It’s sometimes hard to remember this, but corporate social media is still in its relative infancy. At the Blog Council, we talk with many smart people at large companies who often say something like, "But we are only just get started." There is good news, I often reply. The reality is that most companies are in the same boat.
And that’s ok!
Remember this post? Forrester analyst Jeremiah Owyang shared 10 social media strategies for the Fortune 1000 corporations:
- Social Media is about people.
- Communities are the goal, conversations are the verb.
- Let go to gain more.
- Measurement will be important.
- Organize internally.
- Risk of the unknown.
- Social Media goes deep in the organization.
- Social Media goes wide in the organization.
- Social Media spans time.
- Social Media is not magic nor voodoo.
Jeremiah shared this list in December 2006. It could have been written in December 2008, because it’s just as valid today.
There are two lessons here:
1. For executives at big companies: don’t get stressed over whether or not you’re an expert. There is a lot of good advice out there on how to get started, but the important thing is to start. Even if it’s just monitoring conversations using Google Alerts, that’s a start.
2. For social media experts: let’s all take a deep breath and remember that we’re not the norm. Share your expertise generously so others can learn from you. And be patient. It’s helpful to remember that social media is a tougher sell inside a larger organization, so things are going to move a tad bit slower. But we’re all on the same side, and reaching to accomplish the same goals — to make things better for our customers, partners, colleagues, friends, and families.
Michael puts it out there very directly and right to the point. At Molson (and we are members of the blog counceil) we’ve had a small group of people focussed on telling our story and just stepping out and doing. What’s really great about social media is that most people are truly genuine and ready to help and assist along the way. If you’re willing to listen and take feedback to heart, its a great place to be involved. Cheers !
I am in “the business” and am still trying to get up to speed with social media. This article makes perfect sense to me…i think it is very important to turn to other experts….whom most seem very eager to help. I would like to see more about the noted “measurement” phase. Thanks Michael.
Ferg — You hit the nail on the head there by saying “…most people are truly genuine and ready to help and assist along the way.” Absolutely. That’s what makes this such a great space to be in. There’s a tacit acknowledgment that we’re all in this together.
Scott — Again, absolutely. The larger point, though, is that we also need to give a lot of slack and patience to big companies and organizations that may not get it right the first time. I would just love to see all that negative energy channeled into a positive, open-handed manner that says “Let me help.”
After all, as the immortal philosopher Bill S. Preston said while quoting another immortal philosopher: “The only true wisdom consists in knowing that you know nothing”.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, gentlemen.
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312-932-9000 / michael@blogcouncil.org / twitter: merubin
I am a Blog Council employee and this is my personal opinion.
This was a great post. I’m a small business, so I can put social media to work immediately and have started to do so. I know it will take time to build, but it will be interesting to track. Have to watch the time sink though!
I’ve missed your Twitter feed, are you there?