I was reading PR-Squared the other day when I came across a post titled, "Which Social Media Marketing Agencies Will Thrive in 5 Years?"


I thought to myself, Well that's a strange train of thought. Why wouldn't social media agencies thrive? 


The author makes the argument that every Industrial Revolution is essentially a story about battling for control. It points to historical examples such as the oil, railroad and telephone industries and to more modern examples such as cable, search engines (Google) and even social media (Facebook).


As a history major, I of course understood that veracity of this argument, and it disheartened me for a little bit.


But after sitting down and thinking for a while, it actually gave me some hope.


You see, I've always wanted to start my own business, and now is really a great time to do so, especially for social media.


Mentioned in the post was the fact that many PR and Advertising agencies are trying to hoard social media expertise and add it to the list of services they already offer. While this may be true, I do not think that this is necessarily bad news. This means that social media is becoming even more important which is a good thing, meaning more jobs and opportunities in the communications industry.

But as the post mentioned, early on in industrial revolutions there are little barriers to entry, and only as the revolution becomes older do we see more consolidation.


So now is about as good of a time for me to start my own social media advertising, public relations or marketing agency. I could easily set it up with little cost: I already have a name, all I need is a logo, a website, some business cards and some clients. 


Although I am busy at school this year, I could do it right now and work part time from my room. I could enlist the various student groups on campus and other nonprofits in the area. Who knows, maybe I could turn it into something big. Whether I'll go through with it or not remains to be seen. (I have to get over my fear of failing first.)


What are your thoughts about this topic? Are you thinking of starting your own social media agency? Discuss.