Social-media is the biggest thing since sliced bread in marketing circles. If the industry gurus are to be believed you need community managers and Facebook fans and you should be tweeting your every move.

However, these sites are great for large numbers, or for retail outlets facing the public, but when it comes to industry specific networks the benefits can seem less advantageous. Hence we’ve recently developed our second industry-specific networking site on behalf of our client, Project Leaders.

Tailored to their own networks, HR Business Network and Finance Business Network

Two years ago we designed and built the HR Business Network – a successful site for top-level HR professionals to network and connect with their peers. The site offers detailed profiles, advice sections, discussions, events and of course, messaging. With over 2000 approved members, all senior figures within the HR industry, the site has been a huge success encouraging industry networking.

The project was deemed so good that Project Leaders asked us to replicate the project for the Finance Sector, and we’ve just rolled out the Finance Business Network.

Current social networks don’t fit all business models, so if social networking isn’t working for you, talk to us about creating a social tool that can get you connected to the right people. It’s often better to be the facilitator and align your business with the heart of the discussion than to join an ocean of ‘me-too’ companies.

We’ve just got back from art directing a recent photo shoot for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

For the third year running we’ve been involved in creating the creative concept through their photography which runs as the back bone for their communications for the rest of the year.

The concept was originally developed three years ago after market research showed that their audience wanted to get to know the individuals that make up the orchestra. We scratched the surface and discovered that there are some real personalities within CBSO – all we had to do was show it in the design! That’s when we hit upon the idea of using their interests and their personalities within the photography.

In the first year the members of the orchestra were a bit shy and nervous about being photographed, now they’re volunteering to join in the fun. Over the years, we’ve had pilots, scuba divers, gardeners and the fun of five golden retrievers.

The photography can be seen throughout a number of publications, within their season brochure and general marketing promotions.

Below is a selection of last season’s photos alongside one of the newest shots: