Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Are Social Networks Good for IT Purchases?

By Joseph B. Kappernick


When it comes to online marketing, social media marketing cannot be ignored. With the explosion of social networking sites, people can't help but join in. Businesses are taking advantage of this as they can reach their market easier. Not only are business owners using social media marketing for brand awareness and promotions, consumers have great use for it too. The relationship between social networks and IT is mutually beneficial.

Don't get this wrong, you're not reading something about how IT businesses can benefit from social networks. Rather, it's almost the other way around. IT purchasing decisions today rely heavily on social networks to get them through the buying process. IT decision makers were surveyed and the results showed that 85 percent of them uses one social network to help them in buying decisions. This just shows how relevant social networks are today.

According to a survey, IT decision makers heavily rely on social networks to assist them in making purchases and buying decisions. There were 85 percent of subjects that chose to find information on social networks first before dishing out money. How relevant is this relationship? What are the other things you must know:

* The survey was called "IT Purchasing Goes Social". The total number of subjects was 400 and all of them were IT buyers. 73 percent of the total number of subjects said that they have bought from a vendor in a social network.

* According to the same survey, 60 percent said that their purchasing decisions were influenced by social networks.

* Why do they need social networks to help in the decision making? That's because decision makers want to hear from trusted sources (buyers like them), to gather information on a product quickly and to gain access to a network of IT decision makers.

The social networks and IT relationship are highly beneficial to all IT buyers. When you go to social networking sites like LinkedIn, you can join groups that focus on discussing IT spending management issues. These groups will allow you to learn more information to make wise decisions about your purchase. Further, you can learn more about the products, negotiation process and product reviews too.

IT developments will not be slowing down in the near future. In fact, you must be prepared for more IT advancements in the future. And right now, IT products are at a premium. Seek the help of other buyers to assist you in making the right purchase. Even though we are still not sure about how social networks will affect IT purchasing decisions in the future, what matters is what you can benefit from now.

Well, these are questions we have no answers for. But right now, what we do know is that social networks can provide you the necessary information to make an educated and wise IT purchasing decision. You can take advantage of this now while everything seems good.




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