This is a topic that I relish writing about. Having worked in both environments, I have gotten to understand the subtle and stark differences between both sectors.

In any case, here are are seven differences to compare B2B versus B2C marketing sectors and how they affect small business marketing. » Read more: B2B & B2C Marketing – The Differences Part I

In the early days of B2B marketing, the concept of engaging the customer in dialogue, let alone allowing the customer to drive the conversation, would have been both foreign and frightening. Things changes with the Internet now opening channels of communication and customers demanding more information to help them make informed decisions.

The B2B marketing world was late to embrace the Internet as a marketing and communication channel. They’re still trying to catch up – with many fumbles, however. Case in point – B2B firms announcing increases in their marketing budgets towards social media. Or Paid search. » Read more: Online B2B Marketing – Today’s Challenges

In a recent article from eMarketer, “Is Social a Source for B2B Leads?”, a survey from Leadforce1 was highlighted which showed that social media was not producing the kind of engagement that drives leads.

This was never a surprising revelation to me. I stand firmly by my assertion that social media will not be a driver of B2B leads. One social mode of engagement that might succeed in the B2B universe might be a closed or semi-closed online forum where B2B buyers or customers engage each other about their experiences within their industry. » Read more: 4 Reliable B2B Lead Gen Tactics

I’ve always found it funny that B2B marketing firms keep highlighting the benefits of social media marketing or email marketing or SEO to the maximum without focusing on the basics. Which in this case is about having a good old fashioned (and functional) website in place and using that critical web asset as the center point of all the B2B firm’s marketing activities.

Instead, I keep hearing from MarketingProfs or MarketingSherpa about how B2B firms will spend more time in social media and other new forms of marketing in 2011. To what end, I ask? Will your raw material manufacturer in China ‘Like’ your Facebook page and comment on it as you wax eloquent about your industry and business? It’s time for B2B companies to get back to basics.

Here are 5 things that you should do with your B2B website pronto: » Read more: 5 critical B2B website marketing tips