Another Social Media Blog

My wife and I are avid “Grey’s Anatomy” watchers. Usually, the Thursday night drama merely entertains, as the characters (mostly doctors) seem to go out of their way to wreck their completely unbelievable lives. But in a recent episode, Dr. Miranda Bailey, played by actor Chandra Wilson, broadcasts her surgeries via Twitter.

While operating on her patient, Dr. Bailey would dictate what she was experiencing to one of the residents. The resident would then transcribe her words, on a Blackberry, into 140 character micro-blogs or “Tweets.” Doctors and medical students from around the world monitored the surgery via Twitter, Re-Tweeting questions and comments about the surgery.

Using Twitter as a communications platform, Dr. Bailey had turned her surgery into a teaching experience that extended beyond the operating room. In the past, something like this would have required a massive investment in technology and communications equipment and would only have been available to the affluent. All Dr. Bailey needed was an opportunity to do her work and a Blackberry.

Of course, one does not need to look far to find a real world example of the global impact of social media technologies such as Twitter and Facebook. All you need to do is pick up a paper or turn on the news. Oppressive regimes and dictators across the Middle East and North Africa appear to be dropping like dominoes as “the people” take to the streets and demand change.

Social media employed as a communication and collaboration platform seem to be a real driver behind these world-changing events. In fact, I’ve heard the term “Twitter Revolution” used to describe what’s happening in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and elsewhere. I don’t disagree that social media has played an important role in what has and continues to unfold in that part of the world, but I think it’s a gross oversimplification and perhaps, even a little arrogant to say social media caused what’s happening.

Technology is not a silver bullet that magically solves problems. It is more of a force multiplier or an accelerator that can be used to speed up or intensify the impact of a good idea or a sound strategy. Without Dr. Bailey’s vision and creativity, Facebook is just a place to view a litany of un-remarkable vacation photos.

I talk with business owners all the time about social media. Most see it as a real distraction and productivity killer. Most of the time, I’d tend to agree. But I think recent events evidence the fact that we should really challenge ourselves to consider how we might apply this technology in the future in support of our business goals.

A great way to start would be to log in to Facebook or Twitter and see how your peers are using it. I logged in and found this posting from Shon Christy. Shon and I were lab partners in Mr. Glime’s chemistry class at Stow High School in Ohio in 1993. Other than being connected on Facebook, Shon and I don’t communicate. But because of his posting, I know City Cleaners is hiring. Now you know too.

So we know for sure that social media sites like Twitter and Facebook can be used to teach fictional doctors, recruit salespeople, and topple governments. What could you use it for? If you’d like to talk about it, let me know. You can email me at jclause@endsight.net

Is moving an office in your future plans?

When I was in college, I had to move every year.  I lived in a fraternity house and that really simplified the logistic. But even though I never had to move more than a few doors down the hallway, I still didn’t like it.  The idea of a uprooting all of my things, transporting them, and then having to find new places for everything, was a daunting task that stressed me out every time.

As Endsight’s outsourced IT business has grown, we’ve been heavily involved in a staggering number of office moves. Every time, it’s easy to remember the stress I felt as an undergraduate with my mini fridge and futon.  Obviously, the client has much more to consider which makes the stress level even greater.

No two office moves are ever the same.  But having been through enough of these, I thought it would be helpful to list some of the key advisers and partner/vendor rolls to consider as part of your planning process.

Many of our clients begin the process by seeking council from key strategic advisers.

Contemplating a Move:

Commercial Realtor (Help you selected a new location)

Banker (Help decide the best way to finance the move)

Accountant (Help you decide if you can afford the move)

Lawyer (Help you avoid costly legal issues associated with the move)

Once a location has been selected, there are a number of other partner/vendors to involve in the process.

The New Office:

General Contractor (Tenant improvements)

Architect (Make it look fabulous)

Cable Installer (Network cabling)

HVAC (Server room)

Signage (Sign out front, names on the office Doors)

The Move:

Mover (To get from point A to point B)

Phone System Support (Take down and set up phones)

Computer System Support (Take down and set up computer systems)

Internet and Phone System Connectivity (Connect to the outside world)

Office Furniture (Acquire new and /or liquidate old)

Printers, Faxes & Copiers (Often times these are under contract)

Communication:

Marketing (Promote new location, update Website, send a news letter, and create a promotional item)

Printed Materials (Letterhead, business cards, marketing collateral)

Most businesses enjoy existing relationships to leverage as part of the planning process.  If your company needs help filling in the roster, Endsight can help by facilitating introductions to our network of colleagues.  If your small business is planning a move click here.   We would be happy to meet in person with you to discuss your plan.

Could your CEO be One of the Bay Area’s Most Admired?

I received this e-mail from the San Francisco Business Times last week.The publisher is taking applications from Bay Area firms for the publications list of the bay areas most admired CEOs.

If you admire your CEO, I suggest that you give this a look.  Accolades are always nice and this is an easy way to bring your business leader and your business to the attention of the San Francisco Business Times’ readership.

 The San Francisco Business Times will honor 12 outstanding leaders of Bay Area enterprises in a special report, and at a gala awards dinner recognizing the Bay Area’s Most Admired CEOs Thursday, November 19 at the Hilton San Francisco.

Nominees must be present November 19 to receive the award.  Nominees will be selected from the SFBT coverage area, including the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano.

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