The microblogging site Twitter has amassed some 6 million users in its few short years of existence. As avid Twitter users ourselves, we got to thinking – who else exactly is out there?

It seems to be a topic of some debate.

A recent post by Allen Weiss on Marketing Prof’s Daily Fix Blog noted that in recently speaking to junior and senior level college business majors – most of whom could be found on Facebook and LinkedIn – were not as familiar with Twitter. He said some considered it a waste of time or even “information overload.”

That seems to suggest that younger users don’t find value Twitter. And if you look to that age group to predict the future of social networking, it might imply that Twitter isn’t an important or viable a tool as we thought.

But we disagree – for two reasons.

First, Facebook’s deal-makers have been trying to acquire Twitter. Business Week reported recently that talks have stalled on the Twitter takeover, with Facebook reps offering $100 million andmore in stock.

If there wasn’t some evidence that Twitter would continue its massive growth, the price tag and negotiation wouldn’t have been there in the first place.

And if those numbers aren’t enough, let’s talk Skittles.

The rainbow-colored candy recently revamped its Web site giving credence to the microblogging social network. Visit Skittles.com you’re welcomed by a Twitter search page detailing all the current chatter on Skittles. And boy, has it got people talking and tweeting. Love it or hate it Skittles sees Twitter as its best bet to share information about its brand online.

Our take? Maybe Twitter’s early adopters aren’t coming from the 20-and-under crowd. But we’re willing to venture a guess and say those college students in question will have Twitter handles of their own soon enough.

Facebook might be the network of preference at the college level, but once out in the business world, we imagine these young professionals will find new and engaging uses for Twitter too.

For a site that can be used for everything from finding a job to connecting with peers to sharing news in real time, Twitter seems to have a bright future ahead.

We’re not cheerleading any one social network over another. We’re simply saying with as fast as the social media landscape is growing and evolving – perhaps predictors of its future can no longer be limited to any one demographic.

What do you think? Are you a Twitter fan – tell us why or why not. Or follow us at Publicity_Works.

The rules of public relations and marketing are changing fast. At Publicity Works we’re keeping pace with the latest developments and techniques in the field – whether clients have more traditional needs or are ready to Tweet their message out to the masses.

Through our ongoing research, we’ve witnessed the altered landscape of this industry and find it fascinating and full of new opportunity. That’s why we’ve created The Marketing Minute. Each week we’ll bring you marketing tips, tools of the trade and in-the-know advice for getting your business off the ground and doing the most for your clients.

In quick 1-minute viral video segments, we’ll banter about everything from blogger power to how to survive in a down economy. We’ll talk up the wonders of Twitter and social marketing and get back to basics by showing you how to “Be the Brand.”

But we’re not here to merely spout ideas into the blogosphere. We want your feedback. Tune in weekly at www.publicityworkspr.com and share your comments and suggestions with us. Social marketing and public relations are based on authentic connections and conversations. We’re all for keeping those lines wide open.

In a bad economy, most business owners and CEO’s go into an auto pilot survival mode, cutting every expense not believed to impact the bottom line. Most of the time, the first expense on the chopping block is the marketing and PR budget. Across the street, however, the savvy business owner is counting on the competition’s knee-jerk response to axe marketing/PR programs. Savvy Inc. is actually using this momentum created by the competition to strengthen their brand, distinguish themselves from the competition, and actually increase market share.

When marketing and PR is not perceived as an integral component of the business plan
or strategy and considered an extra, the reduced presence in the hearts and minds of customers creates the perception that the brand is weakening, and provides an excellent
opportunity for competition. Here are the top four myths on marketing in a bad economy
your competition is counting on you to believe:

1. I know Marketing is important, but right now we need to put Marketing and PR on hold.

The real story: Once you are down in the brand cycle, it is hard to get up. Few brands or organizations can succeed without communicating to customers and potential customers. The time you are “on hold” may be at a key point in a potential customer’s decision-making cycle. By not staying top-of-mind with current clients and potential new clients you risk your brand simply being among the glut of competition – the perfect opportunity for your competition to eat your lunch.

2. Every body is waiting for things to “get better”.

The real story: Companies who are brave enough to ramp up their PR efforts will weather storm by taking market share from those who avoid the limelight from those who are not aggressive in the down turn. Leading business publications and thought leaders also point out that the company who expands marketing activities can usually dominate their industry sector if the downturn lasts for a prolonged period of time.

3. By cutting out Marketing, we can spend the money on other things and get back to Marketing when things improve.

The real story: When the economy is in trouble, people worry and don’t want to spend. Give customers and potential clients the assurance you are strong and viable and are here for the duration to be of service. That message can only be conveyed by marketing and PR efforts – visibility makes customers feel comfortable about doing business with you.

4. Our competitors aren’t spending money on marketing, PR or advertising either.

The real story: That “wait and see what the competition is doing” plan of action will kill your business! Your business/organization has something to offer that your competition does not have! Why would you let them lead your efforts to grow and succeed? Savvy Inc. knows that when cautious competitors pull back in fear, this is the time marketshare can be grabbed – marketing while competition is wringing their hands will result in increased presence, exposure to new groups, and garner new customers during tough times.

In a recession or economic downturn, it is essential that we not make important decisions that impact the health and well being of our company with a reactionary mindset. Now is the time to step-up in every way – in the service we provide customers, quality of the goods we make, and to also step-up our mental tenacity by not giving into panic and to stay committed to being the best at what we do and be proactive in communicating why we are best to our customers.