New B2B Social Media Group on LinkedIn
If you’re a B2B marketer and want to learn more about social media and its applications — or you’re a B2B marketer successfully using social media and want to share with others — please join my new LinkedIn Group, B2B Social Media. 
My goal is to make this a group where we can share advice and tips and learn more about how B2B companies can use social media tools such as Twitter, YouTube, video, forums, etc. to promote products and services, build relationships, and yes, even achieve real ROI.
If you have ideas on how we can make this a fun and interactive group, please feel free to share them with me!
About the author: Dianna Huff
A B2B web marketing expert, Dianna helps B2B companies grow through SEO, marketing writing, and social media. A frequent speaker, Dianna has been quoted in numerous blogs, books, and articles; her client list includes large and small B2B companies across the U.S. Follow her on Twitter @diannahuff. To receive her e-course on creating great B2B marketing content, subscribe to her newsletter, The MarCom Strategist.
January 3rd, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Hi Diana,
We do some b2b in my agency, and recently have been testing Twitter, and Facebook…and of course, I’m here on LinkedIn.
I’ve written many books and have a new one I’m finishing with a social media chapter (that I’m stuck on!) because there are few great case studies of successes.
Our clients are interested in new strategies in this area, and so I’m delighted to join your group.
It’s nice to meet you.
January 3rd, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Diana, great idea! WIth all things “social” predicted to accelerate in 2009 and beyond, it will be extremely important for us to honestly assess what works, why and how. From my conversations with B2B senior execs (across functions), many are skeptical—how will social networking actually work for business growth? In the “industrial” B2B segments I deal with, they just can’t imagine how social media could possibly replace face-to-face interaction. It won’t, of course–but it will augment it and open up totally opportunities for business development.
I recently polled my LinkedIn network and affiliate groups for insight–a sample population heavily weighted to logistics, manufacturing and professional services. Although the response sample was small (21) and the data incomplete (a reminder to everyone: update your LinkedIn profile!), there are some interesting tidbits to chew on:
THE DATA:
• 81% are active in 2 or more social networks—and 57% in 3 or more
• The age 35+ segment averages 3.62 networks—compared to 2.29 for their younger colleagues
• Execs (owners, C-level & VP) average 2.6 networks—nearly as many as Managers and Others (2.66)
Read the full analysis: http://polls.linkedin.com/poll-results/14238/ipdab
THE CONCLUSION: B2B leaders “get” social networking—and are reaching out to trusted peers.
THE CHALLENGE: Are we ready to tap social networking for our businesses? For our clients’?
In 2009, my firm will dig deeper into “social marketing” activity in industrial B2B segments. More polls. Insights on niche markets. And clues about the “socialization” of corporate executives across industry. Please contact me if you’d like to learn more or collaborate. Find me…via LinkedIn or the new B2B Social Media Group!
Katherine Ventres Canipelli
marketingFOLIO, inc.
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Lois,
We’ve “met” before — I interviewed you for an article for my client’s newsletter, ForeclosuresMass. We talked about your fabulous book, Sold! Direct Marketing for the Real Estate Pro.
Plus, we’re connected on LinkedIn. I love your columns.
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Katherine,
Thank you for this data. This is exactly the type of thing I want to talk about on the LinkedIn group. I just sent you a message asking you to post it there.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:37 am
I just stumbled upon your blog and joined your group B2B Social Media. I look forward to learning how to use social media, in particular LinkedIn which I have been mostly ignoring so far. Thank you for creating this group.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:12 am
Thank you, Claude. Looking forward to seeing you post on the Group.