Tag Archives: HR and Social Media

Social Media ROI – Perhaps it’s not what we Thought

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yomamaI recently came across a fantastic article titled “The New ROI for Social Media Recruiting” which not only gave great insight into this year’s ERE Recruiting Conference & Expo but shared a little of why folks still are not jumping on the social media bandwagaon, especially executives. Perhaps we are trying to measure the wrong things.

This article talks of discussions that took place at the Conference that even big named brand representatives are still having a hard time getting their senior corporate managers and leaders involved or even understanding the ROI of social media and how it affects their organizations. We’re still looking at it as an end all, cure all as opposed to a valuable tool and channel of influence to our overall efforts. Perhaps that’s because of how it’s been presented to us.

Social is a grand tool for getting your brand out there and as this article surmises you can’t not be there.

You can’t not be on social because candidates, potential candidates, and those whom you hope to attract and someday hire will see your absence from the social media landscape as a negative. Doing it poorly is equally negative.

When a company fails to post regularly, and especially when comments and questions go unanswered for days or never, or when a company indiscriminately dumps all its job postings into Facebook’s news feed, it says, in the words of one recruiter, “This is a lame company that has no idea what social media is all about. Who wants to work for a company people think is lame?

The great thing that social enables us to do, and especially for brands and organizations, is telling the employer story and building its brand. Things such as the culture of the organization and what to expect in the hiring process on through to the day to day “what it’s like to work there” kind of things. These are the very particulars potential candidates are looking for when deciding whether or not to even begin the hiring process.

We may never be able to obtain ROI in how many folks we’ve hired through Facebook or Twitter (social in general). Instead, we should be looking at the value in branding and reputation building.

What does your company brand look like online? Are you a ghost town?

If you’re looking into a few easy ways to start, check out Glassdoor’s free resources.

Yo! I’m firing my current and only employee, Myself!

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firing yourselfSome of you know that last summer (2012) or somewhere around there, my friend and cohort Sabrina Baker and I started Discovering Social. Our idea was to assists Job Seekers through Webinars, in person and online workshops, training classes, and whatever else we could do to help them incorporate social media into their job search strategy. We have seen amazing things happen in this endeavor and are running full-speed ahead.

After a few months of diving in and getting the word out we noticed that there were still a few Human Resource and Recruiting folk running  around still looking to learn more about how to build their personal and professional brand and online footprint and trying to determine how to use social themselves (in recruiting and other sorts).

We then began to serve both ends of the hiring spectrum in building our Linked In groups and focusing our training to assists both sides in their endeavor to use social media with work, finding jobs and in sourcing for potential job candidates.

We are seeing tremendous success in helping folks around the globe in this endeavor and it’s what’s keeping us up at night. We’re passionate (to overuse an overused word) about helping others in understanding the what, why’s and how’s of doing social and we’re making some headway.

Conundrum Ahead

That being said, I have found myself overworked and running in a million different directions between my usual HR Conferences, Speaking opportunities, Blogging both here and elsewhere, holding Webinars, training and workshops for Discovering Social and my own business > Social Buzz Concepts. Add to that all the social media management of not only these two companies but my clients as well, and to be honest my head is about to explode. I’m sure you’re exhausted just reading that. So….

I have taken the last few months to really seek out where I need to go and feel that I am to do away with my current company and business “Social Buzz Concepts” and migrate strictly over to Discovering Social as of today.

announcement

I will continue to blog here and over at Discovering Social, as well as SHRM We Know Next, and will continue to manage a  few client social media accounts as I can.

I am excited about where we are taking Discovering Social and I’m passionate about helping others incorporate social in their Job Search strategies, online networking and brand building and developing strategic planning into implementing social into their business initiatives.

Do Your Part

Now we sure could use your support so make sure to check out the NEW DESIGN on our Website, Follow us on the Twitters, Give us a “LIKE” on Facebook Page and join our LINKED IN groups to show your support!

I understand that this is a HUGE leap of faith for me and that thrills me – to no end. I’ve never been one to play it safe – and I’m cool with that!

We thank you for your support – you all are a fantastic community! Stay tuned for more updates.

Maybe it’s time to dumb down our Social HR presentations

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social 101When it comes to adoption of Social tools into our organizations some folks may be a little behind in adapting. That’s okay, because that was us at one time or other.

I have spoken at my share of events and conferences especially in regard to technology and social tools in the workplace. Something I have to keep in mind is that “Not everyone is on the same level playing field.” We’re all at different levels of adoption and knowledge of these things. And that’s okay.

At a few recent events we (those of us who have been involved in social and technology longer) seemed to have forgotten this and really seemed to have taken it over the top of the heads of the attendees.

Sometimes we talk to our audiences in our own language and they’re sitting out there looking at us like a young calf looking at a new gate.

I try to remember when presenting that it’s best to “keep it simple, stupid” – because you don’t want to lose your audience completely.

When holding social presentations there will probably always be a mixture in the crowd of the following:

  • Those that have no clue about social adoption (as it regards internal collaboration and social media at work)
  • Those that understand the need for adopting but have no idea how to begin
  • Those that think these tools should never be incorporated into the cubicles and spend tons of dollars on “how to block it” at work
  • Those that have jumped in and are getting their feet wet
  • Those that have fully adopted technology (mobile, internal tools, etc) and have seen great success

This will more than likely always be the case. That being said, it does make it difficult when presenting to this kind of crowd. Perhaps it’s best when planning our events to segment our presentations into (a) (b) and (c) groups instead of lumping them all together.

At one of my most recent events I had a few folks (ladies) come to me in the lady’s room afterward to tell me “Thanks for talking on a level we could understand. Most of us aren’t up to speed and you kept it simple and very easy to understand.”

HR is rapidly advancing in social technologies but we must remember to share on a level that folks can understand not only in the need for incorporating these tools, the benefits and ROI’s but also share the “Here’s how to do it” as well.

Cause let’s face it – we can pretty much Google stats and the “WHY you need to do Social” – am I right?

Photo Credit: JohnHaydon

Stats for Social Media at Work (Infographic)

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Happy Friday, folks. Hope your week has been spectacular. Since it’s my daughter’s birthday weekend, I thought I would share with you again this Infographic I created on Social Media in the Workplace from last year! Enjoy and have a pleasant weekend.

The Circle of Twitter – Dissecting our Strategy!

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circleI’ve been thinking a lot about Twitter and how it’s being used and to see if we might need to dissect our strategy!

I had originally titled this post “Is Twitter nothing more than one big Circle-Jerk?” I thought I would change it to keep folks from swallowing their teeth!

But since I have your attention let’s take a look at one of the definitions for “Circle-Jerk”  from friendly Urban Dictionary -

Urban Dictionary- circlejerk

I’m a Twitter nut, but I’m wondering if we’re doing it wrong and not really taking a better approach.

For example, every Friday (and then some) we have the fabulous #FF (Follow Friday) sagas. This is where folks on Twitter will give virtual “shout outs” and “high fives” to followers and other Twitter nuts whom they love and appreciate and I think it’s all well and good. And nobody does that better and is more sincere about this when doing it then our good friend Steve Brown.

But there are always those that are sucking up – and I guess that’s okay – and they want you to keep the chain going, so to speak. Or perhaps we’re just following the footprints of others online.

Here’s the thing, Twitter can be a valuable tool in sharing and following great content, expanding your learning and gathering an online community but if we’re just shouting out nothing but thank you’s, #FF’s and not engaging or sharing great content – what are we there for? We have enough Spam!

Here’s a great (and funny) example of Twitter shouts by my friend Robert Caruso - that shows the absurdity of what we sometimes do on Twitter – and what it would sound like if we could actually hear what’s going on through The Twitters -

That video cracks me up cause that’s exactly what it would sound like if we were actually listening to someone read our Tweets.

Here’s a novel idea, how’s about we strategically share great content, make sure to acknowledge folks that help build our community, add value, engage with us – and not just click “Retweet” just to grab someone else’s attention, because everybody’s doing it, feeling obligated and to make it count! (Those last three words came to me by way of watching ‘The Titanic’ one too many times)

I can’t wait to hear your opinions on this subject and if/how we can improve our strategy………

Happy Tweeting!

Is age holding you back? Generations vs. Social in The Workplace

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social media and generationsToday’s guest post is from my pal Mila Araujo discussing one of my favorite topics – Social Business and how it affects the workplace and generations. Enjoy!

As humans we doubt ourselves, we fight change, we fear things we do not know. When it comes to social in the workplace, the situation is further compounded by misconceptions about the “abilities” that different generations stereo-typically possess. The saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” comes to mind…However this type of stereotype is among the most harmful for business. The belief that older employees will face too  great a difficulty to adapt to new technology is harming employers and workers. Workers deserve a chance, and employers need to make sure their teams are the best they can be!

Social business tools provide huge opportunities for any organization, whether it be large or small. To avoid implementing new tools because you lack the confidence in your workforce is ridiculous. You have two options: 1. Have faith in your people, give them proper training and patient  support during the learning process – or 2. Eliminate the employees who refuse to adapt with the times. To do anything else is not only costly, but will put your business behind the times as well!

Having worked  with employees from all ages I can assure you that  if you choose the first option, you will not only empower your employees, but you will profit by:

  • Increasing efficiency
  • Giving everyone a chance to have their voice heard – to feel supported and listened to.
  • Improve processes
  • Improve employee engagement and retention
  • Increase and amplify communication
  • Provide opportunity for innovation

All of this leads to increased sales, profitability and stronger customer service.  So why would anyone hold back?

In the video below  from  a case study @OgilvyInsurance (originally presented at <a href=http://Impact99.ca> Impact 99</a>  employees share their views on one of the social tools they’ve been using successfully. Ogilvy Insurance  is  a third generation family run business with employees from all generational groups who must work together,  there are no boundaries based on age. The employees comments speak for themselves.

Encourage employees to take on new challenges and coach them into a comfort zone with new technology.  I challenge you with this question  for the new year, is it the age of employees that holds companies back, or is it the rigid and prejudice mindset of management that is stumping the growth and development of the company.

2013 will be a year for social business to empower employees, what will you be doing?  Bridging the gap between generations with social tools, or continuing to create reasons why you can’t do things?

Photo Credit: Sparkboutik

About the Author:

milaMila Araujo is a Social Business Speaker and Consultant, as well as Director of Personal Insurance for Ogilvy & Ogilvy in Westmount, Quebec. Mila has a diverse background in management, public relations, non-profit, and events. She’s a contributing author for several sites on the topics of Leadership, Social Media and Customer Service including “12 Most”, “Social Media Today”, “Grow” and her Perspectives blog  featured in AllTop. Connect with her on Twitter @Milaspage 

Is Facebook breeding Insecurity and Narcissism?

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Several articles came out recently that tell us Social Media is causing us to become insecure and narcissistic – causing huge amounts of anxiety – including this one.

Maybe you don’t know the feeling of posting something online and especially on Facebook and then constantly checking back in to see if anyone has commented or “liked” but I do. I admit I am probably the most narcissistic as they comes, when it comes to online response and attention.

Now, I don’t lie awake at night wondering if people are reading my blog or will they see that fabulous picture I posted on Instagram and stuff like that. I think a little of this is healthy but as with ANYTHING if not kept in check it can get out of control.

Here are a few comments from the above mentioned article which polled several folks on the subject:

  • More than half of those surveyed said the sites had changed their behavior - and half of those said their lives had been altered for the worse. (I can’t imagine my life getting worse because of social media. Who let’s it get to that point? Perhaps if you’re under the age of 25. If we’ve come to the point where social media and being online is affecting our lives in such a way we should stop the insanity. It changes our behavior in how we communicate, but shouldn’t it be for the better? It allows us to engage with folks we would have never been able to had it not been for the webs).
  • Those who suffered a negative impact from social media said their confidence fell after comparing their own achievements to those of friends online. (It’s never healthy to compare yourself to others whether it’s trying to keep up with the Jones’, a fellow blogger that swears they’re getting thousands of readers a day, or someone bragging about their millionth client. It could be accurate information or not but we should never allow ourselves to get pulled into that trap of “why aren’t I getting all that?”)
  • Two-thirds said they found it hard to relax completely or to sleep after spending time on the sites. (Again, there is life outside of the webs and we must not forget that and allow ourselves to be consumed by social media. Set limits for yourself and have the bawls to know when enough is enough. And if this is referring to your child being online, set limits for them).
  • One quarter of those polled said they had been left facing difficulties in their relationships or workplace after becoming confrontational online. (It’s never a good idea to be confrontational online. We all have our own opinions, religious or non-religious beliefs and political ideas but there is a line that can be crossed when discussing these things online and this shit can back-fire on you in a Minnesota minute. There comes a point when you just become an arse and a bully. Stop it, people. You’re causing your own difficulty).

These are my opinions of course, but are some things I’ve seen or experienced personally. What are some of your suggestions?

Oh, I’ll be checking your comments to make sure someone read it :)

Photo Credit: SavageChickens

Social Media; Policy and Privacy #WatchThis

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I haven’t posted anything from #SHRM12 (ON PURPOSE) these past couple of weeks because I’ve been dreaming of SHRM and that’s just weird.

After tweeting and blogging before, during and after #SHRM12 I came back only to start hitting it hard and heavy for #ILSHRM12 that is only a month away. I’ve been lying awake at night thinking of all that still needs to be done, what could be added to make it a greater experience, and thank God – I finally finished the mobile app I’ve been working on for several months now.

With that being said, here’s a great video from leading HR experts in the “Hive” at #SHRM12 on “Social Media and Policy.” This video gives great insight  from some outstanding folks, two of which, are employment attorneys.

In this video are Heather Bussing, Elizabeth Lalli-Reese, Maren Hogen and John Sumser – some of the finest folks in the HR space. Take a look – and make sure to connect with these folks.

Here’s a FREE E-Book from SHRM that discusses Social Media Strategy for Human Resources.

Are your employees on social media? What are your questions?

Photo Credit: AssociationTrends

A deeper look into #SHRM12′s “The Hive” #WatchThis

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And here’s a great interview with SHRM’s own Social Media Guy discussing how the HIVE came into play.

Special Thanks

Thanks to SHRM and DICE for creating such an amazing space for social learning right on site of their 2012 conference.

What industries are incorporating Social Media? (Infographic)

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A week or so, Mashable posted this Infographic with clearly shows us what industries are incorporating Social Media at work and what industries aren’t. Take a look > Do you agree?