More tips on social learning through collaboration

...from a white paper released today. Although written at an enterprise level, the tips can be extrapolated for learning and talent development.

Here are some highlights and factoids I took away (and will begin to digest) and some you may find useful:

• Roughly 53% of the 79 million adult women in the United States who use the Internet participate in social media

• According to Forrester Research, social media ad spending will grow from $716 million this year to more than $3.1 billion in 2014

• Organizations should view social media activity as a powerful enabler that provides opportunities for developing new relationships and gaining competitive advantage

• Get all stakeholders (SMEs, customers, not just trainers) involved in blogging or participating on the corporate social networks, according to their specific passions

• Partner with highly active customers to create and contribute to better learning and services (Microsoft has similar forums where the most active participants who help the most people become “MVPs” and earn trips to Redmond for recognition and rewards)

• Use ad hoc conferences to connect directly and immediately on an issue of mutual interest (best practices, etc.) or share any "positive deviance" that might help the group.

• Tie Webinars to real-time research, seeking answers from participants that address meaningful challenges, “Eight Successful Strategies for Retaining Business Travel Clients"

• Get customers involved in the online discussion through a special event (one that is educational, motivational, and entertaining)