Google Buzz is only 5 days old and the industry is ablaze with questions. What’s its relevancy? Is this Friendfeed 2.0? Will this take over Twitter and Facebook?

It’s too early to tell which way the pendulum will swing but the general consensus is, it’s JUST ANOTHER social network.

I disagree with the general consensus and here’s why;

1. Google Caffeine – Google is rolling out its turbo infused search engine at an undisclosed time in the future. This search engine is not only twice as fast as the current Google Search but it has an important feature no other search engines do – Social Media Integration.

Along with typical links brought up in a Google Search, Google Caffeine searches include links to public status updates and relevant social media from Facebook, Twitter and now Buzz.

It is my personal speculation that Google Buzz interaction will be the primary social aspect tied to Google Caffeine’s searches.

This could create not only massive implications for Search Engine Optimization in Google Search but it also gives many late adopters who haven’t yet switched to Gmail the incentive to do so.

Read Mashable’s article to learn more about Google Caffeine.

2. Accessibility – Google Buzz is still learning how to walk, the privacy concerns are being addressed and new features are being added. In these early days there will be a lot of noise but as the noise dies down; its value will become clear.

I believe accessibility, though a simple concept may be what cements Buzz’s value. The ability to socialize through the most intuitive email client not only adds value to your daily blahzay email correspondence but also adds value to Google’s entire product suite.

3. Google Wave – Unfortunately I have not had the pleasure of test driving Google Wave but I hear the learning curve is steep and adoption may not be an easy road. Buzz seems to create a fluid path of utility to Google Wave.

About Google Wave

4. Mobile vs. Mac/PC – As laptops continue to be the primary tool for conducting professional work, the Mac/PC experience will remain very different from the mobile experience. Perhaps this is what may save social networking sites? Bite sized information and sharing with close friends is easily facilitated by the mobile experience.

As it stands, should I be interrupted by a Twitter or Facebook alert while working. First, I must check my email to determine its importance, then log into their website or third-party app to interact. This creates an added step and frankly a pain in ass for utilization. Buzz’s advantage in the real-time market is simple, there is no additional step. If I’m working, I’m usually logged into my Gmail account from there I’m free to click and follow a person or a conversation via Buzz. This is a deceptively simple but dire benefit.

5. Selectivity – While Twitter’s popularity contest of click and follows led to opening up your network and connecting with others you never would have, Buzz is a game of “who do I really want to hear from?” Because no one wants spam in their mailbox, you automatically screen for noise and spam.

Chris Penn sums it up best here .

Welcome to World 2.0, I believe Buzz is Google’s next step in creating a new web experience. It will be about connecting with people you want to hear from and building relationships by socializing on the web. In our busy “there isn’t enough time in the day” lives, social commentary in our inbox might seem like a waste of time but we forget that connecting with others is integral to the core of human society.

It’s still very early in the game but as a proponent of strategic innovation, I’m watching this one closely.

PS: Dear Google, if you could truncate Buzz streams so I only receive new Buzz’s in my inbox instead of all the responses within a stream that would be super! Thanks!

This particular mural was commissioned by a grant from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.  Its focus is on the plight of Afro-Colombians in the DC area,  some of whom are friends of Joel’s.  Their story is one of loss, courage and new beginnings.  Many in the DC area have political asylum due to the longstanding conflict in their country.

To celebrate this work and everything it stands for there will be a block party the weekend of September 12th.  Afro-Colombian culture, including food, music and speeches will be part of the festivities.

Click the images below to enlarge (though my sub par phone camera does not do this piece justice).  See more of his work at www.joelsmurals.com

“I-Love-My-Country’s mission is to honor, recognize, empower and promote government participants in such a way that transforms the culture of government.

Our focus is on the dedicated individuals that are part of our government: federal employees; state employees; city government employees; armed forces; volunteers of government related activities, and; government partners and suppliers of services. Collectively, they are our government.

We are recognizing their contribution to our daily lives. We are empowering them by showing gratitude for the service they provide. Through our actions we are fostering a new level of fulfillment for government participants.

I-Love-My-Country stands for a healthy, smart and powerful government today and tomorrow. That means making our current government participants feel honored, recognized and empowered, and promoting government as a first option in order to attract and retain the best and brightest talent for our future.”

I-Love-My-Country-org

You can choose not to set limitations, rules or guidelines for your mind. Allowing your thoughts to expand, you begin to see things from an open-minded perspective. I firmly believe for every dilemma that exists in this world, there are infinite solutions. In fact it is only a dilemma if you choose to see it as such. Every difficulty I have experienced has opened my mind to a newer, better way of looking at things. A set-back is an opportunity for growth.

What I truly seek in this most recent venture of mine is a challenge; the opportunity to solve various strategic, analytical and operational problems with unrestrained creativity.

Welcome to my invisible box.

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