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Combine the power of human connectivity with state-of-the-art programs and a new way to connect with customers, co-workers, and business partners is born. These social networking tools provide an opportunity for personal interaction outside of the traditional methods.
Previously thought to only work from a B2C standpoint, businesses are discovering that social networks also work for B2B interaction. Social networks in this sense offer a broader communication potential both with customers and other businesses.
As more businesses realize the importance of social networks and software, the enterprise will further embrace more social software tools like: MySpace, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Wikis, Blogs, and Discussion groups. Be sure to check out the IT Strategists Social Networks Review for businesses using social networks.
Social networks have also been associated with a lack of productivity. However, studies have shown that if used effectively, they can in fact improve productivity between workers.
Social networks and software are significant tools since they aid in tracking the evolution of societal trends, can be used as business intelligence tools, and are a way to engage customers and build trust and reputation. In an article on msnbc.com, tech-culture journalist Xeni Jardin remarks:
“[T]here is growing evidence to support claims that some social networking services (SNS for short) can be a powerful professional ally to businesses — in particular, independent entrepreneurs and smaller companies, for whom each new personal connection is a significant business building block.”
Creating personal connections is the first step in establishing reputability, trust, and building business relationships. Used properly, contacts gained from SNS are possible connections to future clients or business endeavors. It also creates the sense of community within the social networks themselves in relation to the business.
For those businesses that are already established social networking tools can be used to allow online chatter and user interaction about topics that are relevant to your business improves trust and shows that your company has a genuine interest in what users care about. Although businesses tend to initially express concern that utilizing social networks to engage potential and existing customers poses the risk of allowing negative feedback, it is important to remember that users are going to be online blogging and communicating, regardless if you setup a personal interaction method from your company.
It is better to have the chatter in a place where it is welcomed and addressed if need be, which builds better customer relationships.
You should start by working with both your sales and marketing teams to establish how these social networking tools will be able to help your business. Depending on your business, you may be able to more easily incorporate with these services, rather than working on a custom service.
There are also other technologies that can work alongside social networks and software, such as CRM services.
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