Is it just me, or is everyone talking about social media these days? At South by Southwest Interactive (SXSWi) a few years ago, everyone was talking about blogs. Very few people ever thought there would be value in blogs for companies (it even sounded dumb – how could a name like “blogs” ever take off?). I’ve learned to go with an open mind, as what’s hot there generally will filter “down from the geeks” in short order. Here’s what was hot this year:

Social Networking.

It’s not new. Facebook and MySpace have been around for several years, but I’ll tell you what is new. My late thirty-something friends are all asking me to take our “friendship” to the next level on Facebook.

Don’t get me started on the demise of actual human contact (people at SXSWi don’t talk to each other; they sit with their laptops or iPhones and chat in virtual rooms). But one thing I know – online social networking is growing, and it’s not just college kids anymore.

In the old paradigm, companies controlled the message and the experience. Now, feedback and interactivity with customers is the name of the game.

If you are a company wondering how to jump on the bandwagon, check back tomorrow for our Top Six Tips on Social Networking.