Introducing Social Tools into a somewhat UnSocial work place

I guess you’d say my current workplace is a little ‘behind the times’ with our website finally launching recently, a project that has been ‘almost there’ for around 6-9months.  For upper management it’s been a stressful & lengthy ordeal to say the least!  I think I will have my work cut out for me convincing my operations manager & the owner why we need a social media strategy in place!

I find a lot of businesses can be quite hesitant to use social media tools to either promote their business or be used within the company for communication purposes.  I believe this is because most of these tools when initially launched into mainstream were solely intended for ‘social’ purposes amongst friends, namely the youth.  With the use of sites such as facebook dominating heavily in life these days many are mislead about the opportunities that sitting in these tools for businesses to use.  I think 'non-social media users' look negatively upon these platforms due to privacy concerns, negative feelings as a result of the inappropriate use of  social media sites (gossiping, bullying, in appropriate sharing of information etc) that is widely reported since the social media boom hit.  Some fear learning how to use these platforms as its so foreign & unknown to them, others simply don't see the need or point.

Lack of understanding of how these tools can be of great benefit to a business when used correctly & a fear of misuse which may result negatively towards the companies image or reputation.  These 2 factors ultimately are the bottom line when companies are hesitant to embark upon the social journey! 

Social Media tools have developed & changed so much since they stepped foot into our lives & with such a diverse range of users now embracing these tools.

Multi Billion dollar companies use the tools, the who's who of business know how important they are in running a successful business in this day and age - look at Sir Richard Branson Interview with Sir Richard Branson - Learner Guide week 2 - online collaboration
“If somewhere in some distant part of the world a Virgin company has messed up we can jump on it and we can apologize and get on top of it.  It’s a really exciting, really immediate way of keeping in touch and getting feedback.”  

(social times April 6, 2012 11:32 AM)

Sir Richard Branson Talks Social Media Live From Virgin Atlantic’s Inaugural Philadelphia Flight [Video]

This is just 1 of many examples of how valuable social media platforms are in any organization.

I think I will need to slowly introduce the social revolution into my work although I am certain that once the charade is explained we will be full steam ahead.