MightyRecruiterBusiness is now more about connecting than it is about managing. Millions of people run their lives through social media, so it makes sense why companies have been quick to jump on board. However, passive business owners can no longer sit on the sidelines. At Mighty Recruiter, we want to help you stay ahead. Turn your organization into a social nation with these seven principles.
1. Establish a Culture
First and foremost, you must state your purpose. Decide up front how and why you will deliver your product or service. Otherwise, you have absolutely no way of determining the right people to bring to your team. Culture is particularly important to young millennials who continue to pave the way for social media. Consider companies like Google that operate open-door cultures where hands-on contribution is highly encouraged. Google tends to favor skill over experience, yet the company attracts people from all walks of life. These people all share a passion for innovation and learning, and they are continually motivated by internal branding, like-minded co-workers and meaningful benefits. Google probably would not hire someone who is resistant to change. Likewise, you should establish solid values and principles and then look for people who want to contribute.
2. Communicate Respect
The world is watching your every move, be it on your website, a mobile app or an offsite review. Watch what you say, especially online. A single word can have multiple meanings as it quickly spreads across your social nation. It doesn’t even have to be a word. How many different emojis do you have in smartphone? Whether you’re building relationships with potential employees, the public, your clients or current staff, always be professional and use proper etiquette. Consider your tone and what you say contextually. Respect goes a long way, especially internally. If you want to solidify your culture and image, you’ve got to be responsible online.
3. Collaborate
Innovation happens when people come together. Rely on your team and expand it to include your community and customers. Nike reinvented its brand with The Chance campaign, which offers young athletes around the world a shot at becoming pros through The Nike Academy. During its first six months, the campaign generated over 17,000 pages on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. These pages drew in over 5 millions fans, including thousands of professional athletes. The world got behind Nike’s philosophy and its brand. You don’t have to change the world, but you do need to collaborate. This is how a social nation adapts.
4. Be Open to Change
Technology advances, social media adapts and users fall in line. Listen to your employees and especially to your customers. Be aware of what’s being communicated on networking and review sites. These are the places your customers go to praise and complain. They’re also the places that prospective customers go to hear about it. Make it a goal to become socially intelligent. The only way to do this is to observe, learn and do.
5. Stay Current
To be a responsible social nation, you must keep up with technology. Platforms change overnight, and users are continually upgrading to the latest trends. Invest in your IT department and incorporate technology into your brand. Ducati, Tesla and other luxury auto brands seized this concept by allowing owners and buyers to make modifications online and through mobile apps. Essentially, they are letting their customers own a part of the brand. It’s all about integrating your innovations with social media.
6. Trust Your People
Trust the employees who work for you and the customers who keep you working. Knowledge empowers, so share it with your team. This means relying on your production staff, sales department, designers and managers. After all, that’s why you hired them. Furthermore, don’t be afraid to rely on your outside team ïyour customers. When General Electric transferred its Ecomagination initiative to social media, the company engaged millions of people wanting to reduce their carbon footprint. Efforts like this can spark worldwide activism and draw great ideas from people who just want to help.
7. Acknowledge Performance
Finally, no social nation can exist when effort goes unrewarded. No company knows this better than Apple, the tech giant that relies on thousands of external developers. Most of the revenue that is generated from these applications is forwarded right back to the creators themselves. Structure a plan to reward employee performance, customer loyalty, public support and client business. Highlight promotions on your social pages, and let visitors be a part of your innovation. Look to Mighty Recruiter for more ways to develop your social nation.