Social networking sites 'good for business'

The phenomenon of social networking can be beneficial to businesses, both small and large, it has been claimed.

According to Tim Gibbon, the co-founder and editor of the Social Media Portal (SMP), the idea of networking can benefit a business - irrespective of its size - given that business success is based upon the notion of relationships.

One of the recommendations of Elemental, the organisation behind the SMP, is that when working with social networks, businesses should work to persuade others to join in.

"Business owners need to know what is happening in and outside their environment and build long-term relationships," said Mr Gibbon.

"Keeping abreast of what is transpiring in a sector and industry is critical and can't be achieved by guesswork, research and/or reading trade media alone."

However, Mr Gibbon has also stressed the need for businesses to ensure that they understand the particular culture of the social network they have entered into.