Let's Engage

This past week in class we started a new book! The book is Engage by Brian Solis. The first two chapters look into how companies must "Engage or Die" and how large the numbers of users there are Online. The concept behind the first two chapter lies with the idea that the number of users Online is not only huge but it is also growing, so if your company is not engaging and using the Internet as a viable source it is going to get left behind.

In reference to my parents company, Allied Advertising, once again I can see how their lack of involvement and engagement is slowly but surely hurting them. I recently offered to set them up Online and my dad expressed how he feels the necessity of such action. My parents I wouldn't say are exactly tech-savvy and so it says something that even they are aware of how important it is to engage Online.

Times are changing and the world is focusing their attentions to social media and networking even in terms of business. Recently, I have noticed people making Twitter handles for the purpose of finding a job as well as handles used to help people make Online resumes to find jobs. The Online resume is one that is in my opinion at least going to become essential in the near future. It is really becoming a matter of "Engage or Die" because everything is revolving in the Online arena.

New Opportunities

The reading this week out of Groundswell: winning in a world transformed by social technologies discussed the importance of companies being actively involved on the internet and with the Groundswell. Particularly with what companies should hone in on when creating and maintaining social media in regards to the Groundswell. I found this interesting because my parents own a small advertising company in San Antonio named Allied Advertising and the only thing I could think of while reading this chapter is how not involved they are in the Groundswell or even really online for that matter. They could definitely benefit for POST- people, objectives, strategy, and technology. POST is used in building one's groundswell. For the first time I found myself interested in possibly working for my parents which prior to this reading was always a bit of a joke among my family. Every time my parents asked me to work for them I would flat out answer "NO," but it's looking a little more appealing now that I know of something specific that I could do other than screen print (for which I am completely unqualified...for now at least). The Groundswell is opening up opportunities for people to infiltrate the workforce in a completely new and interactive way.

Being active in the Groundswell is crucial for any company that wants to be successful because the social networking sites and blogs can provide ample insight into the strengths and weaknesses of a company as seen by the customers.