We are currently sat in the doldrums. There’s little cheer in our business world – it’s a pretty challenging place. My view is that there’s not much going to change in the short term – even though we try to stay positive. I hear of lots of people breaking-even. Profit is a rare word!

The profit is this big....

But then you see the Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) put out by Facebook. Started less than 10 years ago by the ultimate geek, Mark Zuckerberg, its turnover in 2011 was $3.7bn – returning a profit of $1bn. Thats a healthy 27% margin but look again at the numbers – a turnover of $3,700,000,000 (88% up on 2010) and their profit grew by 65% in the same period. It is the 6th most visited website in the USA and 4.1bn photos are uploaded annually!

It is difficult to comprehend the size of this business that was started in a University dorm room 8 years ago this month. Facebook has passed the 500million users mark – presumably on its way to the whole 7bn population of the world?

I do know people who communicate via Facebook rather than by text or by email. Certainly the young folks think email a bit pedestrian! Instant messaging to lots of people is the way forward (apparently!)

But this financial news comes hot on the heels of the story that Facebook is now quoted in 33% of UK Divorces! So it might not all be good!

But, you have to admire the simple idea of connecting people together via the internet – and then making a shedload of money from it. Mr Zuckerberg looks like he will have more money shortly than he could ever spend if he raises the anticipated $5bn from the sale…