If you’re not eating, sleeping and breathing social media, it’s time to hop on board. Fortune Magazine’s predictions for social media in 2014 show that social media is transforming the way fundamental ways in which businesses function – which makes this set of predictions especially useful.

The rise of ephemeral social networks

Snapchat was recently offered $3 billion from Facebook,which should give you an idea of the popularity of ephemeral networks, where the content instantly dissappears upon being read. These networks are not just for sexting and X-rated selfies, they add an element of fun and spontineity in a time where social networks are becoming increasingly commercialsed and corporate.

Bosses expect employees to Tweet

The number of advertised jobs on Indeed.com required that social media skills increased by 13 times over the last year. Not only are divisions like marketing, sales and advertising expected to be on Twitter and Facebook, departments like R&D, logistics and business are using networks like Yammer to streamline operations.

Social customer service 

Customers are increasingly headed to Facebook and Twitter to air their frustrations. A 2012 Nielson survey showed that half of customers turned to social media to voice their complaints. On 2 September, Hasan Syed spent $1,000 to send promotional tweets blasting British Airways about lost luggage. Could this be the end of bad service at banks, airports and restaurants?

Social Media finds you as you browse

From the beginning, social media results were absent from Google searches. But now a number of tools are being developed to bridge this demand, so you can expect to find more Twitter and Facebook results in your Google searches.

Get ready to see ads from the neighbourhood pub on Twitter

Location-specific targeting started on Twitter this year and its rapidly expanding. This significant, if slightly creepy, service allows local businesses to court customers who might actually be interested in their services. Upside: more relevant ads you can actually use. Downside: more ads.

So there you have it folks!

[Source : Fortune]