Monster Targets Small Biz Users on eBay

A cross-pollination marketing alliance between Monster and eBay brings together small businesses and job searchers.

Under the deal, the job-hunting and recruiting site will tout its tools and resources to the auctioneer’s base of small business users. In return, eBay’s small business users will receive special offers on Monster job-posting packages. Though small businesses represent an attractive audience for many B2B marketers, they are notoriously difficult to reach.

“eBay offers Monster the platform to reach a large base of small businesses. Together, we will provide our community the resources and tools to help them grow their businesses,” said Jeff Jordan, senior VP of eBay U.S.

Monster will have a presence on the eBay homepage and banners throughout the site, all of which will promote the savings available to eBay-referred employers. An additional sweepstakes and a microsite will also promote the relationship.

The arrangement extends beyond the Web, as well. The job site will be a title sponsor for two events series hosted by eBay: eBay Live! And eBay University. At both events, Monster will hold sessions on career planning and hiring for small businesses.

“It’s not just an advertising campaign. Monster is also going to be a sponsor, and they’re getting involved at the community level to help folks,” said Jennifer Caukin, an eBay spokeswoman.

The deal marks the first time the two companies (both top players in their respective online segments) have worked together.

“Hiring qualified employees is crucial to growing a business. Monster can help small businesses on eBay do this efficiently and cost-effectively,” said Monster’s Jeff Taylor, founder and chief monster.

Monster seems to be experimenting with ways to boost its appeal to employers and job seekers alike. The company recently jumped on the social networking bandwagon, saying it would offer paid networking services to aid its users’ career development efforts.