Best Buy turned to its customers, via its Idea X Web site, for suggestions on qualifications for hiring a new senior marketing manager for emerging media. Previously, Pizza Hut hired a “Twintern” and Queensland used social media to promote a contest. The winner was hired to share his experiences there via social media.

What does it mean?

Consumers helping companies navigate social media showcases transparency, personalizes campaigns, and helps improve brand strategy. For Best Buy, this was a “natural ...