Jason Busch recently penned a post on the use of Web 2.0 tools in procurement and lamented the absence of a killer app that has become an indispensable site professionals use on a daily basis (although he did tease us with a possible solution in early 2009). Point taken. After all, even the “bright spots” on the web 2.0 map are largely used by people looking to post or find work, rather than share information and transact business.

However, I have to say I am honestly blown away by the volume, breadth, and honesty of information being shared on LinkedIn Groups. Until recently, the Groups on the site lacked even basic discussion functionality. And without a searchable database of Groups until late summer, few were able to expand their “network” beyond those they already knew (besides perhaps some predatory LIONS). So there was really no ability to tap into a larger pool of industry knowledge.

But now the Discussions have been rolled out and a News sharing tab is live, professionals in our field are sharing news, best practices, vendor recommendations, events and of course, jobs on several industry Groups. For example, here are a few recent conversations from the Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Group (of which I am an admin and will quickly turn around any requests to join):

• Contract management tool recommendations - A group member asked for advice from others who have implemented contract management solutions. Among the responses were various vendors AND candid users.
• Supplier selection - A financial services VP who is setting up a strategic sourcing department queried her peers on roles and responsibilities. The responses provided actionable advice and cited stakeholder collaboration as critical to success.
• Career advancement in the recession - A lively debate on whether or not the current market provides opportunities for procurement professionals working with direct materials/commodities.

Of course, the platform is still very loosely organized. But it is a strong start to making the “conversations” web 2.0 technology promised.

***Please note we will be posting on a limited schedule from December 24th through January 5th. On behalf of all of our Supply Excellence contributors, I would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Holidays!***

Justin Fogarty is Managing Editor of Supply Excellence. For any questions or feedback on the blog or its contributors, Justin can be reached at jfogarty[at]ariba.com.

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