Social Commerce

The word “virus” comes from Latin and indicates poison or other harmful substances. Many viruses are harmful to the human body, making us sick and in some cases killing us. “Virus” is also a term we use to indicate a malicious piece of software that has invaded our computers, making them run inefficiently or installing malware that can steal our personal information and give it to criminals who want to steal our identity. Interestingly, “virus” is also the term we use to indicate an internet meme or particularly cool and catchy piece of the web that gets passed along through email and social networks—like a virus.

The origins of Twitter reach back much further than its 2006 founding. In fact, they reach back further than the invention of the internet or the personal computer, all the way back to late 19^th century England where speakers began to use a small corner of Hyde Park, London, for public debate. It was called Speakers’ Corner, and anyone and everyone could haul a soapbox to that corner of the park, stand atop it, and speak about their views and opinions to anyone who was passing by. Interesting speakers drew crowds. Boring speakers talked to the pigeons. And the tradition continues today.

The articles in this series, titled “Social Success Stories”, explore social media successes by platforms and organizations.

Dell & Social Media: A Social Success Story

Shopping on social networks is barely in its infancy yet new reports expect social commerce sales to rise 6-fold by 2015 (Booz & Co., Feb 2011). With the sector poised to be a key revenue driver in the coming years, Facebook is ideally positioned as the dominant leader and there’s little reason for businesses to wait to tap into this new B2C channel.