As someone who consults with large corporations on deploying social computing technologies within the enterprise, I realized that my own usage of external Web 2.0 tools has been spotty. I think this is something like the cobbler’s children having no shoes. NewsGator Social Sites is a comprehensive social computing solution for Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server (MOSS). I use it religiously throughout every single work day, not just because it is “my” product, but because it provides me tremendous benefit. But, I still have a large circle of colleagues, family and friends outside of NewsGator and I am becoming more and more connected via Web 2.0 tools. Here is what I use regularly:
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Twitter – yes, I am an addict. I remember about 18 months ago, I was sitting around a table having drinks with some fellow Colorado technology executives. The topic of Twitter came up and I said “who would actually use something like that other than teenagers?”. Man, that makes me sound old. Well, I get it now. I currently have 2 accounts. One is @karlgco and that is the account I started with – I now am using it for more personal interactions. I recently established @karyngerman as a more professional and public personae. I try to keep personal tweets to a minimum and am establishing a network of like-minded professionals. I am also trying to follow sound social media practices on that account in order to establish a more “personal brand”.
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Facebook – when I first began using Facebook, I was enamored. When my fickle self discovered Twitter, I abandoned Facebook for the most part to the lure of something much less demanding in the way of micro-blogging. But recently, I have become a more active Facebook user for three reasons. First - NewsGator Social Sites is something of a “Facebook for the Enterprise”. It is important that I use and understand those features and how they translate to the enterprise. Second - I accidentally invited my entire email address book to befriend me on Facebook. While that was horribly embarrassing, I ended up connecting with people I have not communicated with in years! Third - I have the Facebook application for the iPhone and I am much more likely to stay up to date when I can check out my account at any time.
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LinkedIn – this has long been one of my stalwarts and I always considered this strictly for contact management and networking. Well, LinkedIn has added some great social computing features, particularly in the way of groups. I belong to and/or am active on several such groups (Enterprise 2.0, Coolest Women, Denver MOSS) and have made some great connections. I also suspect that the old stand-alone resume will go the way of the fax for more progressive companies as LinkedIn provides a great public profile.
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TypePad – obviously. I started blogging in November of 2006, largely to better understand the mechanics of RSS. My blogging frequency has certainly ebbed and flowed on this personal blog, though I also contribute to NewsGator Daily. I figure that if I blog at least once per month in either venue, I am doing OK.
Would love to hear your stories on the tools you love and use regularly.
