McKinsey Global Institute published a report in July 2012, regarding the social economy which described how to unlock value and productivity through Social Technologies. Small and large businesses have the opportunity to add value to their company through simple, yet effective tools. Web 2.0 tools such as Wikis, Social Networking and Blogs have valuable functions that businesses have been adding to their procedures to increase productivity for years.
Below is an image sourced from McKinsey Global Institute’s report, it shows ten potential ways for a business to add value internally and across the enterprise.
Today I’d like to explain to you how a business like Skatebiz could add value to their organisation by monitoring and publishing posts on their Facebook page. As a teenager I enjoyed finishing school, grabbing my skateboard and going to my local skatepark. Skatebiz provides some of the latest and coolest designs on the market for skateboards, clothes (shirts, pants, shoes, hats etc) in stores around Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Capalaba) with friendly, professional advice. They ship around Australia for free and also internationally at great prices, so how can Social Technology help Skatebiz?
Strategies to add value
- Marketing and Sales
A Facebook/Instagram page can generate thousands of views in a day if the correct marketing tactics are in place. For example, if Skatebiz was to receive the latest Nike shoes designed by professional skateboarder Paul Rodriguez and offered a chance to win a pair simply by liking/sharing the image. Wouldn’t you see lots of kids sharing and liking the image? That’s right, by offering something in return to the customers they feel more obliged to help you market your products. Smart marketing and consistent relate-able content can help your customers see your new ideas, plans and products whilst also receiving feedback.
- Customer Service
Call centers have been used for years for customers who are inquiring about products, trading hours and jobs or customers who are providing feedback. This can be expensive and very annoying (Calling businesses and being hold is never fun!) but social technology can help! Customers have the ability to communicate with the business via their Facebook/Instagram page. This simple method allows the customer to not only receive feedback from the business but also the community.
Adding value to a business is easy when you have social technology! I love being able to search my favourite brands on Facebook and see the latest products they have, but also see what the community is saying about it..
That’s it guys, remember to leave your feedback and finally I would like to share with you a documentary created by my friend and local Brisbane filmmaker/skateboarder Kane Stewart that was released on the 17th of August.
Thanks!
Jason Collier's Social Blogsphere 