In a previous post, I wrote about the necessity of making business and the workplace personal again for both improving productivity, as well as spurring growth and innovation. Following the comments and conversations brought on by that piece, I got to thinking about another important relationship dynamic in business – that between companies and their customers, especially in light of the impact social media is currently having on the business world.

These days, there’s a general consensus that businesses need to play a more active role in social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. However, being active on social media sites means you have to be authentic and transparent if you really want to reap the benefits of participating in these online communities. Of course, that doesn’t mean I want to hear about how Toyota welds the various car parts to the chassis or what’s the thread count for the linen the Sheraton Hotel chain uses in its bedding since that’s of little relevance or interest to me as a consumer.

So what does it mean then when we say we want companies to be authentic and transparent? Well, it means simply Click here to continue reading »”I’m More Than Just A Number”

An online conversation with a friend of mine this week had me thinking about social networking sites and the relationships they foster.  I was told about a mutual friend who was experiencing some hard knocks in his personal life.  While he shared news of his troubled state with the thousands of people who are connected to him on one of these social networking sites, less than a handful of them took the time to respond to him with words of encouragement or support.  Although this casts an unflattering light on social networking sites, I can’t help but feel that it reveals certain truths about social media in general.

By its nature, social media sites are designed to revolve around us.  We share the ideas, stories and information that we want to share.  We make connections with people on these networks who we have an interest in connecting with.  Where the differences arise is whether Click here to continue reading »”Is Social Media Making Us Uncaring?”