Tim Akin discusses how social media presents opportunities for businesses and educational institutions to directly engage with customers and students. He outlines UC Davis Graduate School of Management's use of Facebook and LinkedIn to engage alumni and recruit new students in a cost-effective manner. Their Facebook ad campaigns reached over 5 million impressions over 6 months at a cost of $1,217, while their LinkedIn group has grown to over 900 members. Akin argues that social networks will increasingly be leveraged for marketing, fundraising, and building online communities.