Net neutrality was a hot topic in 2010, when the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was deciding on whether to allow internet providers the ability to prevent or slow access to certain content, sites or VOIP providers in an effort to give preferential access to their own services and/or to slow the access of their competitors. 

It was reported last week that Netherlands just became the second country to legally become a "Net Neutrality" nation,

First people feared giving your credit card number over internet versus giving it to an operator on the phone...now we are using the phone to swipe your credit card via an online app. Funny how things become so easily integrated. According to Pew Research, “Within the next decade, smart-device swiping will have gained mainstream acceptance as a method of payment and could largely replace cash and credit cards for most online and in-store purchases by smartphone and tablet owners, according to a new survey of technology experts and stakeholders.” 

Are you one of the early adapters who has already explored mobile payment options such as Starbucks or Level Up?

We’ve reached the point where social media is, in the words of Altimeter analyst Brian Solis, “bigger than marketing. It’s also bigger than customer service. [It builds] relationships with customers that improve experiences and more importantly, teaches businesses how to re-imagine products and internal processes to better adapt to potential crises and seize new opportunities.”

That’s what I’ve been learning about social business. In the most forward-looking businesses, which often include startups run by members of “Generation C” (the Connected Generation), social permeates every department of the business. Looking to hire? Put the job out on Twitter. Want feedback on your product from your customers? Set up a UserVoice account. Engage the customers in product development.