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Social Media Influences IT Decision-Makers
IT decision-makers spend an average of 3.5 hours per week participating in social media, so it's no surprise that a May survey found that two-thirds of IT executives say social media and user-generated content informs their purchase decisions. The survey, which was conducted by ITtoolbox and PJA Advertising + Marketing, also found that three-quarters of IT execs say social media and user-generated content has made their lives more efficient.
Social media and user-generated content garner as much or more attention from IT executives as editorial or vendor media, according to the survey. While vendor websites remain the most-referenced resource for IT decision-makers, social media and user-generated content follow close behind.
Other findings:
* 53% of IT executives turn to social media and user-generated content for product purchase information because it provides access to objective feedback from multiple sources.
* 24% turn to this content because it offers the opportunity to converse with peers.
* 12% turn to this content because it offers more accurate information related to news and trends.
* 11% turn to this content because it provides information that allows them to stay ahead of the competition.
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Great post. I sold big iron to the Fortune 500 for years. Prior to social media, IT users went to user group meetings to interact with peers. These meetings disappointed because they were run and sponsored by the vendor. They also disappointed because geography limited the number of members.
Social media addresses both of these issues. The vendors can not control the content. Technology has removed the distance limitation.