In a recent article in AMA’s Marketing News by Josh Bernoff, VP of Forrester Research, he makes a compelling case for Social Media in B-to-B marketing. A recent study by Forrester of over 1,200 information technology decision-makers at companies in North America and Europe found that 91% read blogs, watch user-generated video or read socially-created content at least once a month. This is one of the highest readings Forrester has ever seen on social media. Additionally, 55% said they were in social networks and 58% they had reacted to social content created by others by participating in discussion groups or commenting to blogs.
When asked if they used social media for business purposes the vast majority did! 69% said they had consumed social content for their jobs and 29% said they used social networking for their jobs.
This is some of the strongest evidence yet that social media is a necessity and opportunity within B-to-B marketing. At Imagination Publishing, nearly 90% of our customer base is B-2-B. Nearly every one of them has asked us to create social media programs for them. For examples, see our portfolio.
Even during the economic recession, our business at Imagination Publishing continues to grow. As a B-to-B publisher, you can have the same kind of growth opportunities!
Very true, Social networking and social media has become the ultimate business tool to leverage existing relationships and connect with decision makers faster than ever.
Jonah Lupton
FOunder, SocialTrak.com