ROI from community in traditional business?

January 2, 2008 1:01 PM

Has anyone seen articles/metrics on how traditional businesses are succeeding by leveraging community and/or social networks? If you have link to specific research and/or articles it's appreciated. Thanks!
posted by jstorerj to technology (1 comment total)

I can't help specifically, but I suggest looking to the history of some of the Coca-Cola Bottlers esp. American oens before they were purchased by CCE. They generally played a big role in local communities and were generally held in high regard.

I think many of the older, larger consumer focussed businesses felt obliged to play a role in communities in the 50s & 60s.

If you are Australian, look into Metcash's IGA Banner Group specifically Ritchies Supermarkets. IGA have a strong community position and Ritchies take that concept to the next level.
posted by dantodd at 4:26 PM on January 3, 2008