The baby boomer generation�s use of the Internet is common-place. Most baby boomers have at least one email account and use office productivity software effectively. These tools have helped to improve productivity during the past decade. However, the boomers maybe missing the next wave of productive technology: Web 2.0 and social networks. The latest tools for online communication are a much different from what was around 10 years ago. These web platforms require a much higher degree of participation. In fact, the business models of these new networking sites almost require user participation to help define and create the web experience.

Amazon is prime example that boomers can easily understand. Most boomers enjoy reading the online book reviews created by other readers. The reader�s volunteered their review for the common good and the information provided gives Amazon a competitive advantage over other booksellers. Amazon readers self-govern the info by voting on the whether or not they found the review helpful, this controls renegade content from being posted.

The media is calling this type of volunteer activity for a website �crowd-sourcing�. The website is gaining information through customer input that is very powerful. However the website users are also benefitting from the availability of comprehensive information. How would an open exchange of information help your business? Are there aspects of your business where the users are the experts, maybe you should consider a Web 2.0 solution to gain access to this information.

The current trend to use social networks has not been adapted much by boomers. The average age of Facebook or MySpace users is well below thirty-five. While a lot of socializing and even nonsense is exchanged through these networks of friends, there is also huge opportunity to easily access groups of like minded-people. Facebook recently started to allow applications to be built for their site. Just think of the access your business would have if you were able to access customers in that environment. That is exactly what a major retailer recently did. They were able to target communications to college freshmen through Facebook with information about items to help set-up a dorm room. Of course all these items were readily available at their store or website. These cutting edge technologies have business applications that can help you grow your business. These new web based platforms are much more then places to socialize.


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The culture of participation can also help you understand your customers and allow ready access to groups of like-minded people who are willing to share information for the common good. Other examples of how users share information with each other online is plebb.co.uk