Let’s face it, someday Google is going to rule the world and we are just along for the ride of free beta testing. I don’t mind being the guinea pig if it means getting some sort of free service so of course I had to scope out the new Google Voice.

Social media is on the rise for businesses that are looking to take on this weak economy by boosting their marketing effort online. According to a 2009 survey by BtoB Magazine and the Association of National Advertisers, 66 percent of marketers are now using social media. The other 44 percent haven’t found a way to convince their boss or clients the usefulness of this tool.

Notice in the title that I said “web presence” and not and the value of a good “website” or “web marketing”. I said presence because a good website alone adds little value to your business. Having a good website without good marketing is like owning a four-star restaurant, but building it on a deserted island hundreds of miles from civilization. How much sales would that restaurant generate?