Web 2.0 Defined
“Web 2.0 refers to social changes in the ways Web developers and end-users utilize the Internet. It is, at its core, an attitude. Philosophically, it’s about breaking down barriers of communication between clients and their customers. It’s also about clearly communicating information and taking a less-is-more approach on websites. Lastly, it is about providing a useful experience for customers online and giving them a reason to come back.

“If done right, Web 2.0 can elevate a brand and allow customers to peer into the corporate soul like never before. It presents truly unprecedented ways to connect with customers and increase brand loyalty.”

Michael Schneider – EO Los Angeles
Michael is the Founder of Fluidesign, an integrated design and tecnology firm specializing in the design and marketing of businesses via the Web.

Web 2.0 and Client Demand
“I have helped my clients leverage the Internet to connect with their customers for more than 12 years. I have to admit: I didn’t really see this ‘Web 2.0’ revolution coming. Now, Web 2.0 allows for real interactivity between publisher and reader or buyer and seller. It allows for a virtual conversation instead of a one-way commentary or sales pitch. My clients are asking us to add Web 2.0-style interactivity to their websites. One of the most common things I hear when fielding an inquiry or discussing Web strategy with a new client is, ‘It must be interactive.’ I’ve learned that companies who use Web 2.0 to engage in a conversation with their customers and listen carefully to what is said will get ahead of their competitors by building brand loyalty.”

Sean Heylen – EO South Australia
Sean is the Co-Founder of Deadline Media, a website development and graphic design agency that also provides maintenance and web hosting services to its clients.

Web 2.0 and Consumer Generated Media
“Social media and consumer-generated media sites are widely recognized for aggregating the knowledge, content and preferences of the masses— powerful tools for any savvy marketer. These Web 2.0-enabled websites are unusual in that they attract a large, sophisticated and often cause-focused community that upload and manage their own content and preferences. Consumers are sharing their ideas, thoughts, images and videos with others through sites like MySpace, Facebook, Wikipedia, Flikr, YouTube and LinkedIn, to name a few."

“This particular sector of Web 2.0 technology has the highest likelihood of affecting every entrepreneur. Did you know that Facebook has 41 million members, and the professionally focused LinkedIn has 18 million? That’s a large pool of potential clients. I’ve learned that staying aware of Web 2.0 technology helps me stay on the forefront of the ever-changing game of business. Imagine racing against a Ferrari in your old horse and buggy, circa 1880. See my point? Technologies change, and business owners who recognize and embrace this wind up winning.”

Gene McCubbin – EO Houston
Gene is the Founder of Pop Labs, Inc., an international provider of small business search marketing, search engine optimization, online advertising, social media consulting and Web design services.

The Future of Web 2.0
“I see Web 2.0 as a great business model. Just imagine your Internet life without blogs, video sharing, image sharing, document sharing, collaborative tools, feeds, advanced email and dynamic webpages. If we entrepreneurs look at Web 2.0 for what it really is – an interactive social and dynamic experience where the distance between content producers and content consumers are blurred – this online phenomenon will be here to stay.”

Dr. Ajay Data – EO Jaipur
Ajay is the Founder of Data Infosys Limited, an Internet services, networking, Web technology and software development firm.