Raleigh NC| TBJ Poll: Triangle Businesses Plugged Into Social Networking
LinkedIn Is Local Platform Of Choice — But Should It Be?
The Triangle Business Journal just announced the results of a poll this week aimed at determining what social networks are being put to work by local businesses. The verdict: the business-savvy LinkedIn reigns supreme.
(Editor’s note: The survey is unscientific and had just shy of 400 respondees. Make of that what you will with regard to the poll’s findings.)
Almost 40 percent of voters indicated they preferred LinkedIn’s business connectivity. Twelve percent noted that they use Facebook to promote their business, and just 8 percent said they touted their business through Twitter.
The TBJ’s reporting stops shy of answering an important question: What are local companies trying to achieve through social networking? For instance, LinkedIn is a tremendous business-to-business and networking tool, but in terms of target markets and prospective customers, it’s a dead zone. Likewise, Facebook and Twitter are great for establishing a brand and reputation, but have frustrated those trying to quantify results within a specific community. In short, companies looking to connect via one or more applications should start with the end in mind and set goals to direct their course of action, particularly when it comes to public relations and marketing a brand.
(Speaking of promoting a brand, please follow us on Twitter if you’d like.)
GinnySkal Said,
May 14, 2009 @ 2:36 pm
I’ve always been impressed with the number of people who participate in TBJ polls. It seems like they do them only periodically, which may make more people inclined to take the time to answer them. But their polls are regularly answered by hundreds of people. And folks usually leave some pretty thoughtful comments to go along with them. Thanks for showing us the results of this one. I saw the question the other day, but had not headed back over there for the answers.
Bobby Said,
May 15, 2009 @ 12:47 pm
The TBJ does tend to have a good response to their polls. I was surprised that LinkedIn won out but I suppose that the TBJ’s main audience is more of the LinkedIn crowd. I’m personally Facebook and Twitter crazy, but that’s just me.
Gilbert Pagan Said,
May 26, 2009 @ 4:35 pm
I would agree that LinkedIn would be the heavy hitter in the Raleigh market and with the TBJ audience given its focus on businesses and executive management. The local social networking sites are good vehicles to drive foot traffic into retail establishments. Like Inside919, and Capture Carolina. They also tend to attract a younger crowd which could be good for product marketing and advertisers.
Gilbert Pagan
Bobby Said,
June 1, 2009 @ 8:32 am
Gilbert,
I suppose LinkedIn was destined to be the winner. After all, how many of the TBJ’s readers are in high school or college? Facebook was not going to win that poll.
I’m very interested to watch (and participate) in the growth of locally based social networks. When you can actually go and meet with and talk to the people in your networks it becomes much more valuable both for individuals and businesses.
Bobby