Using Social Networks To Support Learning And Training

My friend and co-worker wrote this great article on the use of Web 2.0 technologies and their support of training and competencies. You really need to read this!

By Rod Ford

In a previous post, I asked the question: How can social network environments be used to support competency models that include attitudes and behaviors?

With the variety of social network environments (SNEs) available in today’s Web 2.0 milieu, the possibilities for leveraging them in the support of competency models and training initiatives may be infinite. In this post, I will focus on two or three of the SNEs and may choose to write about some of the others later. That said, I would encourage you to comment to this post about your ideas for these and other SNEs.

Weblogs and Blogging
Weblogs (blogs) are easy to implement but are challenging to leverage in support of competency models and training initiatives. I say “challenging” because blogging requires an individual or small group of knowledge experts to write content and keep it up to date. I think they are a very valuable tool, but when using them to support training initiatives, it is important to:

* Identify potential authors
* Create a writing schedule
* Remind authors when its time to write
* Link relevant courses to the blog
* Encourage readers to comment
* Assign someone to identify comments that need a response from an expert

Wikis
I’ve personally worked with at least 9 different wiki tools. Some of them I’ve simply written inside of, others I’ve implemented for clients or simply for my own understanding of their usefulness. While these tools are a bit more challenging to implement than a blog, I believe they are enormously important for supporting competency models and training initiatives.

Read more…

CMO Guide to Brand Management Using Social Media

By Dan Schawbel

In 2005, Jeff Jarvis made every company think twice about customer service and brand management with his famous “DELL Hell” blog post. In his blog post he stated “I just got a new DELL laptop…the machine is a lemon and the service is a lie.” It is now 2008 and the conversation has been buried inside the social media playground, where citizen journalists carry a company’s reputation, more than any CMO, and customer service influences brand reputation more than ever. A recent survey by the Society for New Communications Research shows that almost 60% of participants view social media as a place to vent about customer support experiences. Although most CMOs would view this as a threat, the report also explains how 81% view blogs, online rating systems and discussion forums as places where customers gain a greater voice.

With millions of blogs and thousands of social networks, a conversation that once existed behind a locked door, now opens with social media. Thirty–seven percent of the US adult population uses social networks and there will be $1.2 billion spent on advertising on social networks this year alone (eMarketer). Even podcasting shows potential, with an audience that is projected to increase to 65 million in 2012 (eMarketer). Corporate messaging has decentralized and is made available through various channels of communication such as Twitter, blogs and Facebook. CMOs have no choice but to listen and learn.

Authenticity Matters

“Every CMO should know that not every brand is a brand people want to socialize with. You need to understand the limitations and opportunities of your brand within the audience’s mind and out in cyberspace,” says Laura Ries, President of Ries & Ries Focusing Consultants. Brands that have real values, emotions and meaning will be revered by customers and therefore will be spoken about. CMOs should strive to manage their brands so that their audience pays attention and turn customers into brand champions.

There are many new and exciting opportunities for CMOs in this web 2.0 world. John Moore, of BrandAutopsy.com fame, says, “Social Media helps small companies look bigger and helps big companies get smaller. Meaning, a small company can have a big presence online with customers through using social media. Conversely, a big company can get ‘smaller’ because social media connects companies to customers on a very personal level.” Social media places personal brands, that are tied to companies directly, in front of those who can impact their future. Some believe this is risky, but the smart CMOs will empower employees to carry forth the corporate message in an authentic manner.

Tips for CMOs:

Spend more time learning about social media before actually engaging.
This can be done by subscribing to many popular blogs in your space, which you can find through Technorati, Google Blog Search or by asking your PR agency or contacts. Learn who your new stakeholders and influencers are and identify ambassadors in your company that could interact with them to start conversations.

Become visible in the industry.
Whether it’s you or your direct reports, attendance at new media conferences will provide insight and best practices.

Take risks.
There are very few real social media success stories in corporate America because companies are in experimentation mode. Whether it’s a viral video, a blog, a wiki or a discussion forum, companies are looking to see how others react to their tools and strategies. The Blog Council was formed to help companies, such as Coca Cola, share failures and successes.

Command respect by being transparent.
Companies that connect with customers the same way they do with The New York Times or BusinessWeek will have a rude awakening. If you take anything from reality TV, you know that people care about authenticity and not acting. You need to start treating bloggers like real people and not press release submission services. The people that will succeed will tell bloggers exactly who they are and what their intentions are immediately.

Don’t be just another logo on a website.
Just because you brand yourself visually doesn’t mean people will care about you. I think podcasting is one of the key tactics to really connect with your audience these days. Make your business come to life and have your employees tell their stories. People remember faces and stories more than anything.

Realize that there is a shift in brand management control.
Brands have been swallowed by the end user. Now they have the privilege to spread the word, with or without an editor. Outside of the Web 2.0 bubble, social media is still relatively new. Enter at your own risk and always monitor your brand for feedback.

Dan Schawbel is a leading personal branding expert for gen-y. Dan publishes Personal Branding Magazine and Personal Branding Blog. He is also the first social media specialist at EMC2 and has seven years of experience in marketing.

Mandatory Ping Pong In The Workplace

By E. Brown

I had lunch today with my friend, Tim, who gave me a tour of his offices afterward. What struck me was 2 things:

1. Everyone seemed genuinely engaged in what they were working on
2. Everyone seemed genuinely happy and content

To some of you who read this, my examinations may be commonplace, yet to others of you this may be foreign and even a little bit envious. I would venture to guess that many of you fall into the second category. You have never experienced a work environment where you were genuinely engaged, believed in what you worked for everyday, and were happy and content to go to work.

Many people I talk to long for this kind of workplace. There are numerous studies that show the value of this kind of workplace. My friend Alex is on a crusade to promote “happy” workplaces. So, what can you do?

Well, you have a couple options. One of which is to look for this kind of organization that you can give yourself to — one that you appreciate and one that appreciates you! Another option is to attempt to create this kind of environment within your current workplace. Is it doable? It depends on the level of influence and determination you have. Explore all your options. Wouldn’t you rather get up excited about what you’re doing for work rather than dragging your rear into a dull lifeless job while waiting for retirement?

It’s possible. I have seen it. Granted, I have seen it in a handful of places, but those are becoming more frequent. Get started today! Bring a Foosball table into the office, have an afternoon that you take the staff to the movies, do something — anything to make work fun and engaging.

BTW- did I mention, Tim’s office was having a mandatory Ping Pong tournament? Everyone had to play singles or doubles. What do you think of that? Mandatory fun!

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Leadership: Are You Making Heaven Or Hell On Earth?

By E. Brown

I saw this story and thought about it in the context of leadership and management. Take a moment to read it and tell me what kind of leader or manager you’re becoming.

holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said,
“Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.”

The Lord led the holy man to two doors.

He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle
of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a
large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man’s
mouth water. The people sitting around the table were thin and
sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with
very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it
possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful. But
because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the
spoons back into their mouths.

The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.

The Lord said, “You have seen Hell.”

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the
same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large
pot of stew which made the holy man’s mouth water. The people were
equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were
well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, “I
don’t understand.”

It is simple,” said the Lord.
“It requires but one skill. You see they have learned to feed each
other, while the greedy think only of themselves.”

- Author Unknown

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Can Starbucks Come Back?

By E. Brown

If you’ve been keeping up with news and trends, you have no doubt heard about the downward spiral of Starbucks. This necessitated Howard Schultz, founder, to take back the helm of the floundering coffee kingdom. Amidst this, fast food chain, McDonald’s, claims they are going to take a significant portion of market away from Starbucks by offering coffees, lattes, and cappuccinos in their new McCafe’s.

Can McDonald’s Win?
The answer is “no.” Although McDonald’s is making a dent they will never have the same environment as a Starbucks. Many still see the McDonald’s brand as a family/kid friendly hamburger joint. The tile floors make the space very noisy and the booths do not invite patrons to slide over a chair and chat. I am sure the breakfast crowd will like the new selection of coffees as they drive thru, but for the most part, the stores are designed for something entirely different than what you get in a Starbucks experience.

Can Starbucks Survive?
The answer here is “yes.” Starbucks can and will survive. Howard is supposed to announce his strategy at the end of January 2008. We’ll wait and see what he has to add to his previous pronouncements of slowing domestic growth, growing internationally, and a new health-oriented product line. Until then, let me make a few suggestions and observations.

• The stores are designed with a lot of flat surfaces and hard floors. These make the environment too noisy. It is becoming harder to hold conversations. Have you ever tried to talk on your phone when the barista is making a latte?
• Lose the gimmicky unrelated products. I am not going to play Cranium while at Starbucks. I am not going to buy Cranium while at Starbucks.
• Lower the price of your coffees. A friend of mine choked after he added up how much he was spending on Starbucks each week. He now goes a lot less.
• Offer free Wi-Fi. This encourages people to stay and when they stay they buy.
• Get the people up front to be proactive and up-sell products. Give out samples. Encourage patrons to try new things. Who knows, they may become their favorites and when they do, they will tell their friends.

Another Threat?
In my area, the biggest threat to Starbucks does not come from McDonald’s. It comes from Panera Bread. Panera has good coffee, good bagels, great salads and soups, and free Wi-Fi. I see people all the time in there with laptops and food. There are two in my near vicinity and they are always packed. I was in Starbucks last week and this morning and there was only 9 people. The drive-thru was not very busy either.

Wise up Starbucks! You are no longer the only player in this space. You can be on top again with some well executed strategy that involves listening to the customer and improving the brand.

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More Convertible Furniture (PIC)

I love the idea. It will not go with my current decor, but I love the creative idea!

clipped from dustbowl.wordpress.com

Social Networking Roundup

Of the social networks listed below, which one do you like best and why? Comment below.

Bebo

Facebook

Friendster

Hi5

LinkedIn

MySpace

Orkut

Ryze

Xanga

What Is Art - Reloaded?

In light of the “What Is Art?” clip, here is another from BoingBoing. Be careful where you step or what you smash — it might be a famous artist!

clipped from www.boingboing.net Gareth says: “Hey, elephants and chimps (and children) can do a pretty good job of abstract painting, so why not bugs? Artist Steven R. Kutcher dips the creepy crawlers in (watercolor) paint, or has them traipse through it, and then he lets them scurry across the canvas (watercolor paper).” Link

Kids And Virtual Worlds

The promise and pitfalls of Virtual Worlds — parents need to get involved.

clipped from www.news.com Kids who are active members of virtual worlds are learning how to socialize, how to be technologically savvy, and how to be good little consumers. Researchers estimate that more than 50 percent of kids on the Internet will belong to such an environment by 2012 “Knowledge is changing. It (used to be that it) was a set of facts, now it’s not so much a ‘what’ but a ‘where,’ in which kids learn how to find information,” Thomas said. “That’s going to be the single most important skill–the ability to adapt to change.” The panelists advised parents to take an active approach with their kids in virtual worlds. Thomas, for example That’s according to a group of academics and researchers who met Wednesday evening at the University of Southern California to discuss the effects of virtual worlds on children today. The panel came together to talk about the promise and pitfalls of virtual worlds from an educational and commercial viewpoint.

4 Reasons Why Curiosity Is Important

I love this — always be a learner and always stay curious!

clipped from www.lifehack.org The important thing is not to stop questioning… Never lose a holy curiosity. Albert Einstein Curiosity is an important trait of a genius. I don’t think you can find an intellectual giant who is not a curious person. Thomas Edison, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Richard Feynman, they are all curious characters. Richard Feynman was especially known for his adventures which came from his curiosity.

WooMe Speed Dating Beta

OK. I hope the relationships are not as fast as the dating…

“Hi, I’m Phil…I love you…just married…we just bought a house…she has your smile…they grow up so fast…I only have six months to live…I love you…bye…I’m too old to do this again.”

clipped from mashable.com WooMe is a new way to speed date. It’s an online network that lets you schedule times to hold a meeting, where you’ll get to chat with them in live 1-minute conversations. I got a chance to check it out while it was still in private beta, and I only wish I’d been prepared with my webcam for the session I had with WooMe co-founder and CEO Stephen Stokols! Needless to say, it’s a fun, easy and painless experience.

Apple Simplifies Networking

From: Lifehacker

Mac OS X Only: If you run any kind of server on your Mac with Leopard, you’ll dig its revamped Sharing and Network System Preferences panels, which offer new features in a reorganized interface. One huge drawback in Tiger is that unless you install extra software, you can turn on Windows Sharing for your home folder only. No more. Using Leopard, share any folder on your Mac via FTP, Samba, or AFP (Apple Filing Protocol), from a single, easy interface. Take a closer look after the jump.

read more…

Previous Articles
- 10 Tips For Mac OSX Leopard
- Meet Qian Qian
- Now You Can Have An Amazon Bookstore
- Apples Campus Comeback
- 10 Steps To Be A Better Listener

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Environmental Stewardship

In his book, Saving God’s Green Earth, author Tri Robinson defines Environmental Stewardship as:

Environmental stewardship is the idea that we should care for, manage, and nurture what we have been given.

Tri goes on to say, we have four major areas that require our attention when it comes to environmental stewardship:

Resource and Provision - we must understand that environmental stewardship views nature as a resource and provision.

Accountability - there must be a balance between the use and protection of the environment.

Miracle - we must see the splendor and beauty of nature as we look at the miracle of our environment.

Passing It Down - stewardship is a value to be passed down from generation to generation.

As we understand our role in stewardship, we can then start making an impact within our sphere of influence. While I was recently at Callaway Gardens, the ranger made this comment -

Start small. Start in your own back yard. One back yard at a time can help toward changing a community. One community at a time can help toward changing a city. One city at a time can help toward changing a State….

You get the idea.

Related Articles
- The Ripple Effect of Environmentalism
- Green, Greener, Greenest
- Trash Talk
- A Greener Apple

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Buy Your Own Google Hemp Footie Bags

From: CNet News Blog

Google is going green with its online store.

That means the company is selling organic cotton T-shirts, pencils made of recycled blue jeans, and other recycled and eco-friendly materials. And instead of plastic polybagging, it is using recycled wraps and stickers when shipping items. This is great news because plastic bags are a HUGE ecological problem.

read more…

Related Articles
- The Ripple Effect of Environmentalism
- Green, Greener, Greenest
- Trash Talk
- A Greener Apple

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The Ripple Effect of Environmentalism

By E. Brown

Where does environmentalism start? Does it start with current initiatives around the world, in North America, in Alaska? No. It starts in each of us — one person at a time.

Tri Robinson, in his book, Saving God’s Green Earth, discusses how change has historically happened as a ripple effect. It typically starts in one individual and then ripples outward. Tri notes there are seven ripples of environmental transformation that impact our lives:

The first ripple impacts our hearts – What is the environmental condition of your heart? Our inner motivations affect our actions. Are we motivated by a cause bigger than ourselves or by anger? If by anger, it is doomed to fail for the consequences are only short term.

The second ripple impacts our minds – What is polluting your mind? The heart impacts the mind as the ripple spreads outward. Are you controlled by anger, jealousy, resentment, or bitterness? Don’t let your mind be polluted.

The third ripple impacts our bodies – What is polluting your body? If you want to be a steward of the earth, you first need to be a steward of your body. The ripple spreads out and your mind controls your actions. How can you steward the world when you cannot begin with yourself?

The fourth ripple impacts our homes – What is polluting my home, my family, my children, and my marriage? There are very practical and moral applications here.

The fifth ripple impacts the church – What is the condition of the church? The spiritual institutions of our time have veered off course. They used to impact communities and culture, taking the lead in societal issues. The ripple continues to spread.

The sixth ripple impacts our communities and neighborhoods – What is the environmental condition of your community? Again, there are practical and societal applications here. Practical = clean litter off the streets or plant a flower garden . Societal = Host community social events or visit neighbors.

The seventh ripple impacts our planet – Now we begin to see the bigger picture, one that includes making a difference throughout the entire world.

Editor’s note: This article is part of the Blog Action Day movement: thousands of blogs talking about the environment on October 15.

Additional Articles
- Green, Greener, Greenest
- Trash Talk
- A Greener Apple
- Blog Action Day

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October 15th Reminder…

Quotable Quote - Robert Motherwell

Nothing as drastic an innovation as abstract art could have come into existence without a most profound, relentless, unquenchable need…the need for felt experience — intense, immediate, direct, subtle, unified, warm, vivid, rhythmic.

- Robert Motherwell

Blog Action Day Is Coming

On October 15th, bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind - the environment. Every blogger will post about the environment in their own way and relating to their own topic.

Currently, over 4,400 blogs are participating with a reach of over 3,400,000 readers. Network with other bloggers and make an impact on culture.

Join now…

Related Links
- Green, Greener, Greenest
- Trash Talk
- Q Conference 2007

Trash Talk

One employee with a little inquisitiveness, made a big splash in her part of the green pond.

(By Linda Tischler at Fast Company Blog) It’s not easy being green. Anybody who’s ever really tried to minimize his or her carbon footprint, knows that even when you’re committed to recycling and responsible purchasing, you can be foiled by forces outside your control. You buy a new set of tiny earbuds, and they come encased in a mound of nasty plastic and Styrofoam. You order lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and get a portion big enough for three (the upside: I now feel virtuous instead of cheap for my unrepentant doggie bag habit, and my predilection for tap over bottled water). You buy something online, only to trigger a torrent of unwanted catalogs.

Like many other design firms these days, the folks at Frog Design have been grappling with what sustainability means from a design standpoint. How can they be more responsible in conceiving objects so that they have less of an impact on our natural resources, and the life of our planet?

But recently, one of Frog’s staffers, Ashley Menger, a design analyst in Austin, decided to launch an experiment to see how much trash she, personally, was generating.

read more…

Green, Greener, Greenest

By E. Brown

As Kermit, the frog, rightfully says, “It’s not easy being green.”

Look around and you will see more and more “green” technology taking shape. The new buzz word in global business and tech is GREEN. Cover stories are popping up green. China is feverishly working on cleaning up their environment and waste. I even saw a television commercial the other night from Wal-Mart about “green” pajamas and I have several friends that are starting up eco-friendly initiatives.

Are you going green? It’s kinda like trying to eat healthy — it does not come naturally. Conservation, recycling, and low energy emissions are not easy for us. Plus, it seems to cost more to be environmentally friendly…or does it? I think you’ll find that in the long run, it is actually cheaper and better to go green.

The Comparison of Eating Healthy
If you eat unnatural processed food a lot (and why not? It’s quick and easy, right?) you’ll very possibly find yourself visiting the doctor or hospital with adult onset diabetes, high levels of cholesterol, autoimmune issues, allergies, or the like. Add up those doctor visits and that is expensive! You might say, “Yes, but it all evens out in the financial long run,” and you may be right but, I’d rather live healthy and energized during my time here on Earth, than not. How about you?

So, Back To Green…
Whether you’re undecided or powering your home with solar panels, below is a list of Green resources to encourage you to learn more. Pick a few items and try them out. You will often find that many of the products you buy will have a portion of the profits helping needy areas around the world.

Green
- Weekly Grist (Entertaining Green News and Commentary)
- Begin recycling (separating paper, aluminum, and plastics)
- Get outdoors to play and exercise

Greener
- Life On Terra (Offers a great podcast as well on iTunes)
- Carpool to work
- Buy energy efficient lightbulbs
- Recycle as a company/business

Greenest
- Plant a garden
- Get an Energy Audit
- Get involved in environmental projects
- Become a conscientious consumer

Tell me some of the sites, blogs, and resources you recommend.