The urge to connect socially online continues to grow. I am constantly surprised at who I’m connecting with online via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. I have new friends and contacts on each of them every day, in fact, several times every day. That’s why I find it interesting when a company or organization tries to create their own social networking site. Take BBI International for example.
BBI International Inc. has officially launched its ePlantSpace Web site, a social networking platform dedicated to connecting plant managers and other members involved in the ethanol industry.
Mike and Kathy Bryan, co-founders of BBI International, conceived the idea for ePlantSpace because they wanted to rekindle relationships with industry members. They are hopeful that those involved in the ethanol industry will do the same.
I wonder how it will work out. My guess is that there are already many of their target audience connected socially online. I think I understand why BBI is trying this. However, since Cindy and I have been so involved in the ethanol business we’re connected with many of those in the industry, including plant managers through what I guess you can call “mainstream” sites, several of which have groups set up for this same purpose. Additionally, we connect with them via our news blog which has an open rss feed, Twitter feed and podcast.
What do you think? Is it worth the time and investment to create your own social network at this point?