Chapter twelve Globalization, Innovation, and 21st Century Organizational Trends{0}
I read an article on CNet titled, “Survey: Do small businesses use social networks”. This article said that in a survey conducted in August of 500 small businesses (meaning having less then 100 employees) 76 percent of them said they saw no benefit in using social networks. Out of those surveyed 86 percent had never used any social networking site. In the article Maria Veltre, an executive vice president for Citi banks Small Business Segment, was quoted saying, “While social media can provide additional channels to network and help grow a business, many small businesses may not have the manpower or the time required take advantage of them.” This comment seems to sum up why the findings were so negative.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10374886-93.html?tag=mncol
On the other hand a survey put out in May by a marketing firm known as MarketingProfs found that 66 percent of 213 small-business executives questioned viewed Twitter either somewhat or extremely effective. This survey highlighted Twiter as the social network of choice over Facebook and LinkedIn. The main market that is being attacked on Twiter is to early adapters. These findings are consistent with what chapter twelve talked about. Social Networking sites are growing and in the 21st century Internet and information systems need to utilize these new markets, to get ahead.
Many bigger corporations, such as Pepsi, have recently utilized Facebook and Twitter. Small business can really use these sites as a way to reach new networks. The possibilities are endless. A good example would be using a twitter feed for restaurants to post special when it is slow. This would help increase business and costs would be low.