25. Much more buzz than actual value so far. Easy to get excited, hard to channel into actionable stable results. Hype, but does not affect business at all In my company, they have blocked a lot of social networking websites that I used to access. I am not convinced that social media can have a meaningful impact on my business. It really hasn't affected my company much considering most of the outlets and marketing we do is through newsletters.
26. I am aware of the effect of social media. However, my company is still hesitant to take advantage of this. Just figuring out what to do with it for a business; in particular, how to take advantage of Twitter as an info and marketing channel. More hours spent per week on fragmented - a drain on internal employee time. And expectations about corporate presence on internet - is only increasing. Sometimes maddening. Sometimes wonderful. So far I think it has had a negative affect (sic) on productivity. However, it will be incredibly important to use, understand and make the most of it from a marketing perspective as time goes on.
27. It has provided us more channels to get the word out. LinkedIn is the best prospecting tool ever created. [S]ocial networks help to make business social again. Your clients and colleagues can share in your life experiences. As people move from company to company, we know immediately. This has resulted in real sales dollars . Through Facebook, LinkedIn, my blog, and Twitter I am keep in touch with people, before I tended to keep in touch with companies. It's had such an effect that we have a Social Media Knowledge Manager who gathers information across our group of companies We have recently launched a major social media campaign to increase awareness of our brand. Don't know yet the results. Social media has helped us recruit consultants and full-time hires, and has also been helpful in gaining business leads.