It’s Official

I am now becoming part of the human race as it relates to technology. Last month, I created a Twitter account which was the extent of that endeavor (not sure I want to tell people where I am all day). Last night I inadvertently (shows how inept I am) created a Facebook account. Although I intended to sit down over the holidays and get this Facebook thing off my to-do list, it always seemed a bit too daunting. Little did I know all it required was an e-mail and password. Then BAM, here I am seeing pictures of people I went to high school and college with, people who work with me, and friends of friends. I am even chatting with my nieces and nephews. With that said, I believe I have entered what I now refer to as the Twilight Zone and have a bit of a “tech-hangover.” For someone with my personality, this could be a nightmare.

For all of you reading this, perhaps you have already joined this “secret” (or not so secret) club. The question that is plaguing me today is how is this type of socializing going to affect the way we do business? Will it move to be more than just a way to catch up with friends and become a tool for communicating with clients, transferring employees, and supplier partners?

Nonetheless, if you haven’t traveled down the Facebook path yet, I suggest you take a look. Trust me when I say, it is easier than it looks. Remember how we felt with e-mail a decade or so ago? Heck, I had trouble moving from Word Perfect to Windows.

Just remember to do your Facebook-ing outside of work hours, it is all consuming. I would recommend however, grabbing one of your “younger” cohorts and have them help you with all of the details.

Comments

[Scarlet]

Susan, I have to say I'm right there with you. I joined the club a few months ago and I'm hooked!

As far as how this type of socialization will impact the corporate environment I can tell you from my own experience in attending seminars and webinars about this topic, it is the next trend in the workforce. With the large number of Gen Xers and growing number of Gen Y (also called Nexters or Millennials) making up close to 50% or greater of a company's workforce, companies are looking at ways to retain hot talent. This is a prime example of the next era, the blend between the information age and the technology age. And this is not just US centric it is global.

Companies are using this for not just employee retention but also for talent branding. Talent branding is a talent strategy that promotes the benefits and unique approach of working for the company to future and current employees. In addition to potential and current clients, vendors, etc.