Social Media

Social Business Failure #9: Make Policy Ugly

August 30, 2011
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  Social Media Policy almost seems like an oxymoron.  Whereas “Social Media” is supposed to open, transparent, emergent and free flowing, policy is rigid, structured and often unforgiving. I have read many social media policies.  Some are great, others are ugly.  The ones that are ugly forget that they are to be read by a human, not an autobot.  They are so lengthy and full of legalese that they pretty much guarantee that no one will read them.  And if no one reads them, what good are they except to be used as a force of punishment? Hint #1: Write it in a way that will be read.  When done correctly the reader feels informed and empowered, not confused and stifled. Many times a policy is not needed.  Why?  Because everything they need to say is already in other policy statements.  Sometimes all that is needed is direction. Hint #2: [...]

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Social Business Failure #7: Give Them Another Option

August 16, 2011
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Tomorrow I am speaking at the NASA IT Summit. Last night I saw an act that encapsulated the essence of this failure. The evening open reception had (my guess) over 1000 people. There was food, an open bar and tables and chairs. Most people were standing in small groups talking. The environment was set up to encourage mingling and discussion. But they scheduled a speaker during that time. About 30 minutes into it, the emcee introduced the speaker. The speaker at the beginning asked for about five minutes of our time. No one stopped talking. About 30 seconds into it, she said, “Hello. Excuse me. Could I please have your attention? This is really important.” Then she kept talking and so did everyone else. About two minutes into it, emcee her took over and said, “Will you please give her your attention? Let’s show some courtesy and listen to the [...]

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Social Business Failure #6: Go Cheap

August 9, 2011
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Imagine this happy couple’s future wedding anniversary.   And imagine her excitement when he says, “I’ve got this one planned, honey (schnookums, poodle, whatever). The day comes and he surprises his spouse with a trip to the local Golden Arches.  He gets a weird look shot at him and he respond with, “Ya, I know it’s cheap, but it IS dinner.  At least we are doing that!  But wait for the after dinner festivities!” So, they slug through some Quarter Pounders with cheese, fries, a drink and of course a hot fudge sundae shared.  Then they leave with promises that the next adventure will be better.  They round the corner and the big SEARS signs welcomes them.  None too excited, she goes along with it.  They walk in and he says, ” I know you have always wanted a ___(fill in the blank)____ and now we can get one.”  She [...]

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Enterprise 2.0 Conference Session: Failures

June 15, 2011

Over the years I have given many presentations and keynotes at conferences.  And usually there are blog posts and tweets about them afterward.  But rarely are people talking about the session BEFORE they actually see it.  This is what has happened for my session at the Enterprise 2.0 Conference. First, I saw Sterling Raphael‘s  tweet pointing to his post. By attending this session, I hope to come away recognizing and understanding the face of failure. Most importantly, how to circumvent it. That pointed me to others.  Like Jacob Morgan‘s post: This session should really help organizations understand what failure looks like and how to avoid it. And to the post from Steve Wiley (who organizes the E2.0 Conf): Kevin’s session should provide a healthy contrast by tackling the subject of failures head on. What great advanced notice of what others want to hear!  Obviously it is a topic that is [...]

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It’s Time To Try Social Technologies – Video

May 19, 2011
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This is a video I have promised to do for some time.  It is in response to those who won’t even consider social technologies with their organizations – now or in the future.  I have heard about all of the excuses – and for the most part I don’t buy any of them.  They range from “Our culture won’t support it” to “It is a waste of my time” to “We have better things to focus on.” It’s like saying, “This new thing called the phone is nifty and all, but we don’t need it.”  You don’t know it yet – but yes you do.  And eventually it will come.  The question is, when will you allow it? Most don’t dive in because of two factors: Fear of the Unknown and Fear of Change.  Now, honestly, it is FEAR?  They may not label it that, but I believe so.  Social [...]

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