Convince the C-Suite an Enterprise Social Network Makes Sense

You realize the true business value an enterprise social network can provide your company.  For example, you know it can:

– Increase productivity by allowing employees to access the people and information they need faster

– Reduce communication costs

– Improve employee job satisfaction, which increases their efficiency

– Assist in reducing travel costs

Perhaps knowing this, you still haven’t been able to convince the executives running your organization that an internal social media platform is anything more than a distraction.  Here are some tips and tactics you can try which may help you persuade your executive leadership that internal social media networks are valuable business tools that facilitate collaboration.

1. Conduct an informal test.  Calculate the current amount of time you spend attempting to locate certain information or people that will provide you with the answers you need to keep your current work projects going.  Show how much time and inefficiency some processes involve, and then demonstrate how an enterprise social network increases efficiency and reduces organizational costs.
2. Talk about collaboration.  Your executives probably already value the benefits collaboration provides your organization.  If they already value collaboration on that level, talk about how an internal social media network not only speeds up the process, but allows broader levels of participation.  Discuss the fact people are more willing to share their ideas and perceptions through social media, and how executives are more likely to see and hear those ideas.
3. Discuss other intangible benefits.  Your executives probably know that employees who have a say in what’s happening, experience increased personal feelings of ownership, which leads to greater productivity.  If you’ve already talked about the ability of an enterprise social network to enhance collaboration, be sure to discuss this point and other intangible benefits it can bring, such as a stronger team-based mentality.
4. Be careful of “convincing.”  You know it is especially true of organizational leaders that when they believe an idea is their own, it is more likely to happen.  Don’t try to sell internal social media too hard.  Instead, show your leadership concrete ways these tools can help your company function more effectively.  Demonstrate the intangible benefits, and let the executives talk themselves into the idea.

Follow these tips, and you’ll give yourself the best chance of convincing the executive leadership at your organization that this option is right for your company.  If you enjoyed reading this post, you might also like 5 Tips for Leading Off on the Right Foot with Enterprise Social Networks.