal includes a proposal to tap China and other cash-rich emerging markets to participate in bolstering the EFSF, possibly through the IMF. French President Sarkozy is expected to phone Chinese President Hu Jintao to woo him into the scheme. This whole idea is truly pathetic. If I were Hu, I'd be insulted. The euro zone leaders are unwilling to spend more to solve their own debt crisis, so they think the Chinese are gullible enough to put in their savings? I don't think so. If Sarkozy called you up and asked for your paycheck to bailout Italy, would you give it to him? China is not a global ATM machine, or a charitable organization. In the end, China will invest its money as any other financier would ? in ways that increase its return and preserve its wealth. Perhaps the Chinese can be bribed into cooperating ? a notion has been floating about that Europe would promise Beijing more voting rights at the IMF. But even if China throws Europe a bone to boost its political influence in the region (or to gloat that the Europeans have come begging), the euro zone needs hundreds of billions of dollars, perhaps even trillions. They're not getting that from China. (See why it's make-up or break-up time for the euro zone.)
So in the end, this historic agreement will likely get dumped in the dustbin of history like all of the other historic agreements. So the same cycle will repeat itself again. We'll probably be talking about a new grand agreement to halt the debt crisis by early next year. I guess it could be worse. I could be the groundhog.
Study finds specific gene linked to cold sore susceptibilityPublic release date: 28-Oct-2011 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: John Heys jheys@idsociety.org 703-299-0412 Infectious Diseases Society of America
Investigators have identified a human chromosome containing a specific gene associated with susceptibility to herpes simplex labialis (HSL), the common cold sore. Published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases and now available online, the study looks at how several genes may affect the severity of symptoms and frequency of this common infection. The findings, if confirmed, could have implications for the development of new drugs to treat outbreaks.
HSL outbreaks, or cold sores, are skin infections that appear with the reactivation of herpes simplex virus, a virus that infects 70 percent of the U.S. population. Cold sore outbreaks vary in frequency and severity; some people may experience symptoms rarely, only once every 5 to 10 years, while others may experience them once a month or even more frequently. In addition to investigating environmental activating factors (e.g., sunlight) that may play a role in outbreaks, researchers for some time have been looking at the possible role of genetic factors in virus susceptibility and activation.
This study, led by John D. Kriesel, MD, and colleagues from the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City and the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, follows previous studies identifying a region of chromosome 21 as a base for genes possibly linked to cold sore outbreaks. To identify which of six possible genes in this region were associated with the frequency of outbreaks, this latest study used single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping in genome-wide, family-based linkage studies of 618 people from 43 large families. The investigators found a positive link between the frequency of outbreaks, hereditability, and the presence of a specific gene, C21orf91, on chromosome 21.
"While these findings await confirmation in a larger, unrelated population," the study authors note, "these findings could have important implications for the development of new drugs that affect determinants of the cold sore phenotype."
In an accompanying editorial, Anthony L. Cunningham, MD, and David Booth, MD, of the Centre for Virus Research and the Institute of Immunology and Allergy Research at Westmead Millennium Institute and the University of Sydney in Australia, note that if the findings regarding the C21orf91 gene are confirmed, additional research may then begin to determine possible therapeutic applications and whether the same gene also plays a role in recurring genital herpes.
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Founded in 1904, the Journal of Infectious Diseases is the premier publication in the Western Hemisphere for original research on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases; on the microbes that cause them; and on disorders of host immune mechanisms. Articles in JID include research results from microbiology, immunology, epidemiology, and related disciplines. JID is published under the auspices of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Based in Arlington, Va., IDSA is a professional society representing more than 9,000 physicians and scientists who specialize in infectious diseases. For more information, visit http://www.idsociety.org.
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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
Study finds specific gene linked to cold sore susceptibilityPublic release date: 28-Oct-2011 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: John Heys jheys@idsociety.org 703-299-0412 Infectious Diseases Society of America
Investigators have identified a human chromosome containing a specific gene associated with susceptibility to herpes simplex labialis (HSL), the common cold sore. Published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases and now available online, the study looks at how several genes may affect the severity of symptoms and frequency of this common infection. The findings, if confirmed, could have implications for the development of new drugs to treat outbreaks.
HSL outbreaks, or cold sores, are skin infections that appear with the reactivation of herpes simplex virus, a virus that infects 70 percent of the U.S. population. Cold sore outbreaks vary in frequency and severity; some people may experience symptoms rarely, only once every 5 to 10 years, while others may experience them once a month or even more frequently. In addition to investigating environmental activating factors (e.g., sunlight) that may play a role in outbreaks, researchers for some time have been looking at the possible role of genetic factors in virus susceptibility and activation.
This study, led by John D. Kriesel, MD, and colleagues from the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City and the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, follows previous studies identifying a region of chromosome 21 as a base for genes possibly linked to cold sore outbreaks. To identify which of six possible genes in this region were associated with the frequency of outbreaks, this latest study used single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping in genome-wide, family-based linkage studies of 618 people from 43 large families. The investigators found a positive link between the frequency of outbreaks, hereditability, and the presence of a specific gene, C21orf91, on chromosome 21.
"While these findings await confirmation in a larger, unrelated population," the study authors note, "these findings could have important implications for the development of new drugs that affect determinants of the cold sore phenotype."
In an accompanying editorial, Anthony L. Cunningham, MD, and David Booth, MD, of the Centre for Virus Research and the Institute of Immunology and Allergy Research at Westmead Millennium Institute and the University of Sydney in Australia, note that if the findings regarding the C21orf91 gene are confirmed, additional research may then begin to determine possible therapeutic applications and whether the same gene also plays a role in recurring genital herpes.
###
Founded in 1904, the Journal of Infectious Diseases is the premier publication in the Western Hemisphere for original research on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases; on the microbes that cause them; and on disorders of host immune mechanisms. Articles in JID include research results from microbiology, immunology, epidemiology, and related disciplines. JID is published under the auspices of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Based in Arlington, Va., IDSA is a professional society representing more than 9,000 physicians and scientists who specialize in infectious diseases. For more information, visit http://www.idsociety.org.
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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
MOSCOW ? Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that export duties on Russian grain will increase if exporters sell more than 25 million tons during a 12-month period ending in July 2012.
Russia, a major grain exporter, is still recovering from a severe drought in the summer of 2010 when exports were banned in an effort to keep bread prices from skyrocketing. That ban helped drive up world grain prices.
The ban was lifted last July, and Putin said Tuesday the potential increase in export duties is designed to prevent a new surge in grain and bread prices within Russia.
Russia exported 21.4 million tons of grain in 2009. After decades of stagnation, Russian agriculture has seen an unprecedented boom in recent years, fueled by private investment and state subsidies.
Putin spoke while visiting a farm in the southern Stavropol region with President Dmitry Medvedev. They were shown on national TV driving two combine harvesters through fields of corn, then dumping the corn into a truck.
The two leaders have made several public appearances together since Medvedev announced last month that he would not run for another term but would support Putin in the March presidential vote. Putin had stepped down as president in 2008 because of term limits and chosen Medvedev to succeed him.
Putin said while meeting with farmers that Russian exporters were expected to ship up to 25 million tons in the 12 months ending in July 2012 and that Russia's government will levy the higher export duty if that amount is exceeded. He didn't say how much the duty would be raised.
"Exporters should hear me today and refrain from signing too many export contracts," he said.
Earlier, Putin's deputy, Viktor Zubkovm, said Russia has exported at least 11 million tons of grain since the ban was lifted and is expected to sell a total of 24 million tons by next July.
It's happened. I was hoping I'd never see this day, but, perhaps, it was inevitable. After all, I just turned 56. So, to celebrate, I went out for lunch with the gals. My post-50 friends. Which is when the unthinkable occurred. We started talking trash.
Trash, that is, about our ailments.
Roberta gave us an update on her diabetes, which has recently been exasperated by the stress of her mother's gall bladder issues. Alicia informed us that she is still out on disability leave ever since losing the feeling in her right hand. Meanwhile, Ann explained how she's up to her eyeballs with thyroid problems.
Gale regaled us with stories of her ongoing turmoil of living with shingles, which settled into her system just a few months after turning 60. Too bad her doctor didn't give her a heads up that she could do a preemptive strike, and get a vaccination for shingles upon reaching that milestone. And, this is on top of her recent diagnosis of arthritis in her left knee. But, if that wasn't enough, Gale reminded us of her recent colonoscopy, and how it went terribly awry and left her in so much pain -- not to mention an infection in her colon -- that she swears she'll never endure one again.
Our conversation went on and on like this, each one trumping the other until I wasn't sure who had it worse. With so many health woes being tossed around, I was pretty certain that the only way we could settle the score, once and for all, would be to head to the local cemetery, for a reality check.
Overwhelmed by all these calamities, I left my birthday lunch, feeling worse than when I woke up that morning with a crick in my neck and a cramp in my calf. Which led me to wonder, when exactly did we make the transition from talking about boys and shopping, to bragging about our children's accomplishments, to now whining about what ails us? Is this what is meant by "Sunrise, Sunset," the heart wrenching song from the Fiddler on the Roof musical? Or is this just par for the course? Nature's way of reminding us that the clock is ticking.
I remember in my college years, I'd listen to the moms and grandmothers of my friends talk about their health problems -- high cholesterol, high blood pressure, bad backs, bum knees, etc -- and swear that would never happen to me. And now, here I am, in my 50s, and, for better, for worse, I'm being sucked into a conversation I'm just not ready to embrace.
Perhaps, we need a reminder that we still have it. Like many baby boomers, I am not ready to declare myself a member of the over-the-hill gang. We're boomers, after all, and we were raised on a motto that we are, in the words of Rod Stewart, "forever young."
So the next time you're having lunch with friends, and find you need to talk about your sciatica, try to refrain. Remember, the key to feeling young is acting young. Notice how you don't see many 20-somethings discussing, ad nauseam, the plight of their health issues.
Now, I recognize that having such problems is inevitable. I, for one, am no spring chicken. All you have to do is look at my neck to know the awful truth. Like Nora Ephron, I, too, am feeling bad about my neck. But humans have a sell-by date, and the aging process comes with the territory. Not even fitness guru, Jack LaLanne could avoid it.
But, that doesn't mean we need to dwell on it when we get together with friends. I don't know about you, but I'd like to enjoy hanging out with my pals without having to wonder whether this will be the last time we see each other, thanks to the illnesses that seem to be chomping at the bit to do us in. I'd like to appreciate the good in our lives for as long as we can.
So, maybe I feel this way because I don't seem to have it as bad as some of my friends. But then again, my family practitioner did inform me that I need to watch my cholesterol, and my optometrist did schedule me for a glaucoma exam. Yet, you won't find me talking about this stuff with anyone but my physicians.
When I'm with friends, I'd like to still chat about movies we've seen, books we've read, our kids, the weather and, of course, the latest on Demi and Ashton, or Angelina and Brad.
But the clock is, indeed, ticking, and I'm bracing myself for the day when what ails me becomes the focus of my conversations. And, when that day comes, you have my full permission to plug your ears. Either that, or walk away. I'll take the hint.
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Follow Monica Medina on Twitter: www.twitter.com/monicastangled
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Public release date: 28-Oct-2011
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