Just nine months ago when we welcomed you to WOBI, we had the huge challenge ahead of us of launching a completely new brand that would transmit our passion and commitment to the best content in management. Simultaneously, we would embark on a new path that we had heard so much about from the mouths of our very own speakers: we submerged ourselves for the first time in social media, with the intention of maintaining relevant, interesting and fun conversations with those that shared our same passion. Today, when 2012 is seeping through our fingers, we thought it a good moment to remember all that we’ve been through during the year, reflect on what we learned and how we can do even more in the coming months.

Reprinted with permission from Forbes.com

For proof that recruiting has entered a new era, one need look no further than an exceptionally novel internship application submitted this summer by Shawn McTigue. This playful 2:50 video by Shawn was a response to Mastercard’s call for applicants to creatively promote the benefits of a “cashless society.” It was his take on the “something creative” all interns were required to link to as part of the application. The rest of the process involved engaging on MasterCard‘s Facebook page, uploading a resume via LinkedIn, and following MasterCard on Twitter for further directions. The campaign represents the future of recruiting, where the process demands that applicants showcase their skills –and in the process makes them stronger candidates.

In the past five years, many marketing departments have thrown their classic strategy out the window to opt for a more open, less expensive, and more personal way to connect with clients: social media. Discover just how impactful these networks have become in the following infographic.

With a charming, friendly personality that showed through, and surely contributes to her ability to drive being social, Randi Zuckerberg was the center of attention on the World Marketing Forum stage, discussing the most important aspects to have in mind during our exchange with the online community. Who do we want to be on networks? Ask Mark Zuckerberg’s sister, who formerly led Marketing at Facebook. In the following she explains the 10 ways to secure your relationship with clients and reach even more people.

1)      A life of luxury without spending a fortune: Who wouldn’t like to have a better economic situation for less money? Surely everyone. Zuckerberg used online platforms such as TaskRabbit, who found a niche market for exchanging housework, or Rentatherunway that allows you to be dressed by a couture designer for much less than what it would cost to buy the outfit.

2)      Create a loyalty program that is forward-thinking: loyalty isn’t always synonymous with a gift, but can also be an emotional experience exclusive for clients. For example, there are many companies that give access to the latest news and deals if you are a Facebook fan, making you feel special. Or even publishing pictures you’ve sent making you….famous!

Continue reading more to learn the rest of Randi’s trends.

CityVille, Zynga Poker, FarmVille, Empires & Allies…surely you’ve heard of at least one if not all of these games, and played them on Facebook or know someone else who has. They are some of the most used applications on the social network created by Mark Zuckerberg, with over 220 million users. But who are behind these high impact social games in online communities?

The game developer firm Zynga is responsible for their success, and is causing a rage on the web denominated “hidden object games”, including the hit Hidden Chronicles. According to Cara Ely, the Creative Director at Zynga, they are yet another opportunity to interact, socialize and share on networks. In the following exclusive WOBI interview, the computer game specialist with over twelve years in the industry discusses the future of apps, and the necessary characteristics to achieve a great game.

Just when we were getting used to the new Timeline format for Facebook, and while many companies were re-learning how to take advantage and better communicate with their public, the social network decided to throw another curveball and announced yesterday that they bought the innovative and free mobile application Instagram.

At first the reviews were rough and the media outlets experienced the usual strike against change: “I shouldn’t be forced to change over to Timeline!” or “Our marketing team spent a fortune on perfecting the tabs to be able to differentiate from other brands!” Whenever Facebook announces a change it is almost always met with resistance, but later acceptance almost always seeps in.

With just nine days before all businesses will be required to adopt the new format it appears as if the stages of acceptance and even excitement have been reached. Stories are spilling from all corners of the internet on how Timeline is actually a positive change for companies. Here we’ve compiled a list of the most interesting and informative articles we’ve found on the subject. Enjoy!