staying on top in 2010

Slideshare has posted their 5 secrets to staying on top of it all in 2010 ;they are all about trust, connections, communication, creativity, relationships and agility. What really struck me when I read the post was the total juxtaposition with the processes and position of most large organisations.

Here they are with my thoughts in italics:

1. Pay Attention to the Metrics
..... When starting up new project agree on what the metrics should be and what goals are appropriate.

Metrics are about customer satisfaction and efficiency, not unconnected tasks. Why aren’t we connecting with our customers and listening to their responses constantly? Fear?  Complacency?  It’d all be easy if it wasn’t for the customers eh....

2. Scale Good Habits
All in all your structure should encourage good habits. Your entire team should be motivated to respond quickly, post consistently and talk like a human.

Responses should be intelligent but agile. They are based on up-to-date knowledge  of options and opinion.

3. Have Rules, But Trust People
As your social media strategy matures, you'll add in more rules and guidelines. However, you can't have a rule for every situation. You need to trust your team. Lead by example, don't manage with rulebook.

Yes.

4. Creativity & Personality Trump Big Budget
Social media is definitely one of those areas in life where more money doesn't always win. Two of the most powerful ingredients in social media are creativity and personality. ... You can't be afraid to try something new or go against the grain.

Why does quality product still equate to big bucks? Some of the best solutions today are free and lightweight. They are flexible and adaptable and encourage creative use. Trust does not equate to glossy product; it does not even equate to the ability to use academese. It’s about relationships, listening to needs, responsiveness, and flexibility. The creativity and the solutions to issues lie out there in the community. Gone are the days of the expert centred anything.

5. Listen Listen Listen
Don't focus so much on you and your message. Focus first on your customers. Hear what they are saying, see what they're up to. Once you've been able to connect, and figure them out, then see how you can help.
The number one goal should be to meet the needs of the community yet it’s amazing how often that simply drops off the radar.

To do that you actually have to be in contact;  to meet them in their own context whether that be online or face to face. The more removed you make yourself the more your customers will see their attempts to communicate as a waste of time and energy.

[CC FlickR image: JosephGilbert.org]