I meant to get into this post yesterday, but between all the action, I didn’t get a blog post in.  Whatever your political leanings, there was no mistake that social media made a mark in this election.  The election also made a mark on social media.

Articles flooded the web and blogs all over the world echoed this sentiment.  The Democrats used SMS, social networks, and viral video to raise money, get out the vote, and drum up support.  In fact, they used it like a well oiled marketing campaign would and sometimes more effectively than corporations have had to date.

To say it tipped the election in their favor would go to far.  However, the Republicans have not fully embraced new media as part of their major campaigns as of yet.  I look back on Howard Dean’s advisers as pioneers in political new media and Barack Obama’s advisers built upon this foundation.  Third party candidates also showed adoption of new media, but to lesser success.  The next election cycle could truly be one that social media plays a leading role.

More importantly in my eyes, the election made a huge impact on social media.  It was a large stage in which social media was showcased as an effective marketing tool.  One that can be measurable and deliver results.  I believe as marketers watched this election they gained a new respect for this new medium.  A respect that will be its own foundation for future campaigns and exciting developments in social media.

It was our mission this week to show you that you are not alone in looking towards new marketing and even shifting some of your budget.  We asked the question last week on Linked In and got perspectives from a variety of sources.

The impact of social media on the election is a great way to kick off this topic.  Tomorrow, we will begin to share some of these voices with you.  The politicians promised change.  Make a promise to embrace change in your marketing as well.  Take a listen to others facing the same challenges as you.  Remember, you are never alone.