More Connections and Relationships (part 1 of 10-part Enterprise 2.0 series introduced here)
Initiating relationships is much easier
Some online relationships are light and some develop heavily beyond online mediums, but the process of initiating a relationship becomes much easier. Forming online relationships is aided by knowing how to connect to someone. For example, profiles help you find a common hobby, a common hometown, a common sport, a common university degree or school. And communities and groups are often organized around interests or passions that fit with your own. In a few clicks, you can start discussions with these real individuals or groups.
More options in the way people share and relate
Communities and groups and social networks allow people more options in the way they connect and share with co-workers. Gartner corroborated this in an article about the team collaboration software market: “‘In today’s collaboration marketplaces, it is all about options, choices, and flexibility,’ said Tom Eid, research vice president for Gartner. ‘Being able to choose how and when to interact, the type and frequency of sharing that occurs, the types of technologies that are used, and on-site or hosted access are all improving the way people can share and relate.’”
Profiles help people be aware of others’ talents and interests
Built in search and browse features helps people efficiently find and connect with talent helpful for their initiatives that they would otherwise not be aware of. Knowing of others connections or receiving recommendations also help you be aware of co-workers or key stakeholders you should meet.
There is a reason why online dating sites are so wildly successful. People are naturally curious about others. For example, GE implemented a social directory where a user could click through their entire org chart and browse a personal page that discussed more about them. That social feature alone is viewed 100,000 times / day. They also have have 50,000 communities to help people connect on a local level. One employee may be connected to many diverse groups that they are interested in. See a video about GE’s phenomenal implementation of Enterprise social software here
More connections and relationships reduce turnover
More sophisticated technology has driven the need for a more sophisticated and educated workers…and contributed to the talent war already upon us. Retaining and attracting talent is a top priority for nearly all companies. By increasing connections and relationships, Enterprise 2.0 social software also helps reduce turnover by increasing connection and relationship to the company, since the company is often viewed in the eye of relationships within. Implementing enterprise social software also helps attract and retain talent from the net generation (80 M strong) that likes to work this way and wants to be on the cutting edge.
More connections and relationships help you get things done
Quickly identifying talent or key stakeholders, quickly forming relationships and teams, and then quickly using collaborative technology to work together is all built into many of the Enterprise 2.0 platforms. As many have said over the years, sometimes it is not about what you know, but who you know. The good thing about social software is that it helps you know a lot more people and then get things done together.