Social networking has clearly reached a tipping point. Sites like Facebook boast over 350 million active users. Platforms like YouTube and Twitter can transform reputations in addition to providing entertainment.

Social networking is often dismissed as a time-wasting distraction. But on the other hand, it can help facilitate an open-ended culture that values transparency, collaboration and innovation.

Most important, it can be an effective way to build a customer-centric organisation that not only communicates authentically, but also listens to stakeholders and learns from that interaction.

Social networking can be used not only to communicate, but also to learn from employees, suppliers and residents.  Many organisations spend large sums trying to find out what people think of them. Listening to feedback on Twitter or Facebook offers a more effective and cost-efficient way of learning how to approach issues.

If you want to join the party, but are still waiting for your invite, call or email us at Marketing Impact.