50 Shades of Social

By now, we’ve all either heard of and/or read The 50 Shades of Grey trilogy.  If you’ve been cooped up somewhere and haven’t, let’s just say that if you Google it, you’ll get quite a lesson in what is captivating most of the moms this summer.

I bring it up only because I had the opportunity this week to participate in a social technology panel at the HR Florida Conference called 50 Shades of Social.  Let me tell you, the title alone may have enticed many of the audience members, so kudos to Mike Vandervort for coming up with it as well as the idea to have each panelist present in mini-ignite fashion.  Panelists Lisa Rosendahl, Amanda Hite, Steve Boese, Joe Gerstandt, Jason Lauritsen and myself each had a chance to think of something about social to share with the conference-goers.

What social nuggets were shared?

• HR needs to lead in social in order to  have credibility in the organization.
• You need to use collaborative (social) sites to save time.  Try Prezi.com and Slideshare.net.
• Social media is talking.  As a HR pro, are you listening?  Do you know what is being said about your organization online?
• Think “local”.  Create places to have people share info in a way that seems smaller than the twitter flow, like Branch.
• Social platforms are becoming more visual.  Take advantage of that for your business.
• Use social to build community around charitable events or needs.
• Accept risk, don’t fear social media.

This was a great way to change up a traditional panel, share information and take questions from people who are looking for more than just FaceBook 101.  Thanks to Mike, my fellow panelists and HR Florida for a great session!