Social Networking and the Status Quo

Innovation brings change. Change is growth. And growth as we all know is profitable.

Innovation and Change are like two ballroom dancers. When Innovation comes along, we respond by changing. When change - like this economic situation - comes along, we must either innovate or we're left out of the dance.

Change is:

• Outside the norm
• Dynamic
• Has an unknown outcome

Innovation is:

• All of the above
• Imaginative
• Intelligent
• Engaging

Social networking is both change and innovation depending on whether or not you engage.

The status quo of business relationships is in constant motion and the rhythm is quickening. It has gone from lunches and golf games to emails, blogs and tweets. Early adapters are already zooming around their networks adding links, widgets, gadgets and as many other value-adds as they can conjure.

But many are adapting more slowly, uncertain of their footing in this new arena.

How do these tools function?

How do I manage my personal brand?

What is the value to my business?

How do I begin to measure value?

Anyone retreating from or resisting social networking is tied to an old status quo and in the throws of a typical change scenario. Relationships, self-concept and status are in-play. And social networking is very transparent. So branding whether personal or corporate has to be managed in a new way.  This feels risky.

But the real risk is that to not participate puts one at  a competitive disadvantage. This recent election is a stunning case in point. And unless electricity goes away and we revert to smoke signals, social networking is only going to continue to bloom.

So how can you begin to get yourself, co-workers and clients on board?

• Practice the Open Mind (very tricky and often requires a trainer/consultant)
• Let them take small bites. Facebook is an easy start.
• Encourage sharing even whispering in corners.  Social networking is an open-system. There are no experts, just users.
• Use the buddy system. A child, co-worker or relative who's got some SN savvy can be a great teacher and let them ask questions without being embarrassed.
• Try making it personal first. Let them to connect to friends and family.
• Don't let anyone turn the job over to a secretary or assistant. 
• Make it playful. Encourage them to pursue games and gadgets that are really interesting to them.
• Practice daily.

Once they engage in an imaginative way, their intellect and their business minds should follow.

Just like a dancer following the beat. They may even take the lead for measure or two.