The True Value of Business Social Networking
Recently I wrote an article detailing steps to build an infrastructure for collaboration inside—as well as across—firms. There are distinct advantages to adding additional “social networking” capabilities inside a firm. One of the most significant is capturing knowledge (or corporate memory) that should get saved but usually falls outside of normal recording channels.
Think of things that probably aren’t on your current list to record, like feedback from the most recent firm summit or document management system rollout—or even possibly wish list workflow enhancements for next tax season. It could also include collective minutes from a meeting on a merger, with ideas coming from both firms that save time and resources.
From head to paper
Options like wikis or a simple online forum can enhance knowledge acquisition in areas you may not typically think to capture, or wish you could but aren’t sure how. Now imagine a location where everyone on a new service launch can add ideas on any topic. Your best marketing idea could be in your Learning Coordinator’s head, but how does he or she get it to you?
In sum:
- Distinct benefits arise when increasing open communication in firms
- People are more likely to get work done than look at information that’s not relevant to their jobs
- The benefits of quick and flexible communication outweigh the risks of keeping information in silos
I also pointed out ways to make collaboration happen across firms, and how to protect assets while gaining valuable knowledge.
Here’s the lowdown:
- Select peers that know your particular concerns.
- Choose a community with a strong commitment from its sponsors
- Share context questions about how your firm runs, not core questions about client concerns. The higher qualified the community, the more you can share and benefit
Building on an existing model
The Boomer Knowledge Network spawns from the Boomer Technology Circles™, which have been a location for firm community, collaboration and accountability for eight years and running.
The Circles meet three times a year and provide as much value from the opportunities to converse with qualified technology professionals as from the presentations (most of which are delivered by members). The Circles had access to the Boomer Extranet, an online forum to ask questions of fellow Circle members and review meeting presentations.
I was hired at Boomer Consulting to extend the experience from the physical Circle meetings beyond the five days participants spend together. Through this journey, I have seen the value of our community grow to include our Performance3™ Management Classes and Human Capital and Learning Symposium attendees. Our community is no longer just technology based, and we are excited about the developments.
Boomer Consulting, Inc.’s foundation is in using technology as an asset that accelerates the performance and profitability of accounting firms. I believe that the Boomer Knowledge Network is an obvious extension of this philosophy; it serves as an accelerator to advance the collective understanding and insight of firms across the country—and world.
A strong community in action
Let me give some examples of how this works on the Boomer Knowledge Network – how to leverage a community of knowledgeable peers to enhance your business. Please note the level of access. I want to show the value of a knowledgeable community for all members, regardless of membership level.
One of our BKN Trial members was looking for information related to security video devices. The responses came from firms with systems installed as well as someone who previously owned a security firm. For those who are members of the BKN at any level, you may visit the BKN forums to see the post.
Another example comes from within the Boomer Technology Circles™—a presentation called Document Management & the 2006 Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. It was delivered by a lawyer familiar with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and how they affect accounting firms. This presentation is available for Boomer Technology Circle™ member firms on the BKN.
We also provide timely articles authored by our consultants and expert guests. Boomer Bulletin members may remember Cindy Thatcher’s article, Strengths & Training, from the May 2007 Boomer Bulletin. This was a great piece, and the BKN provides even more interaction potential where comments and discussion follow every article for any membership level.
Similar discussions may arise about one of the Boomer Advantage Guides, tactile compendiums for accomplishing critical tasks in your firm. BKN Premium members can access our entire library of these guides in PDF format and discuss their experiences with each. Visit the BKN Guides section to access the entire library and begin sharing your experiences (along with any questions) today!
Learning for our community
You may be reading this as a Boomer Bulletin post. For those who are BKN members, feel free to ask questions, share experiences, or offer suggestions by commenting below. I look forward to hearing from you – after all, this community is built for you.
Read Jim’s article from this month's Boomer Bulletin to learn more about the benefits of the Boomer Knowledge Network—and let us know how we can improve so that you can improve.
