According to Gavin O'Malley of Online Media Daily, LinkedIn (a professional-focused social network) is poised to debut a network catering to business-to-business market researchers. 

The LinkedIn Research Network has already partnered with six market research firms - including Phoenix Marketing International and OTX - to conduct targeted B2B primary research among its network of some 30 million professionals worldwide. 

How it works: 

For the LinkedIn community, involvement in the research will entirely be opt-in, and is expected to actually make participation in the community more attractive. LinkedIn users will receive invitations to participate in market research surveys four times a year. In the future, members will likely have the opportunity to participate in research surveys as often as once a month. 

What does this mean to B2B marketers: 

"Users will be offered rewards to share their behavior like cash incentives, donations to a charity of their choice, and merchandise," said Dan Shapero, director of business services for the LinkedIn Research Network. "The other reward is that this research might be used to improve the industries they work in."  

Become a LinkedIn participant: 

I use LinkedIn for connecting and resourcing with other marketing professionals. I belong to several groups and enjoy participating in Q&A with other like-professionals. I strongly suggest that you sign-up if you haven't already. 

Best,

Denice MacDonald

LinkedIn Debuts B2B Network

(Credit: Online Media Daily)