Engaging business customers requires in-person contact. To date, these connections typically revolve around reference programs, advisory boards, executive meetings, and user conferences. As social activity between tech industry buyers and sellers evolves, the need to transform online interactions from transactional to relational increases, particularly as marketers recognize that digital approaches can reinforce the intimacy and influence essential to building strong customer bonds. Forrester sees the shortest path to successful business-to-business (B2B) community building starting with existing customers and focusing on community, not corporate, objectives.