I don't think there is anyone at this point who doesn't realize the Internet has forever changed the way business is or can be conducted. To understand the value of the Internet in terms of what it can do for your business, regardless of the market you're in or the size of your business, requires first hand knowledge — participation.
To Start, Keep in Mind:
Key in what the Internet has done via blogs, instant messaging, social networking, wikis, and other online collaboration tools is the ability to have direct contact with individuals — anywhere in the world.
There are many tools, often free, which enable a group to participate and collaborate together in one space for all to share and see the information available in its entirety.
To start with online participation does not have to be public, even with social networking.
You can start within the privacy of your own company and keep it for internal use only.
You can make it a private collaboration between a customer or a vendor.
To begin you need a very specific, simple business goal. The most successful are laser focused, target a specific group, and keep number of participants small.
Small group keeps the committee mindset out of the project, minimizes conflicts, and more likely to stay focused on the goal.
Simple goal doesn't overwhelm the group, easier to set guidelines and rules of use, and easier to make adjustments to get it accomplished, based on user input.
Helps to determine which tools best suites your needs.
Project Ideas:
Plan and coordinate an event
Manage a project i.e., product development, product launch, maintenance program, coordinate market research, create a proposal
Documentation controls of marketing materials
Collect ideas on market changes in a specific market or product area
What is the difference between social networking and social media? How do you approach these so you are productive and provide value in turn?
As mentioned in the previous post the first step in online social activities is to listen. By listening you'll discover not only trends and gain customer feedback, but resources you can use in your business, where key players, customers, and prospects "hang-out" online. Listening gives you the places to start and guides you in how to participate to help you to be productive and provide value when you begin to participate in the conversation.
These two videos by Common Craft video productions give you the value in social networking and social media and perspective on what each one provides.
What are some key business benefits you value with social networking and social media?
You've probably heard or read the first step you take in a social media plan is to listen. Your next thoughts are probably — don't have time, why should I, and even if I want to, how? One place to listen is on Twitter.
The short video produced by Common Craft video productions does a great job of showing you the potential value for your business and how to listen to Twitter conversations.
What are some of the insights you've discovered with Twitter Search?
