Social media a place to play? Work? Or both?

Now let me ask you a question. Are you from the camp that thinks social media is only about socializing? Now don’t be afraid to raise your hand because you are not the only one. In fact, if you thought this was the case you would in fact be in the majority.

In reality though there is a lot more going on in social media than socializing and to ignore it within a communications strategy with your clients could leave you at the back of the pack. Many organizations are still working in Web 1.0 where they are providing static information about themselves and their service offering to clients rather than in Web 2.0 where clients are given the opportunity to be part of a community where they can talk with each other about common goals and issues.

By not providing this level of interaction is in a sense neglecting the “next generation of customers” as pointed out in a Financial Standard article at the recent ASFA Communications Forum. These guys are Gen Y’s and Millennials, they are technology natives and in the fast world they have grown up in are not quite as forgiving as other generations when their needs are not met. None is this issue more relevant than in an arena like superannuation where virtually all the adult population has an interest in the associated issues. It is not only about letting clients communicate freely but also listening to their wants, concerns and needs and responding in a way that they know they have been heard.