It just amazes me that so few business-to-business companies are not paying attention to the social network phenomena and creating more digital footprints on the web. As general advertising effectiveness decreases, the importance of creating a powerful web presence is escalating.

I am not talking about your company website but rather the footprints you make as you take part in niche business-oriented social networks, comment on blogs, make blog entries, take part in forums, distribute white papers, or have comments made about your company on other blogs. The internet is a big place and your company needs to be in many places at the same time.

The latest statistics on web usage states that well over 70 percent of people research a product or company on the Internet first before contacting them. Based on my experience, I would say it is much higher for business-to-business services and products.

There are three big misconceptions about business-to-business participation in social networks, forums and blogs:

1- The Internet cannot be controlled.
Well if you do not participate, it certainly cannot be controlled. The fact that you are able to get your information out to the public is much better then sticking your head in the Internet sand.

2- We do not have the resources to keep up and we do not know how.
In that case, hire a company like Octane to do it for you. As the Internet continues to become a dominant marketing tool, inactivity will give your competitors an edge.

3- Internet marketing and especially social networks are for consumer companies.
Certainly consumer companies can and do reap great benefits from the web. They have to sell thousands of products to pay for the effort. Many business-to-business companies who generate just one client will pay for an entire year of creating digital footprints. Keep in mind that your clients are consumers as well. They use the Internet at work and at home. You certainly want to be where they are spending their time.

You can download a PDF that provides more information and supporting statistics on protecting and enhancing your digital footprints by clicking here >>>