Prudent Blogger

In a surprise move for the entire online business community, social bookmarking site Digg was sold last week for the unimpressive sum of $500,000. Some insist the sale was a final step in what has been a steady decline for the social media pioneer. Whatever the ultimate cause, there is a belief in the online entrepreneur community that Diggs downward slide may be a cautionary tale about what happens when you dont pay enough attention to your customers and community.

Digging In

A new beginning. Though for many the sale of a social bookmarking site of Diggs calibre to New York-based incubator Betaworks for a fraction of what the site might have once been valued seems like a disaster. But on the company blog late last week, Digg CEO Matt Williams insisted the purchase was a way to take Digg back to its startup roots. Many businesses from time to time must reevaluate where they stand with their customers, but hopefully this can be done before the company is up for sale. Digg Blog

One of the great Internet brands. Although it may have been acquired for less than the funds it originally raised, Diggs value is considerable according to Betaworks. Loved by millions, Diggs reputation as a great brand known for pioneering the concept of community-driven news that has since become a major part of the Internets ecosystem, remains an asset. But no matter how valuable the brand, a connection to a sites community is whats really important. Betaworks

Paradise Lost

The slippery slope. Just as theres no such thing as overnight success, the decline of a business is also a gradual process. Businesses do not generally fail because of one poor decision, but as a result of a series of poor decisions made over time. Those observing Diggs decline point to a number of missteps that may have led to the brands difficulties after it established itself as a leader in community news. Its important to consider how each of your decisions will affect your business long-term. Gigaom

For what its worth. Determining a realistic value for your business is an important skill. Entrepreneurs must understand how much their business is worth, not just to them, but to others. Effectively valuing your business has to do with understanding what your product, service, or company really provides to others. For example, in the case of social bookmarking sites like Digg, it can be argued that a network or site is worth exactly as much as its community. The Atlantic

Reaping the benefits. Even unsuccessful companies can be a benefit to other entrepreneurs in terms of the legacy and resources they leave behind. Two other companies, LinkedIn and The Washington Post, have benefited tremendously from last weeks sale of Digg to Betaworks. While LinkedIn has acquired a number of patents from the social bookmarking site, The Washington Posts Web development arm acquired most the Digg team. TechCrunch

In Conclusion

Their own worst enemy. Business owners look instinctively to competitors when trying to figure out how to make the necessary business model tweaks for long-term survival. But, as Diggs difficulty shows, sometimes companies need to look no further than themselves for the source of their problems. Atrocious redesigns, sponsored links, and a failure to cultivate its community all lead to Diggs decline. Knowing what keeps your customers coming back is important and can keep you from making similar mistakes. Forbes

Filling the void. Diggs departure from the scene or, at the very least, its considerable decline, may create opportunities for other Internet entrepreneurs. Some are already asking who will fill the void left by Digg. Certainly, Diggs greatest competitor, Reddit, has gained much from Diggs fall, but social media networks like Facebook and Twitter are also catching up with Google search as two of the chief ways people find news on the Web. Other tools to fill the space left by Digg remain to be seen. The Wall Street Journal

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Social Media Pioneer Digg Sold for $500,000

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Creative thinking seminar: COBROOKE Ideas Architecture Design is conducting a series of creative thinking seminars in support of the new book Going in Circles While Moving Forward. The seminars will help companies integrate design thinking into their business. The first seminar has been scheduled for Tuesday at Keiser University in Lakewood Ranch. For more information or to register, visit www.cobrooke.com or email seminars@cobrooke.com.

Technology seminar: SuncoastTechnology Forum is hosting its next educational and networking event, the TechbyteLuncheon, from 11:30 am to 1 pm Tuesday at the PoloGrill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. The keynote speaker will be Edward Lin, founder and CEO of HealO Medical LLC. Fee is $15 for pre-registered STF and Tampa Bay TechnologyForum members and guests; and $25 for nonmembers. Register online at www.suncoasttechnologyforum.com.

Marketing seminar: The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association have collaborated to host a professional development seminar: Getting More Out of Your PR and Marketing Dollars. The event has been scheduled from 8 am to 1 pm Wednesday at the Fete Ballroom, 10670 Boardwalk Loop in Lakewood Ranch. Trevor Moawad, director of IMG Performance Academy, will be the luncheon keynote speaker. For more information or to register, visit www.lwrba.org. Cost for breakfast, workshops and keynote speaker luncheon is $50 for LWRBA or CWC-FPRA members and $65 for nonmembers. Cost for the luncheon only is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers.

Chamber luncheon: The Manatee Chamber will host a luncheon featuring speakers President Judy Genshaft and Arthur Guilford of the University of South Florida. The lunch has been scheduled for 11:30 am Friday at the Courtyard by Marriott, River Palm Room, 100 Riverfront Drive W., Bradenton. The cost is $25 for Manatee Chamber members and $35 for potential members. Reservations required to Lisa at LisaR@ManateeChamber.com or 941-748-3411.

Business fundraiser: Anytime Fitness in Parrish will host an open house to benefit Manasota Operation Troop Support from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Saturday. MOTS is a local Bradenton organization that supports US troops deployed to the Middle East and their families. The open house we will feature a local music DJ, local business prizedrawings, and a rummage sale and food sale. All proceeds will benefit the MOTS organization.

Political luncheon: Sarasota Bradenton International Airport CEO Rick Piccolo will speak at the Argus Foundations Meet the Minds luncheon at 11:30 am July 26. The cost is $30. For details and registration, call 941-365-4886.

Selling presentation: The Manatee Chamber will host a cold call selling presentation by Duwayne Keller of Dale Carnegie Training from 9 am to noon July 27 at the Manatee Chamber, 4215 Concept Court, Lakewood Ranch. The cost is $39 for Manatee Chamber members and $49 for nonmembers. Reservations required to Lisa at (941) 748-4842, ext. 123 or LisaR@ManateeChamber.com.

WEEKLY EVENTS

MONDAY

Best of Lakewood Ranch: networking event. 5:30-7 pm, Longwoodrun Grill Pub, 5802 Longwoodrun Blvd., Sarasota. Call 941-388-7613.

Lassens Leads Club-Business Partners of Sarasota Chapter: noon-1:15 pm, Hillview Grill, 1920 Hillview St., Sarasota. $12 fee includes lunch. Contact Wendy Moore at 941-371-1151 or wendy@leadsfL.com or see www.leadsfL.com.

Lassens Leads Club-Sarasota Womens Chapter: noon-1:15 pm, 1920 Hillview St., Sarasota. $12 fee includes lunch. Contact Wendy Moore at 941-371-1151 or wendy@leadsfl.com, or see www.leadsfl.com.

Open Network Manasota: networking and lunch. 11:45 am-1 pm, The Bearded Clam, 7150 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $12 admission includes lunch. Call 941-504-9525.

TUESDAY

Business Networking International-Circle of Success Chapter: networking 7-9 am, Bradenton Country Club, 4646 Ninth Ave. W., Bradenton. $10, includes breakfast. Contact Dave Strickland, 941-545-1103 or dstrickland@kmbs.konicaminolta.us or see www.bni.com.

Business Networking International-Lakewood Ranch Chapter: networking 7:30-9 am, Polo Grill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. First visit free and includes continental breakfast. Contact Michael Miele, 941-907-3828 or mmiele@mga-insurance.com, or see www.bni.com.

Lassens Leads Club-Sarasota Professionals Chapter: 12:15-1:30 pm, Mediterranean, 1970 Main St., No. 1, Sarasota. $14, includes lunch. Contact Wendy Moore, 941-371-1151 or wendy@LeadsFL.com, or visit www.leadsfl.com.

Lassens Leads Club-West Coast Professionals Chapter: noon-1:15 pm, IHOP, 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Two member businesses speak each week; visiting businesses can present their services. Menu pricing. Contact Wendy Moore, 941-371-1151 or wendy@leadsfl.com, or visit www.leadsfL.com.

WEDNESDAY

Lakewood Ranch Professional Womens Networking Group: 11:45 am-1 pm, River Club Cabana on the Green Restaurant, 6600 River Club Blvd. $12.50, includes lunch. RSVP by previous Tuesday with Elaine, 941-961-0559. Information: www.lrpwng.com.

Suncoast Business Alliance Bradenton: 7:45 am, Perkins Restaurant, 6023 14th St. W., Bradenton. Register at www.meetup.com/SrqGrape/calendar/15504829.

THURSDAY

Best of Lakewood Ranch: networking event. 11:30 am-1 pm, Longwoodrun Grill Pub, 5802 Longwoodrun Blvd., Sarasota. Information: 941-388-7613.

Executive Network of Manatee: Business leads/referral group, 7:30 am, Days Inn Restaurant, 3506 First St. W. , Bradenton. Contact Barbara Edwards, 941-792-2363, BERealtor@aol.com or www.executivenetworkmanattee.com.

Fox Business Group LLC: learn and lunch and networking meeting, noon-1 pm, Country Pancake House and Restaurant, 8205 Natures Way, Lakewood Ranch. Contact Andy Fox at 941-758-2404 or andy@foxbizgroup.com.

FRIDAY

Manasota Business Network: business support network, 8-9 am, Jennifers Restaurant, 1401 Manatee Ave. W., No. 103, Bradenton. Seeking informational speakers and guests interested in becoming members. Contact Susan Humphreys at 941-737-1233 or garysueh@yahoo.com.

MONTHLY/BIMONTHLY events

Action Business Club: meets 7:30-9 am, first and third Tuesdays, at River Club Country Club, 6600 River Club Blvd.

American Business Womens Association 1st Class Chapter: meets at 5:30 pm the first Tuesday for networking and at 6#xA0;pm for dinner, Bradenton Country Club, 4646 Ninth Ave. W., Bradenton. Dinner is $20. Contact Sharone Martinelli at 941-720-2380.

Manatee WCR Toastmasters Club: meets 6:30-8 pm first and third Mondays at Bible Baptist Church, 2113 Morgan Johnson Road, Bradenton. Contact Steve Zeris at 941-518-6450.

Michael Valley: local Edward Jones financial adviser, hosts a coffee club 9-10 am the first Tuesday at 3226 East Bay Drive, Holmes Beach.

SWAT Networking: Successful Women Aligning Together-Bradenton meets for lunch from 11:45 am to 1 pm the first Tuesday of each month in Bradenton at Renaissance on 9th, 1816 Ninth St. W. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for guests. Bring business cards and brochures to share. Information: 941-962-0884, director@swatnetworking.com or www.SWATnetworking.com.

SWAT Networking: Successful Women Aligning Together-Lakewood Ranch meets for lunch from 11:45 am to 1 pm the second Tuesday of each month at the River Club in Lakewood Ranch, 6600 River Club Blvd. Cost is $11 for members $16 for guests. Bring business cards and brochures to share. Information: 941-962-0884, director@swatnetworking.com or www.SWATnetworking.com.

SWAT Networking: Successful Women Aligning Together-Manasota meets for lunch from 11:45 am to 1 pm the third Tuesday of each month at the Ramada Waterfront Hotel, 7150 N. Tamiami Trail in Manasota. Cost is $11 for members $16 for guests. Bring business cards and brochures to share. Information: 941-962-0884, director@swatnetworking.com or www.SWATnetworking.com.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Senior Corps of Retired Executives-Counselors to Americas Small Business: one-on-one free counseling sessions for anyone starting a business or struggling with their business. Tuesdays at Manatee Chamber of Commerce-Lakewood Ranch, 4215 Concept Court, and Thursdays at Manatee Chamber of Commerce-Bradenton, 222 10th St. W. Appointments through Reba at 941-748-3411, ext. 100, or rebap@manatee chamber.com.

State College of Florida small business counseling sessions: 1-3 pm Mondays, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, 1945 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Appointments at 941-955-2508, ext. 520.

Womens Resource Center of Manatee: free employment strategies programs including developing an effective job search, career exploration, networking, interviewing skills and resume review. At 1926 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Appointments at 941-747-6797.

To list a business meeting or event, email Josh Salman at jsalman@bradenton.com. Deadline is 5 pm Wednesday before publication; items must include full address of meeting place, date and time of event, and a telephone number.

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