Social networking for SMEs
The financial services company, Reuters, are currently trialling a social networking service aimed at linking small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with one another and with Reuters’ global network of journalists. The service is called Reuters Insight, and allows members to pose business questions to the network, and to make contacts. In our opinion, this is a step towards Web 3.0 — the use of the Web for organizing joint action, not just the sharing of broadcast information. We mention it here as it may be of interest to our own audience of SMEs.
Jez said:
I’m interested to see whether the business questions get answered (accurately). Virtually by definition the users will be competitors, and may not see any benefit in helping others.
Making contacts on the other hand could well be very successful since it may lead directly to business.
Though it’s a shame, I think it unlikely that much more than the initial contact will take place within Reuters Insight due to privacy/security concerns.
Maud said:
Thanks for your comments and this interesting perspective.
So far the questions have been answered accurately, a significant number of the users of Reuters Insight are also consultants and use the service to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise and are happy to share light-weight information, hoping to generate new business.