Comments on: Notes from the trenches …

By: frogpond » Geek breakfast, email and RSS observations …

frogpond » Geek breakfast, email and RSS observations … — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 08:48:09 +0000

[...] Johnson expands on Enterprise 2.0 and RSS adoption, linking back to me: [...] enterprise RSS adoption is coming into fruition – but why has it taken us so many years to [...]

By: Martin Koser

Martin Koser — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:07:24 +0000

Well, yes, “fear” (or rather insecurity) is present sometimes.

Even good intentions don’t prevent it, like when people hesitate to invest time and resources into initiatives that don’t have clear outcomes. And most social software initiatives are pretty complex if we’re looking really close. This is hard organizational management stuff, which I guess is why it’s so fascinating to be in …

By: Janet Johnson

Janet Johnson — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:05:20 +0000

Agreed that people in SME get it – but I think there’s so much fear out there about engaging with employees and customers, partners and others in a Web 2.0 way that that’s what prevents action… would love your thoughts on whether you’re finding fear crippling action?

By: Martin Koser

Martin Koser — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:27:29 +0000

Janet, you’re right, this is no easy game. Perseverance is needed – even when people basically agree on the future potential they often don’t sense an (urgent) need for action.

Yet, it’s not a good idea to say that people in SME don’t get it. It’s rather that we as consultants need to refine our message, explaining and demonstrating the benefits. And you’re right, enterprise examples (best if they’re from the same industry) work best. So I am quite glad that some of my clients don’t fall into the mould of “typical IT shop”, because then everybody would say that this is nothing special.

By: Janet Johnson

Janet Johnson — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:47:36 +0000

Hi Martin, I am scratching my head wondering why small to medium size businesses aren’t jumping on Web 2.0 technologies and idioms as a way to encourage innovation, communication and collaboration AND competitiveness.

I guess smart enterprise examples and the perseverance of people like us will push the timid and fearful into the fray eventually.

You summed it up perfectly: “Don’t spend hours pondering the details and splitting hairs – actually use this stuff and find out.”

Amen. Push on, sir… see you on the outside!