Management Blog

Getting to know Web 2.0 networkers

When it comes to social networking no two users in the same, a new book on the risks and opportunities of the Web 2.0 world argues.

According to a recent Financial Times review of Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies by Charlene Li and Josh Bernof, there are four types of users.

These include: creators - people who develop their own content; critics - comment posters; joiners - people who sign up for online communities; and spectators - people who only read and watch.

Li and Bernof say companies need to understand which of these categories the majority its audience fits into before launching a social networking site.

For example, 'alpha mums' are generally 'spectators'; accordingly any website aimed at this group should be geared towards users who like to read rather than create content themselves.

Web users lose patience

Web users are ruthless and selfish creatures, new research authored by web usability guru Jakob Nielsen reveals.

Nielsen claims consumers of online content have little patience when exploring web sites. He says web users are task driven: they arrive, complete their task and leave quickly.

With this in mind, it's suggested any attempts to hold the attentionof web users - such as promotions - should be avoided.

According to the BBC, web users are also easily frustrated with add on features like widgets and applications that extend the time it takes for a web page to fully load.

Who's afraid of Web 2.0?

Businesses are refusing to harness the power of Web 2.0 applications such as social networking, blogs or wikis despite believing the pursuit would be profitable, The Australian reports.

Recent research indicates 50 per cent of companies in the Asia-Pacific region consider Web 2.0 as being a business opportunity while just 8 per cent see it as a threat.

Commentators say there are few examples of successfully implemented Web 2.0 sites in Australia, however companies including Telstra, LendLease and AMP are testing applications.

Lawyers embrace webcasting

A growing number of law firms are embracing new media by providing clients with webcasts of staff testimonials, briefings and law related news, smartcompany reports.

British firm Allen & Overy currently has around 200 webcasts on its site; locally, Australian legal eagles Gadens and Clayton Utz have put a toe in the water with a combined total of 12 webcasts.

While Gadens and Clayton Utz both use in-house staff to present their webcasts, Brisbane's Carter Newell Lawyers are reported to have recruited a newsreader to present scripts written by lawyers.

R U into IM?

Proving that instant messaging (IM) isn't just for teenagers, many online retailers are using the new media tool to get up close and personal with shoppers, Business 2.0 reports.

It's claimed a growing number of new media experts believe IM will revolutionise online shopping by helping merchants establish meaningful relationships with customers as they shop.

By way of example, the article looks at a US real estate broker who has used IM to more effectively engage online customers; a move that has apparently lead to US$12 million worth of new sales.

However, communications experts warn that IM will not work in conjunction with hard sell tactics as it is too easy for a customer to simply close down a chat box when pressured.

Link roundup - 29 September 2006

A selection of interesting links and articles collected over the previous week...

ThisNext: A shopping network where you can recommend, share and discover products with other consumers.

Top 10 creativity boosters: Dave Jeffrey's list of resources and things to do to get those creative juices flowing.

Best tips that no one seems to know about: From the Joel of Software Discussion Group - tips and shortcuts for your computer

How to be an effective complainer: From Management-Issues - how you choose to handle complaints about your work determines whether you're a workplace professional, or a professional complainer.

Interview preparation

It can be nerve-wracking or exhilarating - the job interview. If you are preparing for an upcoming interview, an excerpt from The Accelerated Job Search which details 50 common interview questions and answers may be of use.

Some of those selected are:

Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.

Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.

Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor.
Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well blow the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.

For more information, read the comments associated with the blog entry where further questions are explored, including the dreaded "What is your greatest weakness?".

Presentation Zen

A late entry for the Link Roundup... For useful tips for professional presentation design, Garr Reynolds' Presentation Zen blog is a must-see. His focus on simplicity in design goes beyond the usual PowerPoint presentations.

Tips included in Reynolds' entry on presenting "naked":

- Don't try to impress. Instead try to, share, help, inspire, teach, inform, guide, persuade, motivate... or make the world a little bit better.

- Do not use "corporate-speak" - speak like a human being. You can not be naked if you say something like "best practices" or "empowering a new paradigm."

- Never decorate your messages or your supporting visuals. Decoration is veneer. Think design, but never decoration. Design is soul deep, decoration is "Happy Birthday" placed atop a sponge cake.

Link roundup - 18 August 2006

A selection of interesting links and articles collected over the previous week...

Ten Questions with Seth Godin: VC guru Guy Kawasaki interviews marketing guru Seth Godin about his latest book.

This is Broken: Lists submissions from customers about their experiences with business, namely what isn't working.

7 Idea Dumping Tips: Never lose a good idea - tips for capturing your good ideas from LifeDev.

Websites that Changed the World: The Observer lists the key sites that have, to date, changed the face of the web.

10 Tips on Leading a Balanced Life: Commonsense advice from blogger Allan Galbraith that serves as a timely reminder for busy businesspeople.

Link roundup - 28 July 2006

A selection of interesting links and articles collected over the previous week...

The Eggcorn Database: A site devoted to eggcorns, or common or unusual spelling mishaps and word misuse that have appeared in the English language.

Writing, Clear and Simple: A blog dedicated to improving one's writing style. An accompanying Squidoo lens is also available.

Google Holiday Logos: If you enjoy Google's special occasion logos, meet the artist behind them, Dennis Hwang. All the logos are also available in Google's archive.

The Long Tail: Chris Anderson's acclaimed book, The Long Tail, has been released but the book's journey can still be tracked through the author's blog.

The Kingdomality Personal Preference Profile: An oldie but a goodie - what's your management style? Find out who you would have been in the Medieval Kingdom.