Social Networking for B2B
How useful is social networking for companies involved in B2B marketing? Its worth has been identified for B2C but has never really been integrated into B2B. This may be changing as outlined in this article entitled ‘A New Place to Face-to-Face: B2B Social Networking.’ Suggestions for utilizing social netwoorks include these rules:
Now before you run off and start participating in 100 different social networking sites, there are a few rules to abide by. First make sure you are only participating in those sites that are truly relevant to your product or service. Second, participate in a transparent fashion. Let people know who you are and be open and honest. Third, be prepared to accept the good with the bad. Don’t get defensive if people don’t love your product or service. Use this as a critical R&D feedback loop.
The article goes on to suggest that a total commitment is required to make use of these opportunities and that a two way dialog (without actually meeting face-to-face) is the goal.