Interesting study out last month on how associations use social networking. Omnipress surveyed 325 associations and learned this blinding flash of the obvious: the top objectives are to increase buzz and attendance for their meetings. What I found the most interesting: 35% of associations have custom-built social network systems. When you own the structure of social interactions, you own the community.
Prediction: larger associations will move in this direction and recruit smaller, related groups to spread out the cost. And they are going to need a steady stream of content to keep folks engaged in a more enclosed setting. Great starting place for anyone who wants to be famous in an industry.
Tags: associations, branding, communities, social networking, strategy, Vickie Sullivan