Execs take to social networking

Cape Town - South African executives are spending an extra 9 hours a month online sharing their professional experiences and learning from their peers, according to a study by online business networking service MeettheBoss.com

MeettheBoss surveyed 2 000 of its 12 000 South African members to understand more about what effect Web 2.0 has had on the business world.

The survey asked its executive users what direct value they gained from spending time running blogs, writing tweets and connecting with other executives on sites such as Linked-In, Xing, MeettheBoss, Ryze, Facebook and Twitter.

The answers revealed that South African executives proficient with online activities are spending an average of 9 hours more per month online compared to this time last year - and over 90% of respondents said they felt their time online was "very valuable" to their daily role.

Professionals are rushing to the web for immediate answers to their most pressing questions. "I find online business networking very useful," says MeettheBoss member Calum Nielsen, project manager at First National Bank .

"It allows me to create or join a discussion and get immediate answers and experiences from like-minded professionals on issues such as regulation or technology."

Many thought leaders agree with him. Greg Jakobs, R&D manager at Telkom and Karin Warner, business development director at Baygen have both shared their expertise on the site.

Finding answers for your business is one thing, but most executives have spotted more "individual" advantages to this new phenomenon.

"Everyone knows that building contacts in the industry can strengthen your career prospects, but sharing your knowledge with the world is a very effective personal branding exercise," says Adam Burns, editor-in-chief of online business channel, MeettheBoss.tv

Though most experts agree there is no substitute for face-to-face networking, using social media tools correctly can bring substantial return on your time investment. You can become a thought leader in your niche environment overnight and even pull business to your door. The challenge is finding the best one for you.

- Fin24.com