One of the least discussed benefits of this current technological boom that we have been undergoing since the mid-90s is how it provides an opportunity (or simple excuse) for different generations to come together.
I still remember the day my father had an epiphany as he watched me crank out a 500-word essay on my computer back in high school. Even though he was from the World War II generation, he always tried to stay up on the latest technological trends to increase his efficiency. And he called on me to help connect the computer, monitor and printer, and assist him in adjusting from a electronic typewriter to Microsoft Word. In time, and with a lot of patience, he learned just enough to type and print personal letters to his favorite friends and family. Though I didn't fully appreciate those moments as the occurred, I can now reflect back and smile when I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with my father and finally act as the teacher instead of the student.
The social media revolution is once again providing those same types of opportunities not only for families, but businesses that take advantage of every innovation to stay connected to their customers and leads. As being experienced at this very moment by 360 Direct, many businesses throughout the world of every size are allowing their students to become the teachers to fully integrate Web 2.0.
And so should you.
If you're an older business owner who never used LinkedIn; feel that blogging is only beneficial for sports and politics; don't understand the hype over Facebook; or believe a complete stranger on Twitter shouldn't know when you're walking your dog, then now would be a great time to network and ask that 20-something you often see, but rarely talk to, to explain the value of social media in relation to marketing and branding a business.
Beyond learning the benefits of social media, this interaction would be a great opportunity for business owners and executives to start identifying the young talent within their organizations and start grooming them for future leadership roles and responsibilities. This would also be a great opportunity for the business owner and executive to learn how your decisions and objectives are impacting the support staff on a professional and even personal level. The feedback you receive just in a casual conversation could save you and the company a lot of time and money! Through the likes of Facebook and Twitter, this can be an ongoing conversation that can continue in real time that doesn't require that same type of time and cost commitments required by formal meetings and evaluations. In a formal meeting or evaluation, chances are that every business leader is being told what they want to hear so they don't have a negative reaction, instead of being told what they need to hear to ensure success.
In essence, Web 2.0 and social media can be that book on the coffee table that you use to strike a valuable conversation with others seated nearby. In terms of adapting your business to reap the benefits of having a social media presence, there may be no more valuable people to converse with than those at the base of your company if you sit at the top.
It will serve you well to get to know and develop a better understanding of Web 2.0 and how it better connects you to your customers. But the real value will be developing a better connection and understanding of your people!