Business models have shifted over time. Each time models shift the practice of management has to shift as well. Current business models follow a linear path of production and service. At the end of all the connected business processes is the customer, the markets and the ultimate economic transaction. In this model the customer was at the end of the “system” receiving products, services, media and price.

Price was influenced by the markets and the efficiency of the delivery system. Most of today’s business minds are viewing the social web in the framework of the old systemic design of a business, with the customer at the end. However, the social web does not lend itself very well to old business models rather it is an inverted systemic flow which starts with the customer and flows backwards.

This dynamic is just now starting to create rippling effects throughout traditional markets and business models. The dominant response has initially been from advertisers trying to reach consumers in a more direct way and with demographic affinity to their brand.

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