As B2B marketers invest more money and time in both thought leadership and social media, they risk missing a great deal of potential benefit they can achieve by bringing the two together in a holistic way. All too often, at least in my experience in the tech sector, marketers investing in thought leadership view social media primarily as a channel for disseminating content.  They get the idea that social media is important, and that relying on traditional media channels (including email and websites) to promote their ideas is no longer enough.  MORE >>

While a dwindling number of business executives still dismiss Twitter as a waste of time, recent research suggests it is one of the most valuable social networks for business. Although fewer Americans use Twitter than Facebook, Twitter users “are far more likely to follow Brands/ Companies than social networkers in general. 51% of active Twitter users follow companies, brands or products on social networks. You’ll find the answers to these questions and many more here in 50 of the best Twitter tools, posts, how-to guides and rants of 2010 so far. And much more. MORE >>

Social media reflects a larger trend toward buyer empowerment that has changed not only the practice but the underlying philosophies of marketing over the past several years. Just as social media has changed the sales practice , here are five shifts that savvy marketers recognize and capitalizing on to increase sales in an age of consumer empowerment generally and the rise of social media specifically. They will help spread great content virally, while ignoring or mercilessly parodying what they don’t like. HP, P&G) to the channel (e.g. MORE >>

Data junkies, stats addicts, web trivia buffs rejoice — here are a deluge of social media, search and other marketing research facts and figures from 50 articles and blog posts published so far in 2010. Which social networking site is used by 92% of senior marketing executives? What social media tool helps small business double their reach on Twitter? How do B2B social media marketing practices differ from B2C companies? Social Media Statistics. Three caveats: first, though low, the influence of social media is growing. MORE >>

Does viral work for B2B marketing? We asked B2B Marketing experts: What are the components of a "good" viral B2B Marketing Campaign? Every B2B marketer wants their content to be so widely acclaimed that it goes “viral.” In my opinion, that’s a successful B2B campaign due to a viral response. Does viral work for B2B marketing? "Best viral campaigns show real thought leadership." The key to successful viral B2B marketing is more than just putting something catchy out there. First what is B2B viral marketing? MORE >>