COMMUNITIES
Employees using social media: Empower & reward them–or risk fallout
We all know how important it is for a company’s culture to be in line with their main objectives. But where does social media fall into this? This article lays out the facts. If you plan on having a strong social media presence for your brand and company, it is important to encourage and empower employees to feel comfortable using these resources. The article encourages “HERO employees” who are described as “driven to succeed at work and shift pre-existing, unhealthy paradigms as needed to ensure success.” The article also encourages the shifting of unhealthy paradigms in order to move into the future.
TOOLS & TECHNOLOGIES
Twitter for iPhone and iPad Get New Features
With the release of the iPad 2 this week, Twitter has also released new features for the iPad and iPhone apps. The new features include updates to the photo options, and a “Quick Bar”, which is a new take on viewing trending topics. 
The updates also include local trends based on location, a redefined tweet box design and new ways for direct messaging. But one of the most convenient new features will be an auto completion implementation that will be used for @usernames and hashtags. This will allow users to more easily search for friends without having to remember everyone’s @usernames
MEASUREMENT
The Oscars, On Twitter: Over 1.2 Million Tweets, 388K Users Tweeting
Hollywood’s most glamorous night was one of Twitters busiest. Twitter saw tons of action, and some people claimed that they did not even watch the show itself, just the response it got on Twitter. Over 1.2 million tweets and over 1 billion potential impressions came out of the evening, with a total of 388,717 users tweeting. With these crazy numbers surfacing, what was everyone talking about? The most mentioned accounts included @TheAcademy, @jamesfranco, @ZacharyLevi and @oscars. Some of the biggest moments were of course, Natalie Portman being announced winner for a female leading role, and The Kings Speech winning movie of the year. But what was the most retweeted tweet sent out during the event? Check out this article to find out.
INFLUENCERS
Man behind @MayorEmanuel Twitter feed revealed
In the recent Chicago mayoral elections, more than just the candidates were getting attention. Many people who were interested in following the elections decided to do so through twitter. But those who tried to follow @MayorEmanuel probably got more than they bargained for.
A man who, up until now, wished to remain anonymous ran the twitter handle. But now, Dan Sinker, an assistant journalism professor at Columbia College owns up to being the man behind the hilarious twitter handle. Most of the tweets he produced contained words not suitable for Social Six, but ones I’m sure you’ve heard before. The fake twitter account gathered a following of 25,000, which is impressive because the real Emanuel account only had 7,000. Emanuel was so curious to find out who was behind the tweets (which he found amusing) that he offered to donate $5,000 to a charity of the @MayorEmanuel tweeters choice. And in true Mayor-Elect fashion, Emanuel has confirmed that he will make good on that promise.
Charlie Sheen breaks Twitter record
In what seemed to be some of the biggest news this week, Charlie Sheen joined Twitter. Not only that, but he set the Guinness World Record by reaching 1 Million fans in 25 hours and 17 minutes. While this earth-shattering development has been blowing up news sources of all sorts this week, many are already making predictions for what the future holds for Sheen’s Twitter handle. Many predict that while his tweets are organic for the moment, brands will be lining up shortly in order to work with him. How exciting. But for now, Sheen is staying “humble” and thanking his fans “in all sincerity” for the “warm reception” he has received into the twitterverse.
PARTERNSHIPS
How Wajam Brings Social Search to Users
As social media becomes bigger and bigger, more people are searching for ways to have social results turn up in their search results. So far, Google has partnered with Twitter and Bing has partnered with Facebook in order to make this dream a reality. But a new startup has arrived on the scene, and Wajam will be making it easier than ever for search to become social. Check out this video for more information on recently search/social partnerships and about how Wajam will be able to help the process.
FUN STUFF
What Every Entrepreneur Could Learn from Justin Bieber
The title of this article says it all. Now, I know what you’re thinking. There’s probably not much that entrepreneurs could learn from a shaggy-haired 17-year-old pop star. But Mark Suster, author of this article wholeheartedly disagrees. After seeing “Never Say Never”, the Justin Beiber movie with his son, Suster has found some key points that entrepreneurs could take away from the Beib’s story. Before you scoff at it, take a look at this article. There are some good takeaways pointed out, whether you have Beiber fever or not.
