Useful for engaging clients, showcasing expertise
Although traditionally used for personal reasons, Facebook is becoming increasingly used for business purposes, according to a survey by the Creative Group.
Twenty-eight per cent of the 250 Canadian advertising and marketing executives interviewed said they use Facebook for professional purposes, such as connecting to consumers and promoting the company brand.
And 48 per cent expect to take advantage of this social network for business in the next three years, found the survey.
When respondents were asked to estimate what percentage of their Facebook friends are business or professional contacts, the mean response was 14 per cent.
"In the creative sector, you would be hard pressed to find someone who isn't a part of at least one online community," said Lara Dodo, a regional vice-president of the Creative Group in Canada. "Whether it's through Twitter, Facebook or Google+, people are recognizing that social media sites can be useful for expanding their professional contacts, engaging clients and customers on a more personal level, showcasing their industry expertise and mining information that can be beneficial to their careers."
