Liu+J.+Final+Report+Proposal

Liu J.

To: Proximity Mobile Team From: Jesse Liu Date: April 10, 2010 Subject: Report Proposal on Foursquare

Social Me dia and Soci al Networking have become the hot topic for Gen-Y. Com panies like Facebook, Twitter allows Gen-Y to share almost anything with anyone, any time. To contend with these competitors, Foursquare, since its introduction in 2009, has taken Social Networking to the next level. This is a location-based a pp an d has created a huge buzz to mobile phone user. I propose to write a report on how Foursquare is creating new ways to target potential Gen-Y via mobile devices, while targeting local venues and entertainment establishments..

Social Networking is now one of the priorities in mobile usage
 * Need**
 * Sharing, staying in touch is important to majority of Gen-Y.
 * Many Gen-Y use “Status” on their Facebook, Twitter to update their current activity.
 * Users would like to know where their friends are o n-the-go.
 * Local businesses have already taken advantage of geotagging and local search.

Foursquare has provided the ability to allow users to connect with friends. It uses mobile phone’s smart GPS system to track of user’s current location, the user then has the option “check-in” at venues such as restaurants, clubs, bar etc., then the user can send shouts to their friends to immediately learn such place. Furthermore, users earn reward for reviewing the venue such as provide information on the food and service served at a particular restaurant. Since Foursquare is an app can be downloaded on mobile, Gen-Y can always stay in touch.

Client of Proximity who wish to target Gen-Y users need this report to understand the role of this essential strategy Foursquare will play in allowing them to deliver a new approach to reach Gen-Y and explore local venues.

The proposed report “New Buzz On Social Networking” will cover the following topics:
 * Topics**
 * Facebook and Twitter strategy;
 * Foursquare approach;
 * Benefit to business owners;
 * Implication of Foursquare;

Goode, Lauren, Checking In With Foursquare, The Wall Street Journal (2010, January 30). Retrieved April 22, 2010 from [] After learning about Foursquare, Goode raised her concern that “the idea of broadcasting my location always unnerved me…” Eventually, she downloaded it and became a little more familiar. However, since she has a Blackberry, she came across more glitches than her iPhone version of app.
 * Sources**

Jary, Simon, Foursquare review, Techworld (2010, January 22). Retrieved April 22, 2010 from [] Jary mentions this application can also connect to Twitter and Facebook account, Foursquare will automatically send out tweets as soon as the user checks in. Although it may be annoying to other friends if the user is a frequent visitor to the venues, but in another point of view, “Foursquare has the potential to build up a volume of tips and information about venues that all users can use and enjoy.”

Eitel, Joe, Foursquare: Better than Twitter? Search Engine News (2010, April 19). Retrieved April 22, 2010 from [] Eitel suggests that Foursquare isn’t similar to Twitter “where a useless ramble goes off into cyberspace to no effect, Foursquare users check-ins and other activity actually help other users.” Users of Foursquare can share something catchy about a venue, for instance, as Eitel pointed out, if a pizza place has a “killer special” on Thursday night, and someone posts it on Foursquare, those in the same area can see it, and save it on their to-do-list for next week. He also mentioned, “Foursquare allows you to stay in touch with friends, offers a fun, instantly addictive game, and has the potential to help small businesses flourish.”

Wilhelm, Alex, Foursquare: The Raw Facts, The Next Web (2010, March 23). Retrieved April 24, 2010 from [] Wilhelm said there were over 600,000 members checking in, using Foursquare. 76,000 more new users joined in during SXSW (South by Southwest – a film festival and conference) in March. Foursquare has a employment base of 16 – squared of 4. Foursquare’s main focus is “a real-time friend finder and city guide.”

Martell, Dan, How Businesses are Utilizing Foursquare, Flowtown (2010, April 14). Retrieved April 25, 2010 from [] Martell has pointed out how businesses are taking advantage of Foursquare to promote their new opening, specials and discounts. Users of Foursquare are entitled to win badges and points when they to check-in and review a venue. The establishment will offer some incentive to a certain badge. For a user who spends and contributes the most at a venue will become a "mayor".