Much has been discussed about social media but what is not often explored is the business of social media. One can debated if there is anything really social in all of these tools and sites but maybe the better question is whether there is any business in all of this activity?

Consider this, social media has taken over as the number one online activity beating out porn and while it took 13 years for television to reach 50 million users, it only took 9 months for Facebook to reach 100 million users.

Additionally, 78% of people trust peer recommendations while only 14% trust advertising.

Lastly, 54% of the 200 million blogs are being updated daily and 25% of search results for the top 20 brands are from user generated content.

So with number as large as this, perhaps we are seeing a fundamental shift in the distribution of information and advertising.

But does all of this have any real value for businesses that are not information and web based? Do brick and mortar business need to invest one of their most precious resource, time, in an effort to keep up with the virtual Jones?

Will those businesses who engage and participate with their customers see a return on investment which will translate into increased profit?

Come join us as we explore the other side of social networking and decide if what is good for the social networker is good for the business they frequent as well.

As always, there is no better way to meet and connect with other executives then over dinner and conversation. $21 in advance via PayPal or $25 at the event gets you a full dinner, drink and the best networking around.