The B2B Social Web - my interview with the Ecommerce Times

Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The B2B Social Web has arrived and it’s not going to go away.

I was interviewed recently about the Social Web for a series of articles for Ecommerce Times, and here’s the first half of our conversation…

1) What is THE most significant issue regarding the appearance of Web phenomena like social professional networks?

If being an expert or leader in your market is defined as others’ regard for your insight, skills or services, then you must participate in the networks where this expertise is being shared, and where the people you want to influence are going to help shape their viewpoint. For many professions, these networks remain predominantly offline, but this balance will tip in favour of online for most if not all professions eventually.

MarCom Professional is a great example in my industry, and other social professional networks include sermo.com for physicians and inmobile for the wireless industry.

2) What major trends should my readers know about?

The all-singing, all-dancing social network (Friendster, Myspace, Bebo, Facebook) will increasingly represent the minority of our online social networking. We will gravitate towards specialised networks dedicated to our specific sports interest, hobby, profession, health condition etc.

Sermo on Philip Sheldrake

The B2B Social Web - my interview with the Ecommerce Times