How about using creative, artistic shots of the business, the building, the people, and activities. Do they go to exhibitions, conferences, or do they fund-raise for charity?

HTH

Very little outreach in that manner. I've done that anyways just to at least have a presence on that platform, but I find that the amount of value in focusing in that realm does not make since as people don't really follow those pin boards.

I think the issue is tracking, or lack of tracking.

I agree, it's not for everyone, so perhaps it's not for those other sectors you mentioned.

I know a lot of companies feel the MUST be on every social media site. A lot of the same companies felt they MUST have an App or they MUST have an eCommerce site or they MUST do the latest thing that "everyone else" is doing. Even if what everyone else is doing has no relevance.

The reality is, as Engine points out, that not everything on the Web applies equally well to every business. Instead of spreading themselves too thin and trying to do things, they should focus their efforts in the sectores that work best for their business.

That said, if they still feel they MUST do well on Pinterest, there probably are some things they could do. Infographics can do well- some examples they (PC store) could do (may have been done by others):
- comparison of Windows 7/8
- new buyer's questions to ask
- XP is no longer supported: reasons to upgrade NOW

Or have some fun:
- creative things to do with an old XP machine

Pinterest can drive serious traffic for businesses with products or services that have high visual appeal. Clothing, jewelry, home decor, event design, photographers, exotic cars, for example.

In my experience (which leans towards "girly" stuff), both Pinterest and Facebook drive significantly more traffic (and purchases) from images shared by users than the business's own sharing does.

So, IMHO you'll get the highest return from social by making it easy for users to share your stuff.

That will be easier for some businesses than others. If your products have strong visual appeal, a set of social sharing buttons on your product pages might trigger a lot of sharing by users. In other cases, you might need to develop extra content that users would enjoy to share.

If it's easy and attractive for users to share your stuff, they will, especially if it makes them feel clever in front of their own friends.

Give thought to how that would advance your purposes, and craft your "share bait" accordingly. You won't reach the right eyeballs by circulating pictures of kittens and bunnies if your business is truck parts.

Set up social accounts wherever you'd feel it's wise to secure your brand name, but be selective about where you actually invest energy. Share when you have something of legitimate news value to your audience but don't feel obliged to engage in social chit chat just for the sake of it.

Let your users do the work of sharing!