Hey there! Are you ready to dive into the dynamic world of social enterprises? If you've been scratching your head, wondering how companies can leverage social networks to create real business value, then you're in the right place. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s chat about how to turn your enterprise into a thriving social ecosystem.
You may have heard the term "invisible social enterprise" thrown around. But what does it really mean? Imagine a bustling city where people are already sharing ideas, helping each other out, and forming communities—all without the local government knowing. That’s the essence of the invisible social enterprise! Employees are harnessing their own networks, generating flurries of business value, often flying under the radar of top brass.
In the past year, there's been a seismic shift in this landscape. Salesforce.com has boldly proclaimed "Social Enterprise" as the hot topic for their Dreamforce 2011 conference. Google’s got in on the action with its Google+ social network tailored for enterprises. And hey, companies are now openly using Twitter not just for tweets but as critical marketing and support channels. So, what does this mean for you and your organization? Buckle up!
Let's get down to brass tacks. Why should your organization transform into a social enterprise? The answer is simple: hyper sales productivity. It's like turning a small trickle of water into a roaring river! Sales operations will essentially hold the keys to unlock immediate business cases for a more interactive workplace.
Platforms like Chatter and Jive are game-changers, allowing knowledge sharing that goes beyond the sales organization. This radical collaboration can make the entire company an extended sales team—think of it as a relay race where everyone passes the baton gracefully, ensuring a smooth finish.
On the marketing front, Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) have become the social wizards of the corporate world. They're already leveraging platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to enhance brand visibility. But wait! There’s a new frontier to tackle—turning social media sentiments into actionable insights. By using tools like Radian6 for sentiment analysis, marketers can go from merely listening to their customers to engaging them in meaningful conversations. Isn’t that exciting?
Picture this: a community where your customer feels heard, valued, and influential. If that’s not a recipe for loyalty, I don’t know what is!
When it comes to IT departments, things can get a bit complicated. Some IT leaders might jump on the social enterprise bandwagon, while others may feel threatened. It really all depends on their past investments, particularly with platforms like Microsoft SharePoint. Having laid substantial groundwork in document management and collaboration, many Chief Information Officers see social tools as either a wonderful complement or a potential competitor to their prized SharePoint.
So, here’s the million-dollar question: how will you get IT on board? One effective strategy is to position any new social platform as an extension of existing systems, thus easing any fears of obsolescence.
Think about customer support for a moment. Traditionally, it’s been about phone calls, emails, and chats. But what if your customer community could act as a support hub? With platforms like Jive and Lithium, external customer communities can empower customers to answer each other’s questions, effectively lightening the support load.
Now, that’s a game-changer! And it brings an added bonus: shifting the conversation from mere marketing chatter to genuine support dialogues.
As we wade deeper into this social revolution, let’s not overlook Human Resources. With Millennials and Generation X moving into leadership roles, HR is increasingly leveraging social platforms as essential tools for employee engagement and retention. It’s a bright new world out there, and employees expect to connect in socially engaging ways. This has birthed a suite of social technologies, like Rypple, which focus on social performance management.
What’s the takeaway? Social tools aren’t just a fad; they’re becoming essential in an organization’s arsenal.
Alright, so by now you're probably thinking, “This all sounds fantastic, but how do we bring it all together?” Creating an enterprise-wide social strategy might feel like herding cats! The challenge lies in aligning these distinct viewpoints—sales, marketing, IT, customer support, and HR—into an actionable, comprehensive plan that transcends departmental boundaries.
Is it impossible? Nope! The first step is to make the invisible visible. Start discussions within your organization, and don’t shy away from making social a priority at the executive level. The next step? Build compelling business cases that resonate across all departments.
In this exciting era of social enterprise, harnessing social networks can turn your organization into a thriving ecosystem where collaboration and engagement reign supreme. By following a strategic roadmap and prioritizing social integration at every level, you can unlock immense opportunities for your business. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start this journey towards social enterprise transformation today!
What exactly is a social enterprise? A social enterprise is a business model that utilizes social media and networks to create business value through collaboration and engagement among employees and customers.
How can social media improve sales productivity? By leveraging collaboration platforms, employees can effortlessly share insights and ideas, transforming the sales process and creating a united front that enhances productivity.
What role does IT play in the social enterprise model? IT departments must evaluate social tools as compliments to existing systems like SharePoint, ensuring that they provide added value rather than overlapping functionalities.
Are customer support communities effective? Absolutely! External communities can reduce support load by allowing customers to answer each other’s questions, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty.
How does HR benefit from social enterprise frameworks? Social tools assist HR in engaging newer generations of employees, focusing on retention and performance management in ways that resonate with today’s workforce.
Is creating a social strategy easy? It’s challenging but achievable! Aligning different departmental viewpoints into a unified strategy is key to success in a social enterprise.
What tools can facilitate a social enterprise? Platforms like Chatter, Jive, Rypple, and Radian6 can help organizations enhance collaboration, performance management, and sentiment analysis.
Why should executives prioritize social initiatives? When executives champion social efforts, it increases cross-departmental support, showing that the organization values collaboration and open communication, which leads to better business outcomes.
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, let’s embrace the social enterprise and make a positive impact together!
Not done exploring? Here's another article you might like
Social Media and Healthcare: Navigating the New Frontier