SocialCorp: Social Media Goes Corporate
August 19, 2010 – 5:58 am
Review
“There is much talk about the ‘online conversation’ but this has become a moving target because of new media publishing technologies such as Twitter, Friendfeed, Seesmic, etc. This fragmentation of media requires attention, and it takes a person such as Joel Postman to help put all these techniques and technologies into perspective. I’ve been saying for several years now that every company is now a media company, and every company needs to master the new media technologies… Buy SocialCorp: Social Media Goes Corporate at Amazon
2 Responses to “SocialCorp: Social Media Goes Corporate”
Joel Postman argues persuasively that the new “basic business skills” now requires a basic understanding of social media and the ability to use social networks correctly, alongside presentation skills and the ability to create and understand an Excel spreadsheet.
SocialCorp provides several starting places for organizations that want to create social media initiatives specifically for each audience and to engage them on their terms, in a way that is relevant to them. A progressive, forward-thinking company adopts social media ‘in a way that accomplishes strategic business and communications objectives without compromising the company’s primary obligations as a corporation,’ he says.
For example, Dell, Zappos, IBM, and Procter & Gamble are among companies using social media to reshape their relationships with their audiences. Dell’s IdeaStorm functions as a full-blown customer engagement program and a catalyst for change in the company’s products and services.
Organizations can monitor conversations using social media to learn, day-by-day, how their brand is performing, where the company is strong, and where there’s work to do. The organization can join in the conversation and influence the brand for the better.
Social media strategy isn’t that complex, Postman says, but it does require a synthesis of traditional thinking, creativity, understanding of new tools and etiquette, and the willingness to take some chances.
By Idalia on Aug 19, 2010
Joel Postman’s SocialCorp: Social Media Goes Corporate may be lightweight in terms of pages (it’s under 200 pages), but the contents pack lots of good content for companies trying to get on the Social Media wave.
As the title suggests, the book is targeted to corporations who would like to put a Web 2.0 spin to corporate communications. The tone of the book is not technical- as a matter of fact, there is no code anywhere in the book. This makes it accessible to managers and executives that know something about the internet and marketing. One theme the book touches on is “Going for it,” that is, allaying some of the fears most corporations about social media (e.g. lack of control, unauthorized information, chaos, etc.).
There are easy to read case studies of how companies implemented social media to their advantage. From corporate blogging, Twitter, and social media ethics, Joel Postman showcases the wide array of online tools in a practical and concise manner. Also, the book touches on the fudgiest part of social media: measurement.
If you’re looking for a play-by-play guide for implementing Social Media-powered corporate communications, this book may disappoint. Postman gives a pointers approach to showing the way to the promised land of SocialCorp and chooses his words carefully to to avoid confusion. But if you ask me, SocialCorp: Social Media Goes Corporate is a great starting point to begin the Social Media journey for companies.
By Birdy on Aug 19, 2010