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How Social Media Influences

by David Finch · July 10, 200958 comments

David Finch

David Finch

OK, I admit, social media has influenced me. I can’t recall the last time I purchased something because of an advertisement I’ve seen or heard. Every decision seems to be influenced by conversations I’ve had or overheard from social media channels.

Think about how social media has influenced you. What was your last purchase? How about the last new restaurant you ate at? What was the last thing you read? What was the last electronic gadget you bought? Have you purchased a car recently? If you think about it long enough you agree that most things you do and buy have been influenced by conversations you’ve had both offline and online.

While on vacation last week, I began to take note of the things I was using that I have been influenced by because of social media. I thought I would share my list with you, as well as who brought it on my radar.

iPhone Apps:
BrightKite – Brightkite is a location-based social network. In real time you can see where your friends are and what they’re up to. (@chrisbrogan)
Loopt – Loopt shows you who’s around, where to go and what to do. (@geoffliving)
Gypsii - Gypsii allows you to create places, locate people, explore the world around you. (@jasonfalls)
iTalk – iTalk allows you to turn your iPhone into a high quality-recording device. (@cc_chapman)

Tools:
Feedly – Feedly takes the content from your Google Reader and weaves it into a magazine style start page. (@hallicious)
Seesmic Desktop – Seesmic Desktop is an application that allows you to follow and converse with your Twitter and Facebook friends all in one place. (@loic)
Friendfeed – FriendFeed enables you to discover and discuss the interesting content your friends find on the web. (@scobleizer)

Gadgets:
iPhone 3G S – Do I really need a description?? It’s the ultimate phone on the market.
Kindle 2 – Amazon’s wireless reading device that allows me to read books, blogs, magazines and newspapers all from one portable device.

Books:
The Power of Less by Leo Babauta – The Power of Less is a blueprint for taking our lives back from the clutter, noise, and unnecessary work that fills a modern day. (@jasonfalls)
Ignore Everybody by Hugh MacLeod – Ignore Everybody takes you through the process of how new ideas emerge in a cynical, risk-averse world? Where does inspiration come from? What does it take to make a living as a creative person?
Emergency: This Book Will Save Your Life by Neil Strauss - Amazon describes this book as, “It’s one man’s story of a dangerous world-and how to stay alive in it.” (@justinlevy)

It’s pretty amazing when you begin to make a list of the things around you that you began to see the effectiveness conversations and social media can have.

Where have you been influenced? What tools, books, gadgets, applications, food, conferences etc has social media been influential to you? What brand has influenced you because of their involvement in social media?

Leave a comment… You could influence me!

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About David Finch

David Finch

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Tagged as: Brightkite, Facebook, FriendFeed, Google reader, iPhone 3G, Seesmic, Twitter

Comments & Reactions

Comments Policy

Comments on Social Media Explorer are open to anyone. However, I will remove any comment that is disrespectful and not in the spirit of intelligent discourse. You are welcome to leave links to content relevant to the conversation, but I reserve the right to remove it if I don't see the relevancy. Be nice, have fun. Fair?

  • http://www.laurenceborel.com blogtillyoudrop

    I saw Coraline at the cinema because of the social media campaign orchestrated by Wieden + Kennedy. Influencers' blog posts made me what to find out more about the movie, but the icing on the cake was this video: http://bit.ly/YuzYq

    And I also always use Travel Advisor to book hotels abroad and I've never been dissapointed! ;)

  • http://www.laurenceborel.com blogtillyoudrop

    I saw Coraline at the cinema because of the social media campaign orchestrated by Wieden + Kennedy. Influencers' blog posts made me what to find out more about the movie, but the icing on the cake was this video: http://bit.ly/YuzYq

    And I also always use Travel Advisor to book hotels abroad and I've never been dissapointed! ;)

  • http://www.laurenceborel.com blogtillyoudrop

    I saw Coraline at the cinema because of the social media campaign orchestrated by Wieden + Kennedy. Influencers' blog posts made me what to find out more about the movie, but the icing on the cake was this video: http://bit.ly/YuzYq

    And I also always use Travel Advisor to book hotels abroad and I've never been dissapointed! ;)

  • http://www.laurenceborel.com blogtillyoudrop

    I saw Coraline at the cinema because of the social media campaign orchestrated by Wieden + Kennedy. Influencers' blog posts made me what to find out more about the movie, but the icing on the cake was this video: http://bit.ly/YuzYq

    And I also always use Travel Advisor to book hotels abroad and I've never been dissapointed! ;)

  • http://www.twitter.com/steve_dodd Steve Dodd

    What's really interesting is that so many people don't even know what Social Media is, let alone even knowing how it is influencing them. I know people as an example, who are huge users of travel sites for trip planning. When you mention the term “Social Media”, they have no clue. Once you explain it in a context they can relate to, the understanding is instant any they usually come up with so many more examples they use regularly.
    This is likely what is wrong with most usage stats, the “Real” consumer isn't even aware of this although likely uses it every day.

  • http://www.twitter.com/steve_dodd Steve Dodd

    What's really interesting is that so many people don't even know what Social Media is, let alone even knowing how it is influencing them. I know people as an example, who are huge users of travel sites for trip planning. When you mention the term “Social Media”, they have no clue. Once you explain it in a context they can relate to, the understanding is instant any they usually come up with so many more examples they use regularly.
    This is likely what is wrong with most usage stats, the “Real” consumer isn't even aware of this although likely uses it every day.

  • http://www.twitter.com/steve_dodd Steve Dodd

    What's really interesting is that so many people don't even know what Social Media is, let alone even knowing how it is influencing them. I know people as an example, who are huge users of travel sites for trip planning. When you mention the term “Social Media”, they have no clue. Once you explain it in a context they can relate to, the understanding is instant any they usually come up with so many more examples they use regularly.
    This is likely what is wrong with most usage stats, the “Real” consumer isn't even aware of this although likely uses it every day.

  • http://www.twitter.com/steve_dodd Steve Dodd

    What's really interesting is that so many people don't even know what Social Media is, let alone even knowing how it is influencing them. I know people as an example, who are huge users of travel sites for trip planning. When you mention the term “Social Media”, they have no clue. Once you explain it in a context they can relate to, the understanding is instant any they usually come up with so many more examples they use regularly.
    This is likely what is wrong with most usage stats, the “Real” consumer isn't even aware of this although likely uses it every day.

  • http://twitter.com/rebecatrautner Rebeca Trautner

    SoBe (@sobeworld) has made a fan out of me by directly engaging with me on Twitter – they found me by monitoring chatter during the Superbowl, and continue to be more responsive than some people I know offline! My appreciation for their efforts grew, and I gave their 0 calorie Lifewater beverages a try. Turns out I liked them a whole lot more than others I had tried. Complete and total WIN.

  • http://twitter.com/rebecatrautner Rebeca Trautner

    SoBe (@sobeworld) has made a fan out of me by directly engaging with me on Twitter – they found me by monitoring chatter during the Superbowl, and continue to be more responsive than some people I know offline! My appreciation for their efforts grew, and I gave their 0 calorie Lifewater beverages a try. Turns out I liked them a whole lot more than others I had tried. Complete and total WIN.

  • http://twitter.com/rebecatrautner Rebeca Trautner

    SoBe (@sobeworld) has made a fan out of me by directly engaging with me on Twitter – they found me by monitoring chatter during the Superbowl, and continue to be more responsive than some people I know offline! My appreciation for their efforts grew, and I gave their 0 calorie Lifewater beverages a try. Turns out I liked them a whole lot more than others I had tried. Complete and total WIN.

  • http://twitter.com/rebecatrautner Rebeca Trautner

    SoBe (@sobeworld) has made a fan out of me by directly engaging with me on Twitter – they found me by monitoring chatter during the Superbowl, and continue to be more responsive than some people I know offline! My appreciation for their efforts grew, and I gave their 0 calorie Lifewater beverages a try. Turns out I liked them a whole lot more than others I had tried. Complete and total WIN.

  • http://www.onebyonemedia.com Jim "Genuine" Turner

    David I thought I should let you know that Hugh is a MacLeod. I only know that because it too am a MacLeod on my mother's side. ;) He is one of my influencers as well.

  • http://www.onebyonemedia.com Jim "Genuine" Turner

    David I thought I should let you know that Hugh is a MacLeod. I only know that because it too am a MacLeod on my mother's side. ;) He is one of my influencers as well.

    Oh and I crowd sourced the purchase of my Blackberry Storm.

  • http://www.onebyonemedia.com Jim "Genuine" Turner

    David I thought I should let you know that Hugh is a MacLeod. I only know that because it too am a MacLeod on my mother's side. ;) He is one of my influencers as well.

    Oh and I crowd sourced the purchase of my Blackberry Storm.

  • http://www.onebyonemedia.com Jim "Genuine" Turner

    David I thought I should let you know that Hugh is a MacLeod. I only know that because it too am a MacLeod on my mother's side. ;) He is one of my influencers as well.

    Oh and I crowd sourced the purchase of my Blackberry Storm.

  • http://www.davidsfinch.com David Finch

    Thanks Jim!! It always help when you reference the author with the correct spelling of their name. :-)

  • http://www.davidsfinch.com David Finch

    Thanks Jim!! It always help when you reference the author with the correct spelling of their name. :-)

  • http://www.davidsfinch.com David Finch

    Thanks Jim!! It always help when you reference the author with the correct spelling of their name. :-)

  • http://www.davidsfinch.com David Finch

    Thanks Jim!! It always help when you reference the author with the correct spelling of their name. :-)

  • http://www.davidsfinch.com David Finch

    “This is likely what is wrong with most usage stats, the “Real” consumer isn't even aware of this although likely uses it every day.”

    Steve, you make a great point. It's not a strategy, or a tactic, or even a word they use, social media is just something they do.

  • http://www.davidsfinch.com David Finch

    “This is likely what is wrong with most usage stats, the “Real” consumer isn't even aware of this although likely uses it every day.”

    Steve, you make a great point. It's not a strategy, or a tactic, or even a word they use, social media is just something they do.

  • http://www.davidsfinch.com David Finch

    “This is likely what is wrong with most usage stats, the “Real” consumer isn't even aware of this although likely uses it every day.”

    Steve, you make a great point. It's not a strategy, or a tactic, or even a word they use, social media is just something they do.

  • http://www.davidsfinch.com David Finch

    “This is likely what is wrong with most usage stats, the “Real” consumer isn't even aware of this although likely uses it every day.”

    Steve, you make a great point. It's not a strategy, or a tactic, or even a word they use, social media is just something they do.

  • huangqin
  • http://www.davidsfinch.com David Finch

    huangqin, is there any other link to the UGG affiliate your forgot? Your more than welcome to comment and share you story, however spamming the comment section is unacceptable!!

  • http://www.insurance20.co.uk/ Ambarish Mitra

    Social media does influence us in many of our day to day purchases. Reviews influences most of our purchases. Amazon product review, toptable restaurant reviews and ratings by users; isango.com travel experience reviews.

  • http://www.insurance20.co.uk/ Ambarish Mitra

    Social media does influence us in many of our day to day purchases. Reviews influences most of our purchases. Amazon product review, toptable restaurant reviews and ratings by users; isango.com travel experience reviews.

  • http://www.insurance20.co.uk/ Ambarish Mitra

    Social media does influence us in many of our day to day purchases. Reviews influences most of our purchases. Amazon product review, toptable restaurant reviews and ratings by users; isango.com travel experience reviews.

  • http://www.insurance20.co.uk/ Ambarish Mitra

    Social media does influence us in many of our day to day purchases. Reviews influences most of our purchases. Amazon product review, toptable restaurant reviews and ratings by users; isango.com travel experience reviews.

  • http://www.twitter.com/steve_dodd Steve Dodd

    I know, that's why I continually challenge all the stats (including the recent twitter report) because the right questions aren't being asked. I'd like to see a quantifiable report done about consumers that starts to define what buying decisions are made due to online research and how much $$ was involved. Then and only then will we truly understand the purchase influence power of our industry. The surveys are all designed by industry practitioners who assume the normal consumer understands (or cares about) what they are talking about.

  • http://www.twitter.com/steve_dodd Steve Dodd

    I know, that's why I continually challenge all the stats (including the recent twitter report) because the right questions aren't being asked. I'd like to see a quantifiable report done about consumers that starts to define what buying decisions are made due to online research and how much $$ was involved. Then and only then will we truly understand the purchase influence power of our industry. The surveys are all designed by industry practitioners who assume the normal consumer understands (or cares about) what they are talking about.

  • http://www.twitter.com/steve_dodd Steve Dodd

    I know, that's why I continually challenge all the stats (including the recent twitter report) because the right questions aren't being asked. I'd like to see a quantifiable report done about consumers that starts to define what buying decisions are made due to online research and how much $$ was involved. Then and only then will we truly understand the purchase influence power of our industry. The surveys are all designed by industry practitioners who assume the normal consumer understands (or cares about) what they are talking about.

  • http://www.twitter.com/steve_dodd Steve Dodd

    I know, that's why I continually challenge all the stats (including the recent twitter report) because the right questions aren't being asked. I'd like to see a quantifiable report done about consumers that starts to define what buying decisions are made due to online research and how much $$ was involved. Then and only then will we truly understand the purchase influence power of our industry. The surveys are all designed by industry practitioners who assume the normal consumer understands (or cares about) what they are talking about.

  • http://jv2.com/ Rachael

    Interesting commentary. I hadn't considered to what extent social media had personally influenced me. Thank you for the informative list.

    http://jv2.com

  • http://jv2.com/ Rachael

    Interesting commentary. I hadn't considered to what extent social media had personally influenced me. Thank you for the informative list.

    http://jv2.com

  • http://jv2.com/ Rachael

    Interesting commentary. I hadn't considered to what extent social media had personally influenced me. Thank you for the informative list.

    http://jv2.com

  • http://jv2.com/ Rachael

    Interesting commentary. I hadn't considered to what extent social media had personally influenced me. Thank you for the informative list.

    http://jv2.com

  • http://www.arabian-affiliate.com/ nancy

    How can you free time time for social media

  • http://www.arabian-affiliate.com/ nancy

    How can you free time time for social media

  • http://www.arabian-affiliate.com/ nancy

    How can you free time time for social media

  • steven

    Social media dose influence us. I see it happen every day!

    Using Twitter to make cash? Easy check out http://bit.ly/Twittercash

    How I got $12,000 in 30 Days and a steady $5,000 a month income – http://earncashfromgoogle.com/adsense/how-i-got…

  • steven

    Social media dose influence us. I see it happen every day!

    Using Twitter to make cash? Easy check out http://bit.ly/Twittercash

    How I got $12,000 in 30 Days and a steady $5,000 a month income – http://earncashfromgoogle.com/adsense/how-i-got…

  • steven

    Social media dose influence us. I see it happen every day!

    Using Twitter to make cash? Easy check out http://bit.ly/Twittercash

    How I got $12,000 in 30 Days and a steady $5,000 a month income – http://earncashfromgoogle.com/adsense/how-i-got…

  • steven

    Social media dose influence us. I see it happen every day!

    Using Twitter to make cash? Easy check out http://bit.ly/Twittercash

    How I got $12,000 in 30 Days and a steady $5,000 a month income – http://earncashfromgoogle.com/adsense/how-i-got…

  • huangqin
  • http://ryanstephensmarketing.com/blog/ ryanstephens

    Sounds like we have similar reading lists. I've been anxious to get my hand on Power of Less for awhile now, and I've read both Emergency and Ignore Everybody in the last month. I enjoy virtually everything by Neil Strauss, but wasn't a HUGE fan of Emergency. I was; however, a big fan of Hugh's book, which I reviewed on my blog. Great read, one I'll definitely re-visit.

    r

  • http://ryanstephensmarketing.com/blog/ ryanstephens

    Sounds like we have similar reading lists. I've been anxious to get my hand on Power of Less for awhile now, and I've read both Emergency and Ignore Everybody in the last month. I enjoy virtually everything by Neil Strauss, but wasn't a HUGE fan of Emergency. I was; however, a big fan of Hugh's book, which I reviewed on my blog. Great read, one I'll definitely re-visit.

    r

  • http://ryanstephensmarketing.com/blog/ ryanstephens

    Sounds like we have similar reading lists. I've been anxious to get my hand on Power of Less for awhile now, and I've read both Emergency and Ignore Everybody in the last month. I enjoy virtually everything by Neil Strauss, but wasn't a HUGE fan of Emergency. I was; however, a big fan of Hugh's book, which I reviewed on my blog. Great read, one I'll definitely re-visit.

    r

  • http://socialmediaexplorer.com JasonFalls

    Hey Nancy. You just have to assess your priorities. Social media is often about interacting with your customers. That puts it pretty high on the list for most people. Obviously, there's a matter of scale to consider, but the bigger the company, the more able you are to handle. Thanks for the question.

  • http://socialmediaexplorer.com JasonFalls

    Hey Nancy. You just have to assess your priorities. Social media is often about interacting with your customers. That puts it pretty high on the list for most people. Obviously, there's a matter of scale to consider, but the bigger the company, the more able you are to handle. Thanks for the question.

  • http://socialmediaexplorer.com JasonFalls

    Hey Nancy. You just have to assess your priorities. Social media is often about interacting with your customers. That puts it pretty high on the list for most people. Obviously, there's a matter of scale to consider, but the bigger the company, the more able you are to handle. Thanks for the question.

  • nbconley

    As we all know, location-based social networking is in its infancy. As more players enter the space, it will become more important to show differentiation to end-users, and perhaps more importantly, to businesses. That’s why Abaq.us is focused on delivering GeoWeb Services that provide individuals and businesses with an advanced software as a service (SaaS) infrastructure that enables them to launch or enable their own geo-centric online community. The Abaq.us platform provides the ability to store, visualize, analyze, and utilize data from a variety of GPS-enabled mobile devices across a variety of web 2.0 applications.

  • nbconley

    As we all know, location-based social networking is in its infancy. As more players enter the space, it will become more important to show differentiation to end-users, and perhaps more importantly, to businesses. That’s why Abaq.us is focused on delivering GeoWeb Services that provide individuals and businesses with an advanced software as a service (SaaS) infrastructure that enables them to launch or enable their own geo-centric online community. The Abaq.us platform provides the ability to store, visualize, analyze, and utilize data from a variety of GPS-enabled mobile devices across a variety of web 2.0 applications.

  • nbconley

    As we all know, location-based social networking is in its infancy. As more players enter the space, it will become more important to show differentiation to end-users, and perhaps more importantly, to businesses. That’s why Abaq.us is focused on delivering GeoWeb Services that provide individuals and businesses with an advanced software as a service (SaaS) infrastructure that enables them to launch or enable their own geo-centric online community. The Abaq.us platform provides the ability to store, visualize, analyze, and utilize data from a variety of GPS-enabled mobile devices across a variety of web 2.0 applications.

  • Marcy

    Oh boy do I know what you're talking about! My live ALMOST revolves around social media. I hardly watch tv anymore just because I can watch a show online, get in touch with friends/prospects as well as do my job online. I somewhat rely on what people have to say about a certain movie or a certain restaurant before I actually go there. :) )

  • andylim

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    href=”http://www.modeshoe.com/”>New Balance Shoes,Asics Shoes,Converse Shoes.

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  • http://dukky.com/blog/2009/11/how-social-media-influences/ How Social Media Influences | DUKKY – Our target is 100% redemption.

    [...] Note: Today’s post was written by David Finch and originally published on the Social Media Explorer blog.  It is reprinted here with [...]

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