Talking Internal Communication...

IBM experiments with social networking

Spotted this really interesting article in the latest issue of Business Week. It outlines how IBM is using social networking tools similar to Twitter and Facebook to enhance internal communication and knowledge sharing.  It's interesting because, whilst there's an awful lot of hype and discussion around internal social networking right now, there are still far too few case studies on organisations that have actually experimented with it. Enjoy the read. L

Prime Minister's Questions on YouTube

There's widespread coverage today of Gordon Brown's decision to open up PM's questions to the general public by encouraging questions to be submitted via the Downing Street YouTube site. 

'Ask the PM' is the latest move by politicians to embrace the power of social media - and is seen by many as Brown's response to David Cameron's criticism that he is 'an analogue politician in a digital age'.

Although there's nothing particularly groundbreaking about this move, it's great to see the Prime Minister follow the lead of a number of CEOs who have already used such techniques to engage with their workforce.

I'm often asked how to get an online 'ask the boss' facility up and running - this example provides a nice case study in how to go about it.   

Users have until 21 June to submit their video questions - which must be less than one minute long.

Lie detectors in the workplace - whatever next?!

I was fascinated - and slightly horrified - to read this news article on Personneltoday.com this week.

It seems that the popular practice of 'throwing a sickie' could soon become a thing of the past in the UK - thanks to the introduction of workplace lie detectors. At least that's the plan.

Absenteeism is a massive problem for UK employers, but I really don't think lie detectors are the answer. Isn't this a step too far?

Trust is a two way thing and I just cannot see how the use of lie detector technology can be a healthy, positive development as far as employee-employer relationships go.

YouTube top 10 corporate clips

Here's the excellent first installment of the 'top ten' corporate/brand clips currently on YouTube - compiled by Matthew Yeomans and the team at Custom Communications ahead of the forthcoming Social Media Influence conference (see calendar for details). Just follow the link to view the videos. 

If still you need convincing about the enormous influence of YouTube on corporate reputations, just check out the viewing figures - all of these videos have recorded upwards of one million views. And did you know that a staggering 80million clips are now viewed on YouTube every single day?! 

'Podcasting Perfection' workshop in Birmingham

If you're interested in podcasting as an internal communication channel, you might want to come along to an event my CIPR Inside colleagues and I are running in the West Midlands early next month.

Taking place at the University of Birmingham's excellent Media Centre on Tuesday 3 June, this one day (1000-1600) workshop will focus on the often overlooked structure and content side of podcasting.

We figure that, because the technology is so accessible and easy to use, many internal podcasts end up being poorly produced - with the focus firmly on the medium rather than the message. I see a parallel here with the early days of desk top publishing, when everyone started producing beautiful yet hollow publications.

That's why we're momentarily turning our backs on the technical side to revisit the art of good content, structure and flow.      

To help us we've hooked up with a BAFTA award-winning producer, Natasha Carlish, so there should be some very interesting insights in store.   

The event also combines as the AGM for CIPR Inside, which should see me pick up the baton as Group Chair for the next 12 months. I don't promise any Obama style speeches, but I will no doubt touch on a few key themes for my 'premiership'. 

I hope to see some of you there. The workshop costs £95 for CIPR members, £125 for members and £85 for representatives from charities and NGOs. Click here for the event booking form. 

Back where we belong

Sorry it's been so long since my last post, but (and I make no apologies for this!) I've been chilling out on the beach in St Lucia for the last few weeks. Anyway, now I'm back in the UK and life is returning to 'normality', I intend to be a little more regular with my blogging, so watch this space.  We had a fab holiday, but as always it's great to be back home. It's also great to see West Bromwich Albion crowned Championship champions today after their 2-0 win against QPR. It's fantastic to see the Baggies back where they belong - in the Premiership. I can't wait for next season!