So your boss asked you to check out social media tools like Facebook and 1) see how it works, and 2) tell them if it’s got any positive business benefits to outweigh the potential for wasting time.
I took the Facebook challenge and I admit I’m still trying to figure out all the business benefits. I have personally enjoyed the connections and reconnections, occasional business networking and yes… a little bit of good old fashioned, stress-relieving entertainment.
And you know what? It’s not so relevant that many of my friends shared a school experience with me long ago… it’s the fact that we are all exactly the same age, with kids around the same age, and similar career level advancement. That’s what’s keeping the conversation alive.
However, I am also interested in what drives people to AVOID new technologies as well as why they ADOPT them. Here are 5 actual reasons I have heard from “non-adopters” on why they don’t want to dive in:
1) I have a psycho ex-husband that I don’t want to find me.
2) I don’t want to know what my high school girlfriend looks like now. I’d rather treasure the memory from 30 years ago.
3) I don’t need any more distractions rolling into my email inbox.
4) Isn’t that the service that college kids use to hook up with each other on weekends?
5) I’m worried my boss will look at my profile just at the moment when my fraternity brother decides to reminisce about Spring Break of ’82.
Valid points all J But have you ever found a long lost friend or relative on Facebook? Did you learn anything valuable for your job? Did you find this blog on my profile? I’d love to hear your story…
I’ll admit that I did find your blog on your profile. I honestly think that it’s not just Facebook alone, it’s the connectivity of all of the tools. How you can track an interesting website someone tweets you to your Google Reader page, then post good articles from there to FB. I think it’s valuable to the job because you stay more informed and better aware of new trends and happenings – and it allows you to create better working relationships with co-workers ;-)!
Well David, you’re a great example of finding friends on Facebook.
I’ve embraced social (or new media) like few other 47 year-olds. Too many people automatically jump to the things that can go wrong. What I love about social media is that I can put my own good things out to the universe and I can respond (or delete) any thing that someone else posts.
Of course, you have to be careful what you post for the world to see – I never complain about my job, boss, family or boyfriends on Facebook or my blog. I try not to photos of myself with a beer in hand or looking tired or stressed out. You can control the content.
That said, I think my jobs lend themselves to social media. I set up a page for the non-profit I work for, I let people know when I’ll be waitressing and post links to articles I’ve written for print media. I’ve been asked to speak on to two groups of nonprofit leaders recently about new media. Trust me; no one is more surprised than I am!
Print publications are folding at an alarming rate. I think it is dangerous to totally ignore a segment of media that is flourishing. Sticking your head in the sand won’t stop it from happening.
I recently interviewed candidates for a marketing position and one of my questions was, “how do you describe social media to someone who knows nothing about it, and may be slightly hostile.”
David,
I joined FB in the past week after hearing about how it can help build business, and I figured I’d procrastinated long enough at getting involved.
Now after looking at it, I’m trying to figure out how to use it for business. As I come up with ideas, I’ll let you know and if you have any suggestions, I’m open to them.
I am amazed at how much info people share about themselves. I’m a fairly private person, and will have to be a bit more open to make FB work, whatever that means.
Also, congrats on losing 25 lbs.
The rules of social networking are exactly the same as any recorded method of communication (letter, note, e-mail, text, phone message, photo, video, etc.) on steroids! Never ever write or say something that you don’t want the entire world to see, hear or learn about some day. It amazes me when I read some people’s facebook comments: “I’m bored! I can’t wait to get off work!” “I’m still wasted from last night…” One of our common friends has taken himself/herself off of facebook because it was too time consuming. At least that person knows how to stay out of trouble. That’s my 2 cents…
Great comments from all of you! I am troubled when I see teenagers (and a few adults) spewing forth text and photos with a blurred understanding of “public” and “private.” But I am equally enthused about people around the world reconnecting in a new way. Every new technology brings good and bad. Maybe the people who post the photo of themselves dancing on the bar are actually crying out for help in some way. And maybe this new communication channel will help them get it.
Question…do you believe FB can/should be used to have discussions/dialogue on serious topics. If you truly believe what you are stating or are looking for differing opinions to sharpen your understanding of an idea or policy or etc…is it not ‘safe’ to use this medium? Thoughts?
Good question Rich. Writing on someone’s wall is the equivalent of shouting in the middle of a crowded party. If that’s where you want to have your discussion, then go for it:) Maybe starting a group around a specific topic is better because everyone has already opted in to the discussion…