Should Social Networking on Facebook Be Allowed in the Office?

in Technology by Bill Hadala — June 21, 2010 at 9:31 pm | 0 comments

Mark Pasetsky
Posted: June 21, 2010 02:17 PM

Facebook. Twitter. Foursquare.

Walk through the office and I bet you’ll spot one of your colleagues updating their status.

Is this a good thing?

Many in management would argue this is a colossal waste of time and ask what good could come out of their employees aimlessly socializing on these time sucking networks?

Before yesterday, I have to admit I was on the fence when it came to answering that question.

But, I am fortunately writing this post from the Cannes Lions Advertising Festival (I better update my Facebook and Twitter!) where I attended a seminar held by IBM and Euro RSCG 4D. And, now I’m convinced social networking in the office is time well-spent.

Why? Social Media is all about “accelerating business,” according to Euro RSCG 4D’s George Gallate.

How so you ask? Here’s my takeaway from yesterday’s seminar:

1) Watch your competitors
In the past, you had to invest a ton of time and energy on the ground. Today, by becoming “friends” with a competitor, it’s so much easier to keep an eye on the competition. Simple status and location updates is sometimes all you need to make a conclusion about your rival’s next big move!

2) Prospecting Gets Easier
If you’re looking for new business, look no further than social media. With many customers openly asking for advice on products and services on places like Facebook, there’s a prospect revolution going on — especially in the business-to-business world where “marketing is based on trust, networking and a one-to-one relationship,” said IBM’s Ben Edwards.

3) Gather Customer Feedback
“Your employees are your ambassadors in social,” says Euro RSCG 4D’s, Sander Volten. And, “they can connect with insiders and outsiders, foster conversations, and listen to what’s being said about your company and products.”

Volten adds, “You should encourage them to actively engage in them. That’s something different than them playing ‘mafia wars’ all day long.”