Why You Can't Make a Living in Social Media

A Puppet's Ramblings - from Chip Martin, Mannequin American Marketer

You Can't make a Living in Social Media

You heard it here folks. This is not exactly what all the social media zealots out there would have you believe. Via Steve Tobak: Granted, all companies monitor social media, but 82 percent of them are primarily searching for competitive intelligence, according to a Forrester Research survey.

As for all the social media marketers and entrepreneurs who think they've really got something big going on, that's just wishful thinking. Check out what Michael Crosson, founder of LinkedIn's 250,000-member Social Media Marketing group, had to say in an email on the subject:

"Social media as a business itself is essentially a B2B service. If it is not used for a commercial purpose, then it is not generating revenue and therefore not a viable alternative form of employment. There are a limited number of people who are doing very well...but the average citizen would have a hard time of making a living at it."

Crosson should know. As the founder and moderator of one of LinkedIn's (LNKD) biggest groups, the man doesn't get paid a penny for his nearly fulltime efforts, a practice he believes is industry-wide.

The Next Revolution in Beauty ... FotoShop

TEST

Fotoshop by Adobé from Jesse Rosten on Vimeo.

Okay, if you want to be entertained while learning how and why the models in all those ads always look so perfect, click here.

When this spoof asked, "Why eat healthy and exercise when you can just look like you do?" I said: "Exactly!"

In a very tongue-in-cheek way, you can learn how to transform your looks the way celebrities do! Particularly amusing are the promises to give you "lashes that never end" and learning how to "adjust your race."

Slapstick and Yoda ... Marketing Doesn't Get Much Better Than That

That's Brisk Baby! Click here to see a pretty darn funny commercial for Brisk that ties into the new 3-D Star Wars movie. Really, it's funny.

P.O.P Fail of the Day

"The iFloat Unlocked Mobile Phone is the world's first mobile phone to float on water," says Dick Smith. I think the product needs more testing.

How Many Bunnies Does it Take to Make a Rabbit?

Every ad guy's fantasy photo shoot, above, for a Playboy ad.

Inspirational Billboard

The company that does this "Pass It On" campaign is called The Foundation for a Better Life, and they're celebrating their 10th anniversary by bringing back one of their most inspirational (not to mention sensational and Muppetational) ads.

The ads have been spotted at a few bus stops and pay phones in Manhattan. Look for them in your neighborhood!

Bret McKenzie and Kermit Sing "Life's a Happy Song"

Just because I like Kermit. Click here or on the link above to see and hear "Life's a Happy Song."