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In this issue of Dialog, you can read a summary of our
survey "Test Your Social Media IQ." If you participated in the survey -
thanks! Here's a glimpse of what you told us: You are using social media
in your personal lives; you think it’s an interesting -- somewhat
overwhelming -- trend that you want to learn more about; and you’re
still exploring how it can best be used in a business setting. Read the survey results in this issue. We hope you find this report informative.
When Trends Converge
Last year, the social media trend reached a tipping point in the
world of business communications. As we studied the topic, we noticed
that the social media tsunami winds were whipped by two more trends --
the emergence of Generation Y in the workplace and the growing
importance of cloud computing in corporate information technology
organizations.
Gen Y has grown up with technology and social media. Digital natives
have learned to depend on these tools to collaborate and work
productively. At the same time, corporate computing power has migrated
from mighty company-owned data centers to distributed "cloud" networks.
These are game-changing facts. Today, the "conversation" is king and
technology is a commodity. When a new hire can initiate a dialog with
the CEO by commenting on her blog, what role does the online employee
newsletter play in the flow of corporate communication? We think this is
the decade where we'll find out.
We had the opportunity to present our point of view about these three
trends at several conferences in 2009, including the Healthcare
Businesswomen's Association Leadership Conference. Because you requested
it, we posted the PowerPoint we used in our workshop entitled "The Impact of Social Media on Organizations: A Leader's Guide," as well as our 30-day plan for getting started with social media. 
In our HBA workshop, participants included business leaders whose
understanding and use of social media spanned the spectrum. One attorney
had just come from Washington, D.C., where she had been advising the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration on its November public hearings on
social media. One finance manager raised her hand and timidly asked:
"What's Twitter?" We had a rollicking Q&A session.
So whether you Tweet on the hour or peer now and then over your
teenager's shoulder at his Facebook page, we are all on this journey
together. In our view, it started a long time ago, back when teenagers
began to rule the world. Watch "Flashback," the video that opened our conference workshops, and see if you agree.
Best-
Jill
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Survey Says...
At the end of 2009, Vitiello Communications Group sent a survey to people registered for social media seminars at the International Association of Business Communicators Heritage Region Conference in October, and the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association Leadership Conference in November. We also sent it to members of the Council of Communication Management (CCM) and to readers of Dialog.
One hundred nineteen people
participated in the survey, which explored personal and business
perceptions of social media. The primary purpose of the survey was to
gather the collective thoughts of the seminar attendees (and others) so
we could tailor the course material to what they wanted to learn.
So, yes…we knew we weren’t doing
an unbiased research project to learn the average American’s view of
social media. But we did get the input of 119 very smart and savvy
business people. Here’s what they told us:
- Nearly all have personal LinkedIn and Facebook accounts, and update
them at least weekly. Half have tried Twitter, but rarely update or use
it.
- Staying in touch with friends and family is the main reason for using these tools.
- Nearly half the respondents set up their accounts to learn how to use the tools.
- More than half the respondents' organizations have a social media
presence, but respondents believe that their competitors are ahead in
applying social media.
- Marketing and brand awareness are the main reasons their organizations use social media.
- More than half indicated that leaders of their organizations are
interested in social media. However, many skipped the questions about
leaders’ social media habits, suggesting that these habits are not
transparent or respondents don’t keep track of them.
- The majority said they’d do more with social media in their business
if the value of it were clearer. They view social media as an important
trend, not a fad, and want to learn more.
Thanks to all who responded to the
survey or requested the results. Social media is indeed a fascinating
set of tools, shaping the direction of modern communication. This is an
exciting time to be a communicator. Let’s keep learning, experimenting
and developing our social media skills.
See complete results and charts. |
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Celebrating 20 Years of Communicating for Results
Back before Twitter was a gleam in Biz Stone's eye, new kinds of
companies began to emerge, changing what and how we communicate. 1990
saw the launch of Time Warner, T Mobile and Nickelodeon. It was the same
year I launched Vitiello Communications Group.
For 20 years, we have been passionate about communicating for
results. During that time, we've expanded from one consultant (me) to a
team of top-quality contributors. We've partnered with leaders during
mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, relocations, transformations, and
strategic initiatives. In 2009 alone, five of the six Big Pharma
companies involved in major M&A activities were our clients. All
three of the newly merged organizations asked VCG to continue as their
business communication partners in 2010. We said "yes."
We cherish our clients and many have been with us since the
beginning. To you -- our clients, friends and readers -- we extend our
deepest appreciation for your continued support. Here's to another 20
years (and more) of keeping the dialog going!
Upcoming Events
May 5 - 7
Council of Communication Management
2010 Conference - "Communication: What's Next?"
The Four Seasons Hotel
Philadelphia, PA
 Vitiello Communications Group is a proud sponsor of CCM's 2010 Conference.
Gather with the "best minds in the business" in the City of Brotherly
Love to get a glimpse of what the future holds for business leaders.
May 17
American Heart Association
Eighth Annual Garden State Go Red for Women® Luncheon
The Palace at Somerset Park
Somerset, NJ
Put on your red dress -- or tie -- and join us for this extraordinary
event. Enjoy empowering educational sessions; an inspirational keynote
address from Joetta Clark Diggs, four-time Olympian; and a fabulous
silent auction. American Heart Association Go Red For Women is a
national movement sponsored by Macy’s and Merck & Co., Inc. to make
women aware of their risk for heart disease and stroke and take action
to reduce that risk. Jill Vitiello is honored to serve as a member of
the Garden State Go Red for Women Luncheon Committee.
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