Are you connected?

Came across an interesting study recently from Kansas City-based American Century Investments that figures about 1 in 5 financial services professionals now use social media daily for business purposes.

Nineteen percent, actually, of the 303 (73% male, average age 46) financial planners, brokers and RIAs surveyed responded that they use social media such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and MySpace at least once a day. By contrast, 49% said they use social media less than once a week.

Of those that are using it, what are they using it for? The three primary business uses mentioned in the survey are: researching prospects, contacts and current clients; monitoring industry and market news; and reading expert commentary and insights. Interestingly, marketing was not mentioned as one of those businesses uses.