According to the University of Maryland Smith School of Business third installment of the Small Business Success index report, quite a lot. The technology adoption rates for small businesses have doubled in the past year.

Mashable.com recently reported on this in their article, “How Small Business Is Using Social Media [STATS]”. It appears that one in five small business owners are embracing social media and making it part of their communications and strategic marketing plans. An astounding 45% believe the investments made in social media will pay off in 12-14 months. That shows some serious faith in return on investment. What gives them such confidence? They believe that it will assist them in gaining new customers on the front-end – with new leads. They don’t discredit the power of customer service that social media brings to the table, but they are banking on (literally) the power of sales.

The SSN Take: We’re not sure why people are surprised by these findings. Social media has proven itself time and time again as a valuable sales and marketing tool.

Melody K. Smith, April 8, 2010

Note:   Post was not sponsored.