Sometimes we forget that there is more to social networks than
looking through your friend’s party photos that he just posted on
Facebook.
Social networking is not just Facebook! Yes, it is the most
successful and yes it does get all the coverage but B2B networks are
continuing to grow strongly and Procurement can take full advantage.
Recruitment agencies already understand this. If you are a
recruitment agent and you are no using social networking (particularly
LinkedIn) then you are not doing your job.
Being a buyer is a lot like being a recuitment agent. They are
responsible for finding and attracting great employees to a business,
youa re responsible for finding and attracting great suppliers to your
business. Social networking is a great tool to enable this.
Who do your professional contacts know? Who would they recommend?
Searching a social network is better than searching on Google. Or
even if it is not better then it si at least another way of searching.
And this is just about finding suppliers, once you have them you
need to keep them. Keeping good suppliers motivated and engaged is
about communication (just like employees again). And again social
networks are a great tool to keep your suppliers engaged and informed.
Remember -
Facebook for your mates
LinkedIn for your career
and Buybl for your suppliers!