How Businesses in Puerto Rico Are Using Social Networks Essay

Social Media Gives industrial Companies Competitive Advantage, Says doubting doubting Thomas Industrial Network Report March 29, 2012 New York, NY Industrial companies that hesitate to embrace cordial media, believing that competitors ar not using these platforms, are in danger of losing business opportunities, according to recent research from Thomas Industrial Network. In fact, seven out of 10 small and midsize suppliers (68 percent) are already engaging with prospects through and through these channels, gaining a competitive advantage over those who have yet to start. More than 3,000 respondents to Thomas surveys say that they routinely physical exercise fond media to market their products and services, generate leads, answer questions, conduct research, and gain new business. Thomas study the behaviors of suppliers (i.e., manufacturers and distributors) through its Industrial Marketer survey, and buyers through its Industrial Purchasing Barometer (IPB).The research focused on their use of platforms such as LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, industry forums, and blogs. The responses paint a picture of an industrial sector that has made social networking a mainstream business practice. Buyers regularly rely on social media to conduct research on companies, and to strain others opinions on particular suppliers. Indeed, 56 percent of buyers now recommend that all suppliers establish a social media presence if they want to do business with them. In response, suppliers are jumping onto the social media bandwagon to provide breeding on their reacherings (41 percent), find new prospects (27 percent), and hold in what customers have to say about their companies (20 percent).The industrial sector is awakening to the fact that social media isn t simply a passing consumer fancy, but an essential part of whatever branding and marketing program, said Susan Orr, Senior Director, Strategic Marketing, Thomas Industrial Network. Savvy suppliers also gain that the most effective social media programs need constant care and feeding. To influence prospective buyers, suppliers need to continually update their social media content, and to be actively engaging in and initiating conversations. But for m any(prenominal) industrial suppliers, dedicating the resources and having the in-house expertise to manage social media is a challenge. In response, Thomas Industrial Network recently launched a new, represent effective program to help them take advantage of this important new channel.The Social Media Program helps suppliers piss prospects who are seeking randomness and advice for their businesses through channels such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Blogs, Facebook and Google+. Thomas takes the work off their hands, handling everything from strategy sessions and goal setting, to writing and posting quaint content for each company. We re stir to offer a turn-key and affordable program that leverages Thomas 115 years of experience bringing buyers an d suppliers of industrial products and services together, said Phil Paranicas, Director of Digital Media, Thomas Industrial Network.We have made it easy for any supplier to participate in social networking, and to begin reaching and influencing those prospects who regularly use these platforms. For more information on Thomas Social Media Program, please contact Mr. Paranicas at 212- 629-2134 or pparanicasthomasnet.com. Thomas has also just published a new, free white paper, Why industrial businesses need to have a social media presence and how to get started, which includes additional results of its surveys, and provides social media best practices. To download a complimentary copy, please chew the fat http//promoteyourbusiness.thomasnet.com/white-papers/.About Thomas Industrial Network Thomas Industrial Network is an innovative information and applied science company that helps industrial businesses to connect, collaborate and grow. We help companies to develop a complete web str ategy, enabling them to piece of land product entropy through all of their sales channels. As a result, we help industrial companies to gain sales, improve customer relationships and expand into new markets. One of our key offerings is ThomasNet.com, the premier website for product sourcing and supplier husking and selection. We also provide strategic website development, tools and technology for industrial businesses to manage and share product and service data internally and externally. They include WebCAD publishing, and syndication of detailed product data to channel partners.Custom SPEC was designed for the ridiculous needs of custom manufacturers. Additionally, we offer social media programs and search engine optimization services to help these businesses arrive at brand awareness and generate leads. Our Navigator Platform is the hub through which we help our customers to manage their information. Our focus on the industrial sector for more than a century gives Thomas In dustrial Network a unique perspective to anticipate and deliver new solutions that help industrial businesses grow. 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