In more than a quarter of managers now believe online networking sites like Facebook, LinkIn and MySpace are a vital business tool, according to a survey conducted by Konica Minolta.

Unsurprisingly, the research showed younger managers are leading the way,with a third of managers under 40 embracing the use of such sites, compared to only 16 per cent pf those over that age. Australian brands are already represented on social networking websites include Breville, CRM Works, Time Tams, Vegemite and Victa.