The findings, according to aWorldNetwork Client Development Manager Jennie Fitzgerald, however, go against the information her engineering search engine’s own survey of 350 engineering firms. Despite this, Fitzgerald believes the future lies with the Internet.

“More than 80% of engineering businesses [we surveyed] said they use word of mouth to promote themselves. Yet [the Eng Net] survey results clearly show the internet is a major information source. The survey also reported that engineering websites resulted in sales contacts, according to 53% of respondents, and 48% said the Internet has helped their work,” said Fitzgerald.

“It’s the brochure of the 21st Century,” she added.

To that end, Fitzgerald believes aWorldNetwork has a part to play in the sector.

“Although engineers are still using general search engines to find other engineers, specialist search engines like aWorldNetwork, are becoming more popular because they are industry specific,” said Fitzgerald.

aWorldNetwork is currently on a membership recruitment drive which aims to bring in over 800 more visitors to aWorldNetwork and its participant listings over the next month. For more information on its services, visit http://www.aWorldNetwork.com or email Jennie Fitzgerald at [email protected]