Are you a grumpy old manager?
Question in a LinkedIn discussion group today: “Do you think over 50s CEOS, Managers etc are less accepting and/or unaware of social media and social networks as a business tool?”
The question, posed by a marketer writing a “Grumpy Old Managers Guide to Social Media,” draws predictable answers — you can’t teach old dogs new tricks, it’s not age but openness to new ideas, technology is more challenging to those over 50, etc., etc.
While all the answers have merits — and many examples to the contrary — the real answer is that good business people ought to be “less accepting” of any business tool until there’s evidence it works.
Is there such evidence? Here’s just one article that offers some success stories about businesses using Twitter.
Are you a “grumpy old manager?” Then you better start catching up.
Bury your head in the sand? Ostriches don’t
Yes, those are ostriches in the photo. Ostriches are probably one of the most misunderstood animals because legend insists they bury their heads in the sand.
Not true. At worst, ostriches simply keep their heads low to the ground when hiding. Facts: Ostriches are fast and have very sharp claws. And they have the largest eyes of any land-based animal. So they don’t miss a trick, just like the momma carefully eying me as I feed her kids.
What’s the point, you ask? That reality is far from prevailing myths. One of the biggest myths I encounter are professionals who say that spending time on that “online stuff” — blogs, Facebook, Twitter, even LinkedIn — is a waste of time.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The business rules of engagement have changed. Social networking — the use of Web sites and online tools to build relationships – is here to stay.
Maybe you know you should be involved in social networking, but don’t know where to start. Perhaps you think you just don’t have the time. This blog will discuss some of the tips and tricks that will simplify social networking for you.
If you follow and practice these suggestions, you will see that social networking is essential for today’s busy professional. And no one will believe the myth that your head is in the sand.
Pick the networking sites that work for you
So you’re a busy professional and you realize you need to start social networking. Look at all those choices — LinkedIn. Twitter. Facebook. Ning. Xing. On and on. Photos? Flickr and a whole lot more. Video? YouTube and a whole lot more. Specialty social networks created just for your profession.
All those sites. No wonder you don’t have time, right? Wrong. Two important starting points:
1. Just choose those networking sites that make sense for you. What sites are others in your profession using? What sites are potential clients using?
2. Be active on the sites you choose. If you register and never use them, then what’s the point?
Check in regularly here for more tips on getting started in social networking.
Social media naysayers missing the point
In recent days, there have been numerous writers decrying the future of the major social media players because they aren’t making money. One post states “The Facebook Death Watch Begins.” Another laments “The Coming End of YouTube, Facebook and Twitter Socialism,” suggesting that they have been artificially sustained by venture capitalists and that those days are over. Never mind the hundreds of millions of users who understand the value of these sites and use them every day. Those users include business owners and professionals who at minimum expand their contacts and in some cases even increase revenues. The leaders of these sites are not dummies and will find ways to make money. They know their audiences will tolerate a little commerce on these sites because the companies have taken time to build relationships with them.
You’re not too busy for social networking
Everywhere I turn, I run into busy professionals — of all ages — who are skeptical of the value of social networking. They say LinkedIn hasn’t worked for them, or Facebook is just a waste of time. And if that excuse isn’t enough, they say they don’t have the time. In an age when people are now spending more time on social networks than e-mail, that view could be costly to their businesses. This blog will focus on how time-starved professionals can get the most benefit from social networking. Don’t worry, it’s not too late. YOU can learn how to do this. We’ll show you how.
