In our professional and personal lives,
we naturally form groups based on affinities and expertise. We befriend others with whom we share common interests. Most of
us belong to real world networks that have formed organically as we live our lives.
Not surprisingly, in a modern
age, our friend 'networks' have now migrated to the online world.Online social networking has been around in various forms for nearly 10 years, however, more recently, the idea
of a Social Network branded by a business or service, has become an effective marketing tool.
Online social networks contain great power because they change the online
space from one of static web pages and stale marketing messages to a live, vibrant network of connected individuals who share
their experiences and interests. People naturally tell others about holidays, restaurants, films, places they have visted,
and products they have purchased.
This is a business tool you cannot
afford to ignore. Businesses, large and small, now have the ability to communicate on an equal level with ‘social customers’
or consumers. A recent study showed that 70 per cent of people are more willing to engage with a company or brand that has
a presence in new media. It has huge commercial potential, and is changing how we all do business.
