Where do you stand when it comes to Web 2.0 and the new tools of social networking like blogging, Facebook, Linked In, My Space and Plaxo? As far as you’re concerned, is it still a fad to be ignored – the domain of the Gen Ys and the Techno Geeks from Gen X? Have you fully embraced the power of the networking, collaboration and business development opportunities these tools have to offer you and your business? Or are you still dabbling – sitting the fence somewhere.
I confess that I am a dabbler when faced with the practical application of new technologies. It’s not that I don’t appreciate what these new technologies can do. I do – it comes with the territory of being an ideas person. In fact, It’s a big part of my new book which is all about Change and what works in the 21st century. It’s just that the practical application of these things is not really my strong suit. Frankly, I find it a time-consuming, boring hassle to learn. But heh, I have my own blog now which only took a year or so from the idea to finally get my act together - so that’s saying something.
When it comes to these new tools of social collaboration – I can honestly see their potential in business. I have researched story after story of how the opportunities for collaboration around the world have produced amazing results in record time. Because the ideas and thoughts aren’t centralised or controlled, they can be disseminated extremely quickly, and I can choose to add my personal flavour to other people’s thoughts if I wish. You couldn’t possibly replicate these results with the traditional tools we have spent the last 20 years or so cultivating – like email.
Social networking is the electronic version of the rumour mill in your office. The rumour mill works well because it’s a type of social process that occurs naturally. We don’t have to learn it, so our natural energy gravitates towards using it. Web 2.0 social networking functions in much the same way. You can uncover quickly the groups of people who have the same interests as you, and have a chat outside the confines of bureacracy. It’s like a giant rumour mill that doesn’t have the same geographic limitations as your office space or office email network.
So if this electronic super-rumour mill is potentially so good, why don’t we all use it. Comes back to familiarity – If it’s outside my comfort zone, then I need to exert energy to bring it inside my comfort zone. The bitter pill. I need to take it and I know the benefits it will give me, but it’s likely to taste pretty bad going down.
The solution? Cover the pill in sugar. For me that sugar is turning out to be a couple of things:
- A really compelling reason to use social networking web 2.0 technology
for me it is proving to be the best way to grow my information business fast, access new ideas and extend my reach way beyond my previous geographic boundaries.
- One-on-one internet and e-commerce coaching
I grasp the general concepts, but I really needed to find someone to walk me through the practical steps when things didn’t work or didn’t make sense.
- Outsourcing
Where things get overly technical, I am learning to swallow my pride and get help.
So, really give the social networking technology of Web 2.0 some serious thought about how it can give your business the edge and dig deep to find out the brand of ”sugar” that will make it work for you.
Di Worrall is an author, social commentator and change management consultant. For a FREE subscription to the newsletter – Creating a Climate for Change click on the following website http://www.worrallassociates.com.au/
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