Facebook, Linked In, Twitter, Xing... These have become almost buzzwords in the marketing industry. In fact, people are now being hired to run one or more profiles for some companies as a full time marketing job.
So we cannot doubt the effectiveness of social networking, but the question we ask is: Is this right for MY business?
The answer is of course: Yes! It would be irresponsible today, as a business owner, to ignore this valuable technological asset. In fact, this is most probably the biggest bang for your buck scenario.
Lets look at Facebook... This is an application that is used by millions of people to keep in touch with friends (and lets face it, acquaintances). There is however one flaw if you are a business in South Africa: a majority of those millions of people do not live here, will not buy your product or service and will never find you in the maze that is facebook.
"So WHY join?" you might ask. A facebook profile links you to people, especially from other web platforms, like your website, or other places you advertise. This allows you to keep in touch with people. This is an easy way for you to share news, product information and create a 'face' for your business.
But, imagine a business network (lets face it... facebook is not a business network, has never claimed to be one, and will never act as one). This will be focused on specific industries. It will provide a platform to create a name (celebrity) for your business. It will link together businesses that have synergy, customers that are interested in your products and services. It will allow you to look at an industry as a whole, decide who are the real players, and allow you to create that connection. (Keep an eye open for my other article about how to create celebrity status for yourself and for your business).
In fact, the more you put into a social network, or more importantly a business network; the more you will get out! Have a look at this site, look around and realize that you have found a business network that will fulfill your marketing needs, with people here that will actually do business with you.