An increasing number of businesspeople are using social websites.

Research conducted by the Institute for Corporate Productivity indicated that some 65 per cent of business professionals are making use of websites including LinkedIn and Yahoo! 360 to develop working relationships.

Senior vice president of research Jay Jamrog said: "In an age where more and more employees work remotely and people frequently change companies, it makes sense that the business community would turn to the web to stay connected."

The study also found that 52 per cent of respondents use social networking sites to keep in touch with staff, while 47 per cent of firms utilise the networks to connect with potential clients.

Yesterday, Facebook announced marketers will be able to develop unlimited applications on profiles known as 'canvas pages'.

As a result, advertisers on the social networking website could allow visitors to click-through to websites where they will be able to make purchases online.