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Friday, November 1, 2013

Are Social Networks Good For IT Purchases?

By Joseph B. Kappernick


Social media marketing has been very effective in increasing brand awareness and promoting a business. With millions of people logging in to social networking sites every day, businesses can take advantage of his broad market reach. However, are social networks and IT purchases connected? How are social networks influencing IT purchasing right now?

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.

How important is this relationship between social networks and IT decision makers?

* According to the survey "IT Purchasing Goes Social" wherein 400 IT decision makers were interviewed, there was 73 percent that bought from a vendor on social networks.

* 60 percent of the subjects admitted to being influenced by social networks regarding their buying decisions. That's a huge percentage.

* There are several reasons why IT decision makers have to consult social networks first. Some of their reasons include hearing insights and advice from trusted sources, access to a broad network of vendors and getting information quickly.

If you're planning to make an IT purchase soon, how will this benefit you? For one, there is a lack of objectivity with IT purchasing which social networks can provide you. On LinkedIn, there is a group named IT Spend Management where decision, makers can share insights with peers in the negotiation process, product use rights and other issues. Belonging to a group like this greatly helps IT buyers make the best decision.

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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