Marketers change jobs a lot. So every few months I hear from someone who’s job hunting again. Typically, we get together to grab coffee and chat about their situation. And at some point, they ask, “Hey, are there any recruiters you’d recommend I talk to?”
Now, imagine you’re an executive recruiter sitting nearby and listening in. Wouldn’t you like to pull up a chair and join our conversation? Sure you would. And maybe you’d also wonder how to influence me, so that I recommended you.
Social Listening Isn’t Enough
These days, you don’t need to hang out at coffee shops to listen in. You can just tap into your favorite social media news feed to discover what’s being discussed and shared at any moment. But pretty quickly you’ll get overwhelmed. Why? Because you don’t know which conversations to join, whom to engage, and how to influence them.
Without context, social listening isn’t helpful. To make social media more relevant and actionable, you need to tune-out ambient noise. In other words, you need to move from social listening to social insights.
Case In Point: How Do Recruiters Engage on Twitter?
Let’s say you’re an executive recruiter who wants to know what other recruiters are up to on social media. Or maybe you work for a company that sells to recruiters. In either case, you’re looking for social insights about recruiting professionals.
That’s exactly what ERE.net asked my company to do recently. So we developed a report: How Recruiters Engage on Twitter. It summarizes how 557 North American recruiters participated, engaged, and were influenced on Twitter, from June-August 2013. During that time, our sample of recruiters generated 173,903 tweets, 106,343 shared links, and had a total of 1,533,429 followers.
Why look at Twitter activity? Because it’s a good proxy for social media behavior overall, and offers an advantage over other data sources (such as surveys, polls and focus groups), because it reveals what people actually do, versus what they say they do.
For example, here’s a visual representation of the people who are most retweeted by recruiters we analyzed:
This report also provides other useful social insights, including: most popular hashtags, most shared content sources, and the top 25 industry publications shared by these recruiters.
Best Practices of Top Influencers
Exclusively for this post, we dove even deeper into Twitter activity among the five people who influence recruiters most. They are:
@MeghanMBiro — Meghan Biro, Founder & CEO, TalentCulture @blogging4jobs — Jessica Merrell, Editor of Blogging4Jobs @jimstroud — Jim Stroud, Director of Sourcing and Social Strategy, Bernard Hodes Group @YouTernMark — Mark Babbitt, Founder & CEO, YouTern @GlenCathey — Glen Cathey, SVP Talent Strategy and Innovation, Kforce
What did we discover by examining the behavior of this elite group?
• Influencers tweet a LOT. 4 out of 5 of these top influencers tweet 15+ times a day. (Meghan blows them all away, with an average 107 tweets/day!)
• Influencers develop a “brand” of their own. Each top influencer has a style and focus that’s unique. For instance, @JimStroud focuses on social recruiting and job search strategy, while @GlenCathey’s approach is decidedly more tech-and-data driven.
• Influencers don’t lean on retweets. All 5 of the top influencers go light on the RT, keeping them to less than 15% of overall tweet volume. Instead, they share lots of links and often mention other folks.
• Influencers embrace the community. 3 out of 5 of these influencers will most likely follow you back (they follow 70%+ of those who follow them), and 4 out of 5 include an “@” mention in most of their tweets.
• Influencers tweet with a goal in mind. Whether it’s to get the word out about their next event, to sell their services, or to grow their audience, these folks tweet links that drive traffic to their other online channels (websites, other social media sites, etc.) 10%-50% of the time.
While these “best practices” come from observing the Twitter activity of only 5 key influencers, they also provide insights into how you may want to consider approaching Twitter and social media to boost your influence.
Tips To Increase Your Social Influence
How can you move from social listening to social insights (and perhaps have an impact on the right people)? Here are 5 tips:
• Listen to your target audience. Who cares what anyone and everyone is saying? Instead, listen to what’s on the minds of customers, prospects, and key influencers. • Be where the right conversations are happening. So many social networks, so little time! Invest your efforts in the social platforms where your target audience is active. • Talk about relevant topics. What issues, news, and events have captured the attention of the folks you’re looking to engage? Shouldn’t you be talking about that, too? • Discover who’s doing the influencing. Which publications and people do your buyers read, share and interact with? Pay attention to who is popular and influential, and how they engage. • Work the aisles. Just being present in social media is not enough. You must cultivate relationships with a community that you develop over time. Eventually, you’ll be in a position to influence those who matter most to you.
Now, imagine we’re back in that coffee shop, where you’re listening to my conversation with my marketing colleague. Let’s say you decide to introduce yourself. Wouldn’t it be great if I said, “Thanks for coming over, I actually follow you on Twitter! I love your comments and the content you share.”? That means you’ve done a great job of influencing me, before our conversation even begins!
Now It’s Your Turn
How are you generating social insights today? What strategies have you found successful in becoming more influential on social media? Share your thoughts in the comments area.
(About the Author: Carter Hostelley is the Founder and CEO of Leadtail, a B2B social media and insights agency. He and his team have developed and implemented social media programs for leading business brands and technology startups including WageWorks, Alcatel-Lucent, Symantec, Adaptive Planning, NetBase, and PunchTab. They also publish periodic social insights reports on senior marketers, HR professionals, and recruiters. These reports have been covered by publications such as: Forbes, Business Insider, Huffington Post, ERE, MarketingProfs, AllTwitter, and Social Times. Carter also has over 15 years experience working with venture-backed technology startups in numerous executive roles, and is a contributing author at CMSWire. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter or via email.)
(Editor’s Note: To discuss World of Work topics like this with others in the TalentCulture community, join our online #TChat Events every Wednesday, from 6:30-8pm ET. Everyone is welcome for events, or to join our ongoing Twitter conversation anytime. Learn more…)
https://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Leadtail-Chart-Social-Influence-21.jpg349699TalentCulture Team + Guestshttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngTalentCulture Team + Guests2013-11-20 08:18:152020-05-27 16:32:44What Drives Social Influence? Insights From Recruiting Circles
3 years
100+ radio shows and hangout video interviews
150+ high-intensity Twitter chats
550+ blog posts
1 simple goal
Those of us who plan and produce #TChat social learning forums hope that TalentCulture community events educate, energize and enrich everyone who participates. We’re grateful for your involvement — which educates, energizes and enriches us all, in return.
This metaphor for the social workplace isn’t just a random fluke of Twitter nature. It’s an intentional human exchange that continuously flows and shifts in ways that are now bigger than the sum of its parts. Still, each of us is an essential element — with a unique voice that adds depth and texture to the fabric of our talent-minded “tribe.”
#TChat Turns Three: Learning Through Community
So, during this 3rd Anniversary #TChat week, let your voice be heard. Let’s gather on social channels to celebrate the individual, mutual and collective growth that every community of purpose strives to achieve.
Our guest this week is Ambrosia Humphrey, VP of Talent at HootSuite! Team Hootsuite will be celebrating along with us as well. Social engagement in action.
As a special treat for this week’s “sneak peek” video, we asked our own Community Manager, Tim McDonald, to compare notes with Kevin W. Grossman about the meaning and value of #TChat. The resulting video is a delightful journey into the minds and hearts of two men who are walking examples of community spirit! Watch the hangout now:
Share Your #TChat Story! The Conversation Starts Here
Tim and Kevin aren’t the only ones who are talking about TalentCulture’s role in their professional and personal lives. We’re gathering a collection of quotes and videos from all over the community landscape, and sharing that feedback on #TChat Twitter and other social channels this week.
We’re also launching a special “Buzz!” page right here at TalentCulture.com, to highlight community comments now and in the future. We invite you to share your thoughts — in whatever form you wish.
So, please join this week’s conversation about the power of social learning communities, and tell us what this particular community means to you. The #TChat channel is always “on” and everyone is welcome to participate in whatever way is most beneficial for you. Don’t be shy!
#TChat Events: Online Communities And Professional Growth
Immediately following the radio show, we’ll move this discussion to the #TChat Twitter stream, for an open chat with the entire TalentCulture community. Everyone with a Twitter account is invited to participate, as we address these questions:
Q1: What are the key ingredients for online learning communities? Why? Q2: Why do you participate in Twitter chats like #TChat? Q3: How can organizations capture learning community magic internally? Q4: What’s the future of Twitter chats in building communities? Q5: What topics would you like #TChat to explore in 2014?
Throughout the week, we’ll keep the discussion going on the #TChat Twitter feed and on our LinkedIn Discussion Group. So please join us share your questions, ideas and opinions.
We’ll see you on the stream!
3 years
100+ radio shows and hangout video interviews
150+ high-intensity Twitter chats
550+ blog posts
1 simple goal
Those of us who plan and produce #TChat social learning forums hope that TalentCulture community events educate, energize and enrich everyone who participates. We’re grateful for your involvement — which educates, energizes and enriches us all, in return.
This metaphor for the social workplace isn’t just a random fluke of Twitter nature. It’s an intentional human exchange that continuously flows and shifts in ways that are now bigger than the sum of its parts. Still, each of us is an essential element — with a unique voice that adds depth and texture to the fabric of our talent-minded “tribe.”
#TChat Turns Three: Learning Through Community
So, during this 3rd Anniversary #TChat week, let your voice be heard. Let’s gather on social channels to celebrate the individual, mutual and collective growth that every community of purpose strives to achieve.
Our guest this week is Ambrosia Humphrey, VP of Talent at HootSuite! Team Hootsuite will be celebrating along with us as well. Social engagement in action.
As a special treat for this week’s “sneak peek” video, we asked our own Community Manager, Tim McDonald, to compare notes with Kevin W. Grossman about the meaning and value of #TChat. The resulting video is a delightful journey into the minds and hearts of two men who are walking examples of community spirit! Watch the hangout now:
Share Your #TChat Story! The Conversation Starts Here
Tim and Kevin aren’t the only ones who are talking about TalentCulture’s role in their professional and personal lives. We’re gathering a collection of quotes and videos from all over the community landscape, and sharing that feedback on #TChat Twitter and other social channels this week.
We’re also launching a special “Buzz!” page right here at TalentCulture.com, to highlight community comments now and in the future. We invite you to share your thoughts — in whatever form you wish.
So, please join this week’s conversation about the power of social learning communities, and tell us what this particular community means to you. The #TChat channel is always “on” and everyone is welcome to participate in whatever way is most beneficial for you. Don’t be shy!
#TChat Events: Online Communities And Professional Growth
Immediately following the radio show, we’ll move this discussion to the #TChat Twitter stream, for an open chat with the entire TalentCulture community. Everyone with a Twitter account is invited to participate, as we address these questions:
Q1: What are the key ingredients for online learning communities? Why? Q2: Why do you participate in Twitter chats like #TChat? Q3: How can organizations capture learning community magic internally? Q4: What’s the future of Twitter chats in building communities? Q5: What topics would you like #TChat to explore in 2014?
Throughout the week, we’ll keep the discussion going on the #TChat Twitter feed and on our LinkedIn Discussion Group. So please join us share your questions, ideas and opinions.
We’ll see you on the stream!
https://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Kevin-Grossman-Tim-McDonald-TChat-2.jpg352700Meghan M. Birohttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngMeghan M. Biro2013-11-17 18:56:182020-05-27 16:31:50We're Turning Three! Let's Celebrate Community #TChat Preview
Nearly four years ago, we launched TalentCulture on a simple premise — that talent-minded professionals can transform the “world of work” through purposeful social connections. Our vibrant community continues to grow and evolve, fueled by three core values:
In this spirit we welcome Virgin Pulse to the TalentCulture circle — where we’ll work hand-in-hand to help develop better business organizations from the inside out.
Virgin Pulse — Not Your Father’s Wellness Program
Learn more about Virgin Pulse
Part of Sir Richard Branson’s famed Virgin Group, Virgin Pulse (formerly Virgin HealthMiles) is the leading workplace health engagement platform. Every day, its “Total Quality of Life” approach empowers more than 1,000,000 participants to improve their health in ways that are meaningful, fun and sustainable. This elevates employee performance and retention, while simultaneously building stronger, more resilient organizations.
The Virgin Pulse philosophy fits naturally with TalentCulture’s emphasis on “seeing employees in 3D.” Together, we aim to advance the concept of “bringing your whole self to work.”
Everybody Plays — Everybody Wins!
What does this alliance mean for you? In the months ahead, look for TalentCulture and Virgin Pulse to:
• Examine core engagement issues facing today’s business and HR leaders;
• Investigate the connection between healthy employees and business performance;
• Exchange benchmarks and insights from our respective communities;
• Share thought leadership that is shaping engagement standards and practices.
Today’s organizational challenges are highly complex. There are no easy answers, but diverse ideas can lead to innovative solutions. That’s why we welcome everyone to the TalentCulture table — including HR technology and services vendors. We believe that this inclusive environment encourages effective problem solving, and accelerates everyone’s path to progress.
Our relationship with Virgin Pulse promises to add an exciting new level of depth and energy to the TalentCulture conversation. We invite you to join us each day on our combined social channels, as we explore workplace issues that affect us all.
(Editor’s Note: Save the date for a very special #TChat double-header (BlogTalk Radio interview and Twitter chat) with Virgin Pulse CEO, Chris Boyce on Wednesday, October 23!)
https://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/2913346926_c002550eed_o.jpg351700TalentCulture Team + Guestshttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngTalentCulture Team + Guests2013-10-07 16:30:062020-05-25 18:02:13Virgin Pulse + TalentCulture Team Up To Champion Workforce Engagement
9/11/2001. Who can forget that morning, 12 years ago, when the unimaginable unfolded before our eyes? Before that fateful day, few of us gave much thought to the impact of violence and disaster preparedness in the world of work.
So this week as our nation remembers 9/11, the TalentCulture community is coming together at #TChat events to dispel costly myths and discuss vital realities about workplace violence and disaster preparation and prevention.
To kick-off the discussion, I spoke briefly with both Tom and Felix in separate Hangouts recently. Watch, and I’m sure you’ll agree that this topic deserves closer attention by all of us who focus on the human side of business.
First, Tom set the stage by telling the brief story of one company that paid a tremendous price for operating without a safety or recovery plan:
Next, Felix explained the steep cost of violence in business environments:
We have everything to gain by learning more from pros like Tom and Felix — and by sharing ideas with others in our community. So bring your questions and concerns, and let’s talk!
#TChat Events: Violence Prevention In Today’s Workplace
Our hosts, Meghan M. Biro and Kevin W. Grossman talk with Felix Nater and Tom Bronack about why preparation is essential in preventing and recovering from workplace violence. They’ll help us rethink myths, and educate us on best practices. Don’t miss this special event — dial-in LIVE with your questions and input!
Immediately following the radio show, we’ll move the discussion to the #TChat Twitter stream, where Dr. Nancy Rubin will lead an open chat with the entire TalentCulture community. Anyone with a Twitter account is invited to participate, as we address these questions:
Q1: How prevalent is workplace violence today? Why? Q2: What costs are associated with workplace violence? Q3: What top 3 things should employers should do to prepare for violence? Q4: Who should be on your workplace violence preparedness team? Q5: What technologies enable response planning and safeguarding?
Throughout the week, we’ll keep the discussion going on the #TChat Twitter feed and on our LinkedIn Discussion Group. So please join us share your questions, ideas and opinions.
“What motivates dozens, thousands, even millions of people to come together on the Internet and commit their time to a project for free?”
That’s a good question! It was posed by a brilliant professor (Clay Shirky) in a fascinating “TED Radio Hour” program on NPR called, “Why We Collaborate.”
I suppose occasionally all of us who participate in TalentCulture #TChat events ask ourselves that same question. But this week, we didn’t need experts to tell us why.
1) To gather input for a new “Resources” section on this site;
2) To capture feedback that will help us map topics for future #TChat Events.
In other words, in the spirit of Dorie Clark’s recent “Reinventing You” 360 brand review advice, it was an ideal time for a reality check from our trusted community members. So, rather than inviting a special guest to share expertise, we tapped into our crowdsourcing roots, asking for your thoughts. And, of course, you blew our minds with thousands of comments and recommendations! (See highlights in the Storify slideshow below.)
But Wait, There’s More
Now we have a rich “starter” collection of reference ideas and guidance for #TChat planning. And unexpectedly, we’ve learned something else — how much our participants value the community relationships they’ve developed, over time. I think Steve Levy and Dave Ryan said it best:
A5 its not the topics, its the people; think of #tchat as an online skunkworks operation
If the medium is the message, then at #TChat, the connections are the content! Thanks to each of you for generously participating, so that together, we are better, indeed.
#TChat Twitter: A diverse crowd of participants hopped on the Twitter stream, as social learning expert, Dr. Nancy Rubin led us through questions designed to capture “best of…” ideas, from books and blogs, to helpful tools and thought leaders who are active on social media. For a taste of the action, watch the slideshow below:
#TChat Twitter Highlights: “Where Do You Find Ideas And Insight — And Why?”
NOTE TO BLOGGERS: Did this week’s events prompt you to write about your experience as a community member or your favorite “go to” resources? We’d love to share your thoughts. Post a link on Twitter (include #TChat or @TalentCulture), or insert a comment below, and we’ll pass it along.
WHAT’S AHEAD: Next week at #TChat events, we’ll continue our crowdsourcing discussion with special guest Nick Kellet of Listly fame. Check for details in a preview post this weekend.
In the meantime, the World of Work conversation continues each day. So join us on the #TChat Twitter stream, or on our new LinkedIn discussion group. And feel free to explore other areas of our redesigned website. The gears are always turning at TalentCulture, and your ideas and opinions are always welcome.
https://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wheat-8244_1920.jpg350700Kathleen Krusehttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngKathleen Kruse2013-07-26 06:51:392020-05-25 17:40:47Lessons From a Free-Range Learning Community #TChat Recap
One of the most powerful benefits of professional communities like TalentCulture is the ability to tap into individual minds in real time, for the benefit of all. That’s a primary reason why I’m drawn to community management. It’s exhilarating and very rewarding to be part of a collaborative learning process. And this week at our #TChat Twitter forum, we’re taking that concept in a special direction.
Instead of asking guest experts to discuss their insights with us on #TChat Radio and Twitter, we’re asking YOU to share YOUR wisdom. Specifically, we want to know what sources of professional information and ideas are most beneficial to you…and why. (See our 6 key questions below.)
The guest moderator this week is our very own LinkedIn Group Manager, Dr. Nancy Rubin, Director of Online Learning/Social Media Technologies at Columbia University School of Continuing Education.
Let me kick-off the conversation with an example from my life. Earlier this year, I read a book that deeply resonated with me, as someone who’s life revolves around connections. The book is “Your Network Is Your Net Worth,” by Porter Gale. To understand more about why I recommend it, read a post from my blog, or watch my #TChat “sneak peek” video below…
Your Opinions Matter!
Every answer you share with us will help kick-start a new “Resources” section for TalentCulture.com. And, of course, your feedback about #TChat topics will help us shape the community throughout the coming year.
So don’t be shy — we welcome your ideas this week, and every week!
#TChat Twitter: What Informs And Inspires You — And Why?
A Very Special Conversation: Wed, July 24 at 7pmET / 4pmPT
Join us on the #TChat stream, as we gather your ideas and recommendations, based on these 6 questions:
Q1: What 1-2 “must read” books would you recommend to a business peer? Why? Q2: What 1-2 blogs are most indispensable to you, professionally? Why? Q3: What 1-2 socially active thought leaders are most influential in your life? Why? Q4: What are your 1-2 “go-to” tools for managing social connections or information? Why? Q5: What prior #TChat topics have helped you most? Why? BONUS: What topics would you like #TChat to explore in the future?
Throughout the week, we’ll keep the discussion going on the #TChat Twitter feed and on our new LinkedIn Discussion Group. So please join us share your recommendations — before, during and after the Wednesday event.
We’ll see you on the stream!
(Also This Week: Catch TalentCulture CEO, Meghan Biro at a special “Recruiting Insights” webinar with Achievers on Thursday July 25. Learn more…)
https://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/TimM_WhatInspiresYou-TChat.jpg387637Tim McDonaldhttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngTim McDonald2013-07-21 15:05:212020-05-25 17:40:02Where Do You Find Ideas and Insight? #TChat Preview
In college, one of my teachers regularly told me that the room with the coffee maker is the most important place in an office, because it’s where people learn the most. At the time, I thought that this guy was perhaps a lazy coffee addict who was definitely in the wrong job.
However, 10 years later, I realize that he was right. The space near the coffee machine was where people gathered to briefly put work pressures aside and open up in an informal way — sharing what was on their minds, getting advice from peers and even generating new ideas.
The New Coffee Room
Today, there’s a whole new world of coffee rooms out there — it’s called social media. Whenever people tweet, retweet, read, share or like, they are contributing to something bigger — the social learning community. One of the most important platforms for social learning is Twitter, where many business people “gather” to share information and ideas on an ongoing basis. These behaviors are studied by companies like Leadtail, a social analytics platform vendor, which published a detailed Social Insights Report last week, focused on the Twitter activities of HR professionals.
That report deserves attention because the HR community is vital in transforming workplace culture, defining social business policy, and driving workforce development. In short — talent-minded executives, recruiters and training professionals are shaping the future of social learning.
What Is Social Learning?
For those who aren’t familiar with it, think of social learning as a process where people rely on digital tools to connect with one another, and exchange information with a specific purpose in mind — typically to expand their knowledge, to develop their competence, or to collaborate in resolving a common challenge. In contrast to formal classroom training, where an instructor “lectures” to a group, social learning is characterized by a two-way communication flow. Thanks to advances in mobile, web and collaborative technology, most of us can engage in social learning whenever and wherever we want. And Twitter is one of the most powerful engines of social learning — with information flowing on the stream 24x7x365.
Who Helps Recruiters Learn?
At the request of ERE.net, Leadtail also drilled down within the HR realm to focus on Twitter behavior among recruiters — looking at engagement, reach and sources of influence from March-June 2013. During that time, recruiters shared 55,576 tweets with a total of 835,336 followers. And, as the graphic below reveals, Meghan M Biro, founder and CEO of TalentCulture, is the HR personality that recruiters most often retweeted.
When you recognize that Meghan has attracted almost 56,000 Twitter followers to-date, the reach and importance of her Twitter presence becomes clear. A single tweet immediately can touch 56,000 people. But her impact doesn’t stop there. As the “most retweeted” recruiter resource, her Twitter “multiplier effect” is astonishing. For example, even if only 10% of her followers see and read a tweet, and only 4 followers retweet that item to their followers … and so on … and so on … you get where this is going. Even one tweet has the potential to get attention from thousands of people, over time. (Example below.)
The ERE.net Leadtail report features several other key metrics — top 25 media content sources, leading brands that attract recruiter attention, and recruiters’ favorite hashtags. Among those hashtags is #TChat – a moniker that many people associate with Meghan M Biro. Anyone can use the #TChat shorthand to “tag” information of interest to talent-minded professionals. It’s also the tag used to drive the TalentCulture community’s weekly interactive Twitter chat events. Bottom line: It’s hard to move around the Twittersphere and not bump into Meghan or TalentCulture in some form!
Social Learning Hot Spot
As these examples show, Twitter is becoming a magnet for social learning — by facilitating informal knowledge exchange, topic-driven chat events, or even backchannel for industry conferences (as recruiters discovered recently when rallying around the #SHRM2013 hashtag). The attraction is easy to understand. It’s a simple, low-cost, immediate way to engage with people — and it’s a natural extension of social recruiting best practices.
Many recruiters are now at the forefront of social learning on Twitter. And as a recent Huffington Post article suggests, people like Meghan M. Biro are leveraging Twitter to engage the HR community in a way that not only positions her as an expert, but also boosts the credibility and visibility other HR professionals, as well.
What’s Your Social Learning Hot Spot?
Are you a recruiter or HR professional? How are you using Twitter or other social tools to expand your expertise? What challenges and opportunities have you experienced? Let me know in the comments below, or share your perspective on the BetterWeekdays website!
(Editor’s Note: Mona Berberich is a Digital Marketing Manager at Better Weekdays, a Chicago-based company that has developed a platform to help HR leaders source, screen and develop talent based on job compatibility. She is a researcher and writer covering HR, career growth, talent management and leadership development. Contact Mona on Google+ or LinkedIn or Twitter.)
https://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1340436_74260312.jpg348700TalentCulture Team + Guestshttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngTalentCulture Team + Guests2013-07-02 17:42:022020-05-25 17:34:30Recruiters On Twitter: Rise of “Coffee Talk” Learning
In college, one of my teachers regularly told me that the room with the coffee maker is the most important place in an office, because it’s where people learn the most. At the time, I thought that this guy was perhaps a lazy coffee addict who was definitely in the wrong job.
However, 10 years later, I realize that he was right. The space near the coffee machine was where people gathered to briefly put work pressures aside and open up in an informal way — sharing what was on their minds, getting advice from peers and even generating new ideas.
The New Coffee Room
Today, there’s a whole new world of coffee rooms out there — it’s called social media. Whenever people tweet, retweet, read, share or like, they are contributing to something bigger — the social learning community. One of the most important platforms for social learning is Twitter, where many business people “gather” to share information and ideas on an ongoing basis. These behaviors are studied by companies like Leadtail, a social analytics platform vendor, which published a detailed Social Insights Report last week, focused on the Twitter activities of HR professionals.
That report deserves attention because the HR community is vital in transforming workplace culture, defining social business policy, and driving workforce development. In short — talent-minded executives, recruiters and training professionals are shaping the future of social learning.
What Is Social Learning?
For those who aren’t familiar with it, think of social learning as a process where people rely on digital tools to connect with one another, and exchange information with a specific purpose in mind — typically to expand their knowledge, to develop their competence, or to collaborate in resolving a common challenge. In contrast to formal classroom training, where an instructor “lectures” to a group, social learning is characterized by a two-way communication flow. Thanks to advances in mobile, web and collaborative technology, most of us can engage in social learning whenever and wherever we want. And Twitter is one of the most powerful engines of social learning — with information flowing on the stream 24x7x365.
Who Helps Recruiters Learn?
At the request of ERE.net, Leadtail also drilled down within the HR realm to focus on Twitter behavior among recruiters — looking at engagement, reach and sources of influence from March-June 2013. During that time, recruiters shared 55,576 tweets with a total of 835,336 followers. And, as the graphic below reveals, Meghan M Biro, founder and CEO of TalentCulture, is the HR personality that recruiters most often retweeted.
When you recognize that Meghan has attracted almost 56,000 Twitter followers to-date, the reach and importance of her Twitter presence becomes clear. A single tweet immediately can touch 56,000 people. But her impact doesn’t stop there. As the “most retweeted” recruiter resource, her Twitter “multiplier effect” is astonishing. For example, even if only 10% of her followers see and read a tweet, and only 4 followers retweet that item to their followers … and so on … and so on … you get where this is going. Even one tweet has the potential to get attention from thousands of people, over time. (Example below.)
The ERE.net Leadtail report features several other key metrics — top 25 media content sources, leading brands that attract recruiter attention, and recruiters’ favorite hashtags. Among those hashtags is #TChat – a moniker that many people associate with Meghan M Biro. Anyone can use the #TChat shorthand to “tag” information of interest to talent-minded professionals. It’s also the tag used to drive the TalentCulture community’s weekly interactive Twitter chat events. Bottom line: It’s hard to move around the Twittersphere and not bump into Meghan or TalentCulture in some form!
Social Learning Hot Spot
As these examples show, Twitter is becoming a magnet for social learning — by facilitating informal knowledge exchange, topic-driven chat events, or even backchannel for industry conferences (as recruiters discovered recently when rallying around the #SHRM2013 hashtag). The attraction is easy to understand. It’s a simple, low-cost, immediate way to engage with people — and it’s a natural extension of social recruiting best practices.
Many recruiters are now at the forefront of social learning on Twitter. And as a recent Huffington Post article suggests, people like Meghan M. Biro are leveraging Twitter to engage the HR community in a way that not only positions her as an expert, but also boosts the credibility and visibility other HR professionals, as well.
What’s Your Social Learning Hot Spot?
Are you a recruiter or HR professional? How are you using Twitter or other social tools to expand your expertise? What challenges and opportunities have you experienced? Let me know in the comments below, or share your perspective on the BetterWeekdays website!
(Editor’s Note: Mona Berberich is a Digital Marketing Manager at Better Weekdays, a Chicago-based company that has developed a platform to help HR leaders source, screen and develop talent based on job compatibility. She is a researcher and writer covering HR, career growth, talent management and leadership development. Contact Mona on Google+ or LinkedIn or Twitter.)
https://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1340436_74260312.jpg348700Meghan M. Birohttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngMeghan M. Biro2013-07-02 17:42:022020-05-25 17:34:49Recruiters On Twitter: Rise of "Coffee Talk" Learning
(Editor’s Note: Please welcome one of Team TalentCulture’s new editorial interns, Ana Mijailovic. She’s an accomplished university student with mad writing skills, and we’re thrilled to add her perspective on the “world of work.”)
After a week focused on recognition in the workplace — what have I learned? It’s clear that today’s workforce is increasingly disengaged, and lack of recognition is a primary culprit.
So, how can we turn that around? On one hand, a simple “thank you” is free and easy to share, anytime or in any situation. On the other hand, it’s not so free or easy for organizations to practice recognition consistently and effectively.
Case In Point
My first job was at a hospital as an office assistant. At first, I loved working there. I was excited to start making my own money, to cash my own paychecks. The tasks were fairly simple — filing patient charts, filling out medical billing sheets, making copies, everything you would expect from an administrative assistant. The repetition was actually relaxing at first, and my boss constantly acknowledged my speed and work ethic. However, after after several years, my productivity slipped. I met expectations, but without the original energy and speed.
A Problem of Motivation
What’s my point? Even when recognition “looks right” on the outside, it doesn’t necessarily empower employees. Although I loved my boss, my work environment and my colleagues, I was bored. Why? To quote the movie “Office Space,” it was “a problem of motivation.”
Motivation is largely intrinsic. In that situation, no salary increase or external encouragement could motivate me further. What I needed was a challenge. I had mastered the required skills. I had proved my competence. I was ready to reach for the next level, but that option wasn’t made available.
This isn’t uncommon. Managers are often so focused on immediate goals, they forget that many employees want to grow and develop. Offering them a new challenge is a form of empowerment. It demonstrates trust. It demonstrates good faith in the future. It demonstrates commitment to employee success. For those of us who value growth, it’s a promise that helps us keep striving to reach our full potential.
Key Takeaway: Be Mindful and Meaningful
The larger lesson is this: Every individual is motivated by something. For recognition that really matters, managers should consider what each employee values most, and tailor recognition accordingly.
But don’t just take my word for it. Check the ideas below from this week’s guests and #TChat events. There’s inspiration and advice for employers and employees, alike!
#TChat Radio:Stan and Max joined our hosts, Meghan M. Biro and Kevin W. Grossman for a 30-minute deep dive into issues and opportunities surrounding recognition and organizational culture, while #TChat-ters chimed in on the Twitter backchannel.
WED 5/22
Related Post: Career management blogger, Ritika Trikha, offered different point-of-view, with advice for employees who aren’t getting the recognition they deserve, in “Where’s the Love? Recognition DIY.”
#TChat Twitter: The highlight of every week! With Stan and Max leading the way, hundreds of community members gathered around the #TChat feed for an open, thoughtful exchange about workplace recognition. The conversation was so popular that we trended on Twitter again. (It’s becoming a habit!) Were you along for the ride? If not (or if you want a refresh), see highlights in the slideshow below:
#TChat Twitter Highlights Slideshow: “The Business Wisdom of Recognition”
NOTE TO BLOGGERS: Did this week’s events prompt you to write about workforce recognition? We’re happy to share your thoughts. Just post a link on Twitter (include #TChat or @TalentCulture), or insert a comment below, and we’ll pass it along.
WHAT’S AHEAD: Next week — if you are fascinated by social business practices (who among us isn’t?), you won’t want to miss this! We’re exploring enterprise community management, with special guests, Maria Ogneva, Director of Product Marketing at Salesforce Chatter Communities, and Jeff Willinger, Director of Collaboration, Social Computing and Intranets at Rightpoint.
Until then, as always, the World of Work conversation continues each day. So join us on the #TChat Twitter stream, or on our new LinkedIn discussion group. And feel free to explore other areas of our redesigned website. The lights are always on at TalentCulture, and your ideas and opinions are always welcome.
Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend…and we’ll see you on the stream!
(Author Profile: Ana Mijailovic is a student at Boston University studying Economics and Business Administration. Her experiences in the classroom and in the workplace have taught her the importance of teamwork, collaboration and leadership in organizations. She is one of four bright, community-savvy interns who are contributing to the TalentCulture mission this summer.)
https://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/1339521_38971392.jpg351700TalentCulture Team + Guestshttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngTalentCulture Team + Guests2013-05-23 14:38:092020-05-25 17:18:48Recognition: Meaning and Motivation #TChat Recap
(Editor’s Note: We’re thrilled that Angela Maiers was our guest this week at #TChat forums. She’s a passionate, highly visible education advocate who helps create life-changing learning experiences for today’s youth. We invited her to share some thoughts about her mission — creating better ways to prepare students for success in tomorrow’s world of work. To see an inspiring video interview with Angela, see “The Business Case for Mentoring #TChat Preview.” OR for a full recap of the week, see “1 Million+ Ways to Bridge the Skills Gap.”)
“If the rate of change on the outside exceeds the rate of change on the inside, the end is near.” –Jack Welch, former CEO, General Electric
The world is changing at an ever-accelerating rate. This has been the case at least since the invention of the personal computer in the 1980s, and became ever more so with the introduction of the commercial Internet in 1993.
In light of this drastic change in the workforce, how much has the US education system changed? Let me assure you of this: if you are under the age of 65 and if you returned to high school today, you’d feel right at home. Does that surprise you?
Educational Standards: A Reality Check
The “world and workforce” standards to which every school in our nation subscribes are not standards that the business community sets. They are standards “our community” — educators — are comfortable with. We can handle critical thinking, good communication skills, impeccable grammar and computation.
But schools do not encourage students to become bold thinkers, dreamers and doers.
Sure, schools have computer labs and some of them even have a computing device for every student. But instruction has changed very little. Indeed, with the never-ending growth of standardized assessment tests, US schools have become narrowly focused on teaching students how to fill-in the proper bubble on a multiple-choice, standardized exam.
Did you see any transferable work or life skills in the above paragraph?
Opportunity Cost: Priceless
Jack Welch may have it exactly right. While some pundits are forecasting a “revolution” in public education, most observers see these words as totally incongruous. Sure, public schools will continue to exist — at least (as educational consultant Peter Pappas writes) until parents find somewhere else to send their kids all day. But school is quickly becoming largely irrelevant to a student’s learning experience.
Every second that a child is “being educated” without insight, experience and real-life support from accomplished adults is a wasted opportunity to maximize their education — and their potential contribution to the world.
Choose2Matter recently launched the Quest2Matter, which challenges every student in three essential ways:
To accept that they matter
To accelerate the message that everyone matters, and
To act on a problem that breaks their heart.
Students have boundless energy and enthusiasm for taking action. What they lack is real-world savvy and the ability to find authoritative and comprehensive information on how to tackle a problem.
Where do they find this insight? Enter the TalentCulture World of Work Community.
These future world-changers can and will do incredible things. Members of the TalentCulture community can greatly enhance the students’ contribution by serving as mentors to these amazing young people.
As they work on selecting, curating, and moving forward the top world-changing ideas, TalentCulture members will be guiding them every step of the way.
Merely by knowing that accomplished professionalstake their ideas seriously will profoundly impact the seriousness with which students approach their contributions. For mentors from TalentCulture, this is an unparalleled opportunity to provide real-time, real-life leadership to budding leaders of the world. This will help redefine what the TalentCulture community stands for, and will establish a paradigm of professional and student mentorship for the entire world to follow.
As one talent-minded professional to another, I hope you’ll consider offering your expertise and enthusiasm to help shape the future of tomorrow’s leaders. Looking forward to discussing the Choose2Matter mission in more depth in #TChat forums this week — and I’m excited to collaborate with the TalentCulture community, going forward!
Here at TalentCulture, we exist to elevate the human side of business — and we believe that community is the best way to reach that goal. In short, the more hearts and minds we involve in this conversation, the more likely we are to influence the future of work.
We’re passionate advocates who exchange ideas, knowledge and resources — all in the interest of cultivating more productive, rewarding workplace cultures.
And now, in the spirit of that philosophy, we’re thrilled to announce our first “world of work” partnership — with Achievers.
Get to Know Achievers
Visit Achievers Employee Success blog
Achievers creates Employee Success software that helps companies around the world recognize and reward positive workforce behaviors on a daily basis. This translates into higher employee engagement and better business results.
There is strong synergy between our organizations. Like Achievers, TalentCulture.com and #TChat forums are all about continuous learning and inclusive engagement that add value in today’s globally connected, social workplace. And that starts with all of our smart, loyal #TChat-ters!
Looking Ahead
What does this partnership mean to you? Look for TalentCulture and Achievers to:
Evangelize on behalf of each other’s engagement mission;
Share ongoing thought leadership and expertise with our respective communities.
This promises to add a whole new level of depth and vibrancy to the conversation, going forward. We hope you’ll join us each day, across our combined social channels, as we explore and discuss business and workplace topics that affect us all.
(Editor’s Note: Meet Achievers tonight (Wednesday, May 1) at the weekly #TChat Twitter forum, where Achievers Social Media Community Manager, Katie Paterson, moderates! Read details in tonight’s Preview: “Live from the edge of HR Innovation.”)
Thanks to the wonder of technology, network access continues to grow at an astounding pace around the world. According to Internet World Stats, 34% of the world’s 7 billion people are already online. And not surprisingly, North America leads the way, with 79% usage.
Making Connections Count
But there’s a more important challenge, here. It’s not just about counting connections. It’s about making those connections count. That led TalentCulture to ask a more specific question:
How can we leverage “always on” workplace connectivity to alsodo good works?
In response, some of the smartest and most passionate “world of work” advocates I know gathered on #TChat Twitter to talk about how social business initiatives can make a difference for those in need — locally and globally.
It reminded me of another event that happened last fall, where some of the planet’s smartest and most passionate philanthropy advocates gathered in New York City at the Mashable Social Good Summit. That’s where Meetup CEO Scott Heiferman, offered his quote about the power of connections in creating the future.
Two Think Tanks — One Vision
These two venues may be different — the participants may be different — and their overall reach and influence may be different. But the ideas and energy that were flowing last night on the #TChat stream were just as compelling as the vibe at the Mashable event.
To see what I mean, check this week’s archives, and get inspired to connect!
#TChat Week-in-Review
Two experts led us through this week’s conversation:
Jure Klepic, a digital marketing strategist and commentator focused on in social media innovation in consumer business environments;
#TChat Radio Our hosts Kevin and Meghan talked with Jure and Marion about how social media can do a better job of connecting the “world of work” with the world’s charitable organizations.
WED 4/24
#TChat Twitter Hundreds of talent-minded people joined our open, online Twitter forum to exchange ideas in real-time. Watch highlights from the hour in the Storify slideshow below:
#TChat Twitter Highlights Slideshow: “Social Business and Social Good”
SPECIAL THANKS: Again, thanks to Marion Mariathasan and Jure Klepic for contributing to this week’s conversation. You brought depth and perspective that challenged our community to think more creatively about how we can weave “social good” objectives and behaviors into daily worklife.
NOTE TO BLOGGERS: Did this week’s events prompt you to write about “Social Business and Social Good” or related issues? We’re happy to share your thoughts. Just post a link on Twitter (include #TChat or @TalentCulture), or insert a comment below, and we’ll pass it along.
WHAT’S AHEAD: Next week, we’ll be looking into HR technology’s role in creating tomorrow’s workforce, as Meghan and Kevin go on the road at the HRO Today Forum. Stay tuned for “sneak peek” videos and a preview post on Monday!
Until then, as always, the World of Work conversation continues each day. So join us on the #TChat Twitter stream, or on our new LinkedIn discussion group. And feel free to explore other areas of our redesigned blog/community website. The lights are always on at TalentCulture, and your ideas and opinions are always welcome.
https://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/help-button-66608_1280_Pixabay-002.jpg350700Kathleen Krusehttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngKathleen Kruse2013-04-26 07:15:542020-05-25 16:49:47Good Works in the Workplace #TChat Recap
I’m so proud to be from Boston. The events of the past week have reminded me just how special this community is.
Last Monday, some despicable, destructive acts suddenly thrust Boston to the front of the global stage. But as each hour has unfolded since, I’ve been heartened to see the power of unity, love and generosity that shines through the people of this great city.
Common Bond
Only moments after Monday’s bomb attacks, we saw people rushing through the chaos to help — ignoring the risk to their own safety. Propelled by their humanity and their commitment to others, individuals from all walks of life stepped outside of their normal boundaries to rise above and beyond all expectations. We saw public servants display genuine leadership. And our city came together as one to preserve and protect what is near and dear to us. The good people won.
Read the Forbes.com post now…
Fortunately, this kind of response isn’t unique to Boston. We’ve all seen our share of cities rally through tragedy, man-made and otherwise. So I recognize that this is part of the human condition — this desire that drives us to persevere and to prevail, together.
A Takeaway for Organizations
Of course, as a community leader of a different type, I naturally think about how events like this should translate into “world of work” lessons. Here are the big questions weighing on my mind:
In everyday circumstances, how can organizations find the unity of purpose they need to gain and sustain strength? And what role should a strong business play in helping others in their community — for the benefit of all?
Social media and global networks can make a huge difference in connecting the workplace with the community at-large. But truly, it starts with leaders who believe that supporting a broader agenda is their organization’s responsibility.
P.S. Are you interested in exploring the intersection of “Social Business and Social Good“? Please join us at TalentCulture community forums this week. We’ll be talking with Marion Mariathasan, the founder and CEO of SoRewarding.com, a company that is dedicated to integrating giving into workplace. Mariathasan is a man with a mission, and an innovative approach to making a difference. I can’t wait to hear all about it — and to hear your thoughts about this important workplace topic!
https://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/601909_11131978.jpg9621920Meghan M. Birohttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngMeghan M. Biro2013-04-22 16:37:432020-05-25 16:44:18Lessons in Community From My Hometown
Question: How many nonprofit organizations are in the U.S.?
a) 200,000
b) 750,000
c) 1,100,000
d) 1,500,000+
If you aimed high, you’re right. According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, our country is home to more than 1.5 million charities, foundations and other nonprofit organizations.
Many are embracing social media as an easy way to extend their reach to socially conscious business organizations and their employees. However, the results are mixed. The 2012 Nonprofit Social Networking Report says many organizations are finding value in using social channels. However, translating those social media relationships into actual donations is a continual challenge.
Social Good: A Little Less Talk, More Action?
Are we spending too much time talking about social good, and not enough time on “doing” good? The TalentCulture community has tackled this topic before with guests from the business side of the corporate responsibility equation. (See Business and the Spirit of Sharing.) But this week we’ve asked other experts to share their unique perspective on this topic:
Jure Klepic, a digital marketing strategist and commentator focused on in social media innovation in consumer business environments;
Jure framed this week’s conversation by talking with me about cultural factors that influence charitable behavior. Watch the Google+ Hangout now:
Next, Marion briefly touched on a key issue that successful giving initiatives must address:
#TChat Events: Putting More “Good” in Social Good
I’m excited to learn more from both of these guests, as they help us explore this topic throughout the coming week.
Tune-in to #TChat Radio live on Tuesday
How about you? What are your thoughts as members of a community focused on the “human” side of business? What kind of benefits do you see for companies and the workforce at-large in connecting more deeply with charitable organizations through digital channels?
Join the TalentCulture conversation, and let’s explore the possibilities:
#TChat Radio — Tuesday, April 23 at 7:30pmET / 4:30pmPT — Jure and Marion talk with hosts Kevin W. Grossman and Meghan M. Biro about how social media can do a better job of connecting the “world of work” with the world’s charitable organizations.
Q1: Social channels facilitate open communication across groups, but what about charitable giving? Q2: How can nonprofits better align with corporate social responsibility initiatives? Q3: How can business leaders and employees boost charitable giving in their organizations? Q4: What ways can companies and employees contribute to nonprofits beside giving money? Q5: What platforms and technologies should companies leverage for charitable giving?
Throughout the week, we’ll keep the discussion going on the #TChat Twitter feed and on our new LinkedIn Discussion Group. So please join us share your questions, ideas and opinions.
https://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ShelahD_httpwww.flickr.comphotosqueeniesplace8493647734sizeszinphotostream_8493647734_2ce7c7b6ca_z-002.jpg305611Tim McDonaldhttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngTim McDonald2013-04-21 15:40:412020-05-25 16:41:49Social Business and Social Good: #TChat Preview
“…and there’s always another point of view, a better way to do the things we do. And how can you know me, and I know you…” –The Raconteurs
But knowing takes time, effort and some commitment to the process.
Maybe we should break bread together more often. The President just had Republicans over for dinner, and then again for lunch, in order to better collaborate and “break the stalemate over taxes, spending and deficit-reduction.” It’s a small step toward hopefully working together and actually solving some very painful problems.
It’s an opportunity to look beyond political differences that have polarized the nation’s leaders. Although by our very evolutionary nature, we polarize. We’re hardwired to sense negativity, so we can counter it quickly and efficiently.
More Cooks = More Creative Solutions
The good news is that our frontal lobes have evolved to better smell the baking of collaborative bread. The kind that gets our creative juices flowing, that puts the “dope” into dopamine and gives us the metaphorical munchies for even more progress and positive reinforcement. To befriend, to create, to learn, to solve, to make better, to work together toward a shared goal.
Reward and motivation. Doesn’t that get your tummy growling? Think about some of your most collaborative moments — more than likely they centered around a tasty snack or a relaxing meal, maybe even if a drink or two if you enjoy the libation. It could’ve been a one-on-one, a small group or a whole diversified gaggle of folk discussing primary topics while saddling up to multiple sidebars.
Connections and Communication: Essential Ingredients
Feasting on face time with one another — there is something to the hubbub of classic office environments. Those of us who work from home exclusively must be more proactive and innovative, to capture what we might otherwise miss during informal synchronous moments at breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack-time in and around the office with colleagues, peers and leadership. After all, we can still have lunch over a video chat, can’t we?
To befriend, to create, to learn, to solve, to make better, to work together toward a shared goal. Mmmm — do you smell that? Hold on, let me check the oven.
00Kevin W. Grossmanhttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngKevin W. Grossman2013-03-08 14:32:532020-05-25 16:24:55Collaboration: Baking and Breaking Better Bread
The more we use social media, the more our personal interactions are crossing over into the workplace. While it makes sense to be authentic in the digital realm, this new level of transparency can touch some major pain points in your corporate culture, and challenge processes that don’t accommodate this new type of open communication.
What does it all mean for organizations as well as individuals? These are the issues we’ll address this week in the TalentCulture community.
To kick-off the conversation, I spoke with Jamie Notter, co-author of the book, Humanize (How People-Centric Organizations Succeed in a Social World). Jamie will be a featured guest on #TChat Radio, Tuesday Feb 19 at 7:30pmET, and he’ll join #TChat Twitter Chat as a moderator on Wednesday Feb 20, at 7pm ET.
Here’s a quick look at how Jamie defines brand humanization – and why he feels it’s important for everyone to understand it better:
Click to watch “Humanize” co-author Jamie Notter in this #TChat sneak peek interview
00Meghan M. Birohttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngMeghan M. Biro2013-02-16 17:17:592020-05-25 16:19:45When Brands & Humans Meet: #TChat Video
Question: What was your favorite job to-date? Now tell me, how did you learn about that job? And how did the hiring manager decide that you were the best candidate?
Did friends, family, former colleagues – any people you know – make a difference in helping you locate and land that satisfying opportunity? I bet you said yes.
Certainly, other factors count. Skill, speed and smarts – even serendipity – can play a role in making a strong career move.
But after a week of #TChat discussions about how to stay ahead of the curve in today’s job environment, I’m reminded that one factor matters most. The key is not how fast or how elegantly you travel along your professional path – it’s how many others you bring along for the ride.
Hint: The Secret Sauce is Social
No matter how rapidly the world of work evolves – desired skills, business environment, job hunting tools – relationships are the common denominator that defines the trajectory of every career. Truth is, connectedness creates powerful career leverage.
How we build and maintain relationships may shift as technologies and customs change. But at the end of the day, relationships matter. They’re the fuel that drives professional momentum. And professional communities like TalentCulture are living proof.
Digital forums may never replace the impact of direct contact. But they create a whole new context for connectedness that the world has never seen. And that can translate into far richer learning, collaboration and professional opportunities for career-minded individuals.
But don’t take my word for it. Look at what experts say…
NOTE: To see specific highlights from yesterday’s “Career Management” #TChat session on Twitter, watch the Storify slideshow at the end of this post.
#TChat Week-in-Review
A special thanks to career management and mentoring expert, Mark Babbitt, Founder and CEO of the popular internship portal and blog, YouTern. His leadership through the week’s #TChat activities kept us all focused, engaged and open to new ways of managing our careers.
Google+ Hangout Video: As a prelude to his appearances later in the week, Mark Babbitt talked with TalentCulture community manager, Tim McDonald, about key challenges in today’s job market.
WED 12/19 #TChat on Twitter: The community returned from the holidays in fine form, ready to share ideas about career management challenges, opportunities and strategies for success. Thanks to everyone who contributed thoughtful input!
Here’s just a taste of the interaction from last night’s #TChat stream… (For full highlights, watch the Storify slideshow at the end of this post.)
Biggest career management challenges?
There’s no such thing as job security any more, but a good network provides security. @AlliPolin
Learning when to stay, leave or pivot in your career / job is a heavy thought for many people. @CyndyTrivella
What job hunting activities matter most?
Get comfortable with the relentless pursuit of community and meaningful connection. Employed or not. Your next dream job starts here. @SocialSalima
Social media isn’t going to get you hired. The relationships you build there, though, just might. @talemetry
Build your community – BEFORE you need it! @susanavello
Whatever the technology – must be used to get face-to-face with hiring manager! @RichardSPearson
Best tech for finding a job is a handshake and positive attitude! The rest just gets us to the handshake. @JanisSpirit
# # #
Closing Notes & Highlights Slideshow
NOTE TO BLOGGERS: Did this #TChat session inspire you to write about career management or other “world of work” issues? We’re happy to share your thoughts. Just post a link on Twitter (include #TChat or @TalentCulture), or insert a comment below, and we’ll pass it along. There are many voices in this community, with many ideas worth sharing. Let’s capture as many of them as possible.
WHAT’S AHEAD: Next week, we shift our focus to Gratitude and Employee Recognition. Be sure to mark your calendar – first for #TChat Radio, Tuesday, Jan 15, at 7:30pm ET. And then for #TChat Twitter Wednesday, Jan 16, at 7pm ET. Look for a full preview on Monday, January 14 via @TalentCulture and #TChat. Til then, keep rockin the World of Work!
Q1: What are the biggest career management challenges for professionals today and why? #TChatMark Babbitt
A1: Politicians, Medical Workers, Tax Attorneys #TChatTom Bolt
A1. Constant iteration – and Maintaining aftermath #tchatCream.hr
A1 If you always do what you always did – you will get the same results. Biggest hurdle for some? Change. #tchatEmilie Mecklenborg
A1: Making the most of the job experiences you have had! #tchatLegal Option Group
A1: Finding a company that not only matches your goals, but one you can trust to stay in business and do the right thing. #TChatchrys peterson
A1 Being visible and developing relationships both in and out of the organization is key and a challenge! #tchatAlli Polin
A1: Realizing that if you need help, you have to ask it. You can’t expect others to read your mind. #tchatRob McGahen
A1. Staying relevant and in demand when things change so rapidly- have to take control of your development #tchatJane Watson
A1 Learning when to compromise but not compromising yourself. #tchatFord Careers
A1 Knowing what career paths are feasible and what steps I need to take to get there. #tchatAshley Lauren Perez
A1: I find a lot of career challenges involve not knowing yourself before leading others in the workplace. #TChatAndrew Henck
A1 – knowing that no job is permanent – always planning for the next while exceeding expectations on current… #tchatRichard S Pearson
A1 Another challenge, taking the time to truly engage with others, colleagues, clients, etc #TChatClaire Crossley
A1. Keeping up with the changing technology. How to stay relevant when there are so many innovations #tchatCream.hr
A1. Biggest challenge is to keep moving forward rather than becoming complacent or stuck. #tchatSabrina Baker
A1 Owning the career path, listen to your heart, not someone’s suggestions #tchatDustin Haverkamp
A1: Identifying short & long term goals – charting a path to get there #TChatAndy Osburn
A1. The biggest career challenge for professionals today is building the skills they’ll need for tomorrow. #TChatTalent Generation
A1: Biggest career challenge – Staying relevant in essential conversations. #TChatJon M
A1) lots of information out there to manage. You need to hire an intern to keep up! #tchatRich Grant
A1: Staying relevant and marketable. #tchatKevin W. Grossman
A1 With staffing reductions, balancing home and work can be a challenge due to extra hrs. @ work. #TchatCyndy Trivella
A1 – The biggest challenge is to stay ahead of change & manage market expectations #TChatLeAnna J. Carey
Q2: What are the top three activities job seekers should focus on this year and why? #TChatMark Babbitt
A2: 1. Think positive 2. Reach out to other ppl you know who are connectors 3. Scan CL and LinkedIn like your life depends on it! #tchatLegal Option Group
A2: Networking, personal meetings, staying true to plan (don’t let gear derail the focus. #TChatTodd Noebel
A2: Share your expertise… Listen to experts… Shut up. <= 3 more things #TChatTom Bolt
A2. FOLLOW YOUR PASSION. Seriously. #tchatCream.hr
A2 Never give up! #jobseeking and rejection can be depressing but don’t stop trying and try new ways. Only takes 1 #job offer. #TChatJanis Stacy
A2: building relationships, focused networking, & following those that have what you seek #tchatSkyWay Leadership
A2: Recognizing your talents and how they apply/transfer to diff jobs/careers, networking & building relationships. #tchatchrys peterson
A2. Community building. Surround yourself with those that find purpose and strength in helping group be successful. #tchatVictorio Milian
A2: Be aggressive with your job search, but don’t forget to take time for yourself. #tchatRob McGahen
A2: Network, Network, Network (BUT)…>>>>>>>Know when to ask!!!! #TChatSusan Avello
A2: Become a connector of people, ideas and intent. #TChatMeghan M. Biro
#tchat a2 building a platform to deliver valuable outcomes to their audience while increasing their reach and impact!Bruno Coelho
A2: Adjust your plan… Execute the plan… Measure results… Rinse and repeat. #TChatTom Bolt
A2. If you have a reactive mindset vs. a proactive mindset the world will pass you by #tchatBridget Webb
A2: Know your value, network with those who can propel your forward and and be adaptable to the market #tchatJen Olney
A2 build a strong online portfolio, participate in local networking groups & educate yourself through books & online resources #TChatHolly Chessman
A2 – technology, self-branding and cultural sensitivity #tchatmatthew papuchis
A2. Follow up, Networking, and Soul Searching. Do what you love #tchatCream.hr
A2: Send an informational interview request to a contact in your desired field/sector atleast once a week #TChatAndrew Henck
A2 – Innovation skills, Social Business, Results – Because business sustainability & growth are monumental to our biz economy #TChatLeAnna J. Carey
A2: Revamping that video resume, networking on all levels and focusing on a career, not just a job! #TChatSpark Hire
A2 Clean cross-platform Social Media presence / Learn languages / No Drugs #TChatEnzo Guardino
A2. A successful job search isn’t about what you do, it’s about who you know. Never stop networking. #TChatTalent Generation
Q3: What are the hot professions today and what are employers looking for in every employee? #TChatMark Babbitt
A3 folks that are on high tech marketing are always in demand – as are those who can write well #TChatHolly Chessman
A3: As they say in NBA, I can tech you basketball. I can’t teach you to be 7 feet. #TchatCLOUDTalent
A3 Hire for potential! #tchatMarla Gottschalk PhD
A3. People who are loyal to their values. #tchatSalima Nathoo
A3 employers are looking for candidates that have tangible evidence that they can be successful at the job. bring out the brag books! #tchatAshley Lauren Perez
A3 I love multi-talented candidates. Can pitch and close, knows HTML in a pinch! #tchatRobert Moore
A3: Problem solvers, for sure! Not just BS’rs. They’re’s plenty of those to go around! #TChatSusan Avello
A3: I want cynical, critical, idealist, hard-working empaths, please. #tchatKevin W. Grossman
A3 Often times, #job seekers R so nervous in the interview, they don’t take time to assess if the company fits their culture needs. #TchatCyndy Trivella
A3 Seems employers want already full time employed problem solvers. #TChatJanis Stacy
A3. Know what you can teach. Offer to build that capability on your team. #tchatJustin Mass
A3: If you can read this, employers want you: 010111010101011010 #TChatTheJobChaser
A3: Employers want innovators and collaborators. #tchatRoger Veliquette
A3) looking for passion, honesty, integrity, & a willingness to learn #TchatPortland John
A3: They seek a proactive person with a positive attitude! Dn’t forget how much value is placed on a persons “fit” within the co. #tchatLegal Option Group
A3 People who can laugh and not take themselves too seriously are always on the “we like that” list with employers. #TchatCyndy Trivella
A3) NACE – National Assoc of Colleges & Employers surveys regularly about this question. Soft skills wins out #tchatRich Grant
A3. Experience, knowledge and successes are important of course but soft skills are just as relevant. #HR #career #tchatBridget Webb
A3 Employers are looking for someone who will engage beyond the status quo, lead outside the box and co-create. #tchatSalima Nathoo
A3. Hot jobs? UI/UX Designers. In demand skills? Adaptability, flexibility, combos of skills (e.g. Creative + tech-savvy) #tchatJane Watson
A3 Creative problem solvers with depth of experience #tchatRobert Moore
A3: Employers want people who can MULTI-TASK; do many jobs. #Tchatchrys peterson
#tchat A3 Online Dreampreneurs will rock 2013! Every Entrepreneur with a worthwhile Dream can make a meaningful impact Online!Bruno Coelho
#tchat A3 employers are looking for: on the plus side: proactive, passionate, focused. On the minus but real: charismatic, attractive.Franny Oxford
Q4: Will the online profile eventually be the demise the resume? Why or why not? #TChatMark Babbitt
A4) Resumes = lack of creativity! Job seekers must be innovative, showcase their talents #TChatPortland John
A4: the resume is only a filter & not a good one at that – having better information will always lead to better decision making #TChatAndy Osburn
A4: Problem with resumes is they are push-based. Need #digitalweaver that is pull-based so that skills are contextual to job. #tchatCLOUDTalent
A4 Your personal brand and social media are your 3D resume #tchatEmilie Mecklenborg
A4: first thing a potential employer does is “google” you. So in some respects, your search results is modern day aggregated resume. #tchatmatthew papuchis
A4:Online profiles will create a one-stop-shop as recruiters will be able to not only evaluate work exp & evaluate social presence.#TChatLidia Cords
A4: Important to be ready with both: resume (electronic, no more paper) + online profile. #tchatAnne Messenger
A4 over 80% of resumes are intentionally misleading. 70% of grads say they’ll lie to get a job. It’s horrendous #tchatCream.hr
A4: Some say that it seems to be headed that way. Do #recruiters look at social media profiles before contacting an applicant? #Tchatrecruiterbox
A4 I hope I never have to write another resume again #justsaying #tchatRobert Moore
A4: A quality online profile will fortify the resume. It gives a qualitative view of the person. #TchatJohn R. Bell
A4 Dead and gone. Because you can be whoever you want to be on paper and everybody knows it. #tchatCream.hr
A4) I think resumes started dying when we started using online application management systems. #tchatJennifer Tozer
A4: Online profiles basically ARE resumes – just updated more frequently. It’s progression, not replacement. #tchatBright.com
A4: Resumes are still important, but online profiles help complement what you show on paper. #TChatKC Job Seekers
A4: Paper resumes communicate so little about who a person is and what they can do for you. Online profiles are already here. #tchatMatt Hirschfelt
A4. Online profiles will definitely enhance the resume and change the format. Not sure about going away entirely. #TChatSpark Hire
A4 Full resumes will give way to very personal cover letters, linked to online profiles. Needs customized focus to balance skills. #tchatStephen Abbott
A4 One day, surely. As is, reading through a CV is faster and somehow, more personal (reading between the lines) #TChatEnzo Guardino
A4. The online profile probably won’t replace the resume. But it’s already just as important. #TChatTalent Generation
Q5: What are the best technologies job seekers should be using in their search and why? #TChatMark Babbitt
A5: Be you…on and offline. It’s just that simple #tchatJen Olney
A5 Use technology, but don’t use it as a crutch to keep U from IRL interactions. Technology is a means to an end, not the end result. #TchatCyndy Trivella
A5 Vast amount of articles, white papers on every industry. Research current trends and pay attention to shifts in your field. #tchatFord Careers
A5: The best tech. for finding a job is #some by far. It’s been progressing steadily and I see no decline any time soon! #tchatLegal Option Group
A5: We live in a world of clutter. Anything that breaks through it with the right purpose & conviction is a candidate’s advantage. #TchatJohn R. Bell
A5. First jobseekers should be networking. Technology LinkedIn and of course twitter #TchatGuy Davis
A5 Connect and build relationships on #SoMe – use the one that makes you most comfortable – but do it! #tchatAlli Polin
A5: 2013 Social Video is a hot Technology for effective Job Search. #TchatSean Charles
A5: Best technologies for job seekers? Google, chats (#tchat, #hfchat), LinkedIn, Glassdoor, networking data base. #tchatAnne Messenger
A5: Building your community – BEFORE you need it! <<<<< Key! #TChatSusan Avello
A5. Tech is out. Direct referrals from friends and colleagues more effective with much less gaming than tech #tchatShane Granger
A5. Ask yourself….”Who do you know and who should you know?” Then find a way to connect/build relationship via #socialmedia #tchatBridget Webb
A5: Whatever the technology is – must be used to get face-to-face with hiring manager!!! #tchatRichard S Pearson
A5: Use technology + #social to take charge of your career, your destiny and your “life story” #TChatMeghan M. Biro
A5) I have not tried this but someone told me about http://jibberjobber.com for keeping track of contacts #tchatRich Grant
A5. Money and a smartphone. Money to maintain yourself and a phone to stay connected with people. #tchatVictorio Milian
A5: Sites and services that give you a glimpse inside to all the people, places and thing you’re interested in. #tchatKevin W. Grossman
A5 Best technology: tablet tech. Bring it into a job interview and show off your portfolio. That’s what I call #dynamicinterviewing #TChatTheJobChaser
A5: technology aside, nothing can replace the personal connections you have. So focus on technologies that will enhance relationships #tchatmatthew papuchis
#Tchat A5 Knowing which, can require trying many to know which works best 4 U. Not using technology will NOT play in UR favor.Cyndy Trivella
A5 Mobile Tech.>Better networking, search opportunities, be accessible and respond promptly to enquiries, wherever & whenever #TChatEnzo Guardino
00Kathleen Krusehttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngKathleen Kruse2013-01-10 19:46:072020-05-25 16:07:53Connecting Career Dots: #TChat Recap
“Talent is always conscious of its own abundance, and does not object to sharing.”—A. Solzhenitsyn
It was a full house last night in the TalentCulture community, as our #TChat Twitter forum celebrated two years of weekly chat events.
The celebration actually began on Tuesday night, with the return of #TChat Radio. Hosts Meghan M. Biro and Kevin W. Grossman discussed learning and social-media driven communities with three recognized #TChat contributors – ChinaGorman, Founder and CEO of CMG Group; Justin Mass, Learning, Technology and Design Manager at Adobe, and Vala Afshar, Chief Customer Officer and CMO at Enterasys.
This conversation extended to the #TChat Twitter community on Wednesday, as we shared stories about what originally attracted us to #TChat, and we discussed the value of being part of an online community. Personally, I believe that learning occurs in communities; the practice of learning is the participation in the community. Learning is the conversation between members of the community.
I can tell you that the stream activity was blazing so fast and furiously that we trended on Twitter! There were many great responses to this week’s questions, many of them personal. Following is just a representative sample …
(To see more complete highlights from the #TChat session, watch the Storify slideshow at the end of this post.)
FYI: A Note to Newcomers Are you new to TalentCulture? If so, you’re probably asking “What is #TChat?” It’s actually two valuable community resources available through a single Twitter hashtag. It’s both a weekly talent/career-oriented discussion forum, and it’s an “always on” knowledge-sharing channel. Both are freely available to anyone with a Twitter account. As founder @MeghanMBiro says, #TChat helps participants learn and grow personally and professionally. Why? “Because Community Matters!”
What attracts people to #TChat?
“This chat, more than any other, truly spans the world at work & shares a passion for making it great.” @AlliPolin
“Great info, embracing community, inspiring leading and learning.” @TranslationLady
“I started about a year ago and developed my own community out of the experience to pay it forward.” @gingerconsult
What is the value of online learning communities?
“The power of online communities is the diversity of knowledge, experience and values. Communities are force multipliers.” @ValaAfshar
“The value lies in the diversity of ideas and practices all in one congenial environment.” @EnZzzoo
“The strength of your network has never been a more important resource to draw from.” @jmass
“Online learning communities are made up of professional colleagues that share & challenge = amazing learning.” @AlliPolin
“Online learning communities allow professionals to interact with each other no matter the distance or time zone.” @MZProhov
Why should you join #TChat on Wednesday nights?
“This is a true community that inspires conversation & thought. More like friends than strangers.” @GabieKur
“I started to make more smart friends in our space. Simple. Follow the brilliance!” @ChinaGorman
“#TChat is a learning-living platform. Community of insight, exploration, answers + growth.” @justcoachit
“Some of the best hearts and minds are freely sharing transformational insights online.” @ReCenterMoment
“The best part of #tchat is that you know you aren’t alone… others know exactly how you feel and share solutions.” @DawnRasmussen
Ultimately, a community is only as viable as its participants. We value the thousands of smart, supportive business professionals who have contributed to TalentCulture. As long as you continue to show up at #TChat, this community will continue to be a source of inspiration, insight and support for us all. I’ll be there. I hope to see you, too, as we continue to tackle timely and important topics affecting today’s World of Work.
# # #
NOTE: To see complete highlights from yesterday’s “communities and learning” #TChat anniversary session, see the Storify slideshow at the end of this post.
SPECIAL THANKS to this week’s inaugural #TChat Radio guests – who bring depth, humor and relevance to everything they touch. ChinaGorman, Justin Mass, Vala Afshar: you are a TalentCulture dream team.
NOTE TO BLOGGERS: If this #TChat session inspired you to write about social learning or the value of online communities, we’re happy to share your thoughts. Just post a link on Twitter (at #TChat or @TalentCulture), or insert a comment below, and we’ll add it to our archives. There are many voices in the #TChat community, with many ideas worth sharing. Let’s capture as many of them as possible.
WHAT’S AHEAD: You’ll want to make time for next week’s double feature! It’s all about productivity, prioritizing, and time management in today’s active World of Work. Tune in to #TChat Radio on Tuesday, Dec 4 at 7:30pm ET, when work/life experts Judy Martin and Cali Williams Yost talk with Kevin and Meghan. Then join the #TChat Twitter discussion on Wednesday, Dec 5, 7-8pm ET to share your ideas and opinions. Look for a full preview early next week via @TalentCulture and #TChat. Thanks!
00Nancy Rubinhttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngNancy Rubin2012-11-29 17:10:332020-05-25 15:59:50Reflections on Community and Learning: #TChat Recap
Seriously, there’s a not-to-be-missed professional event happening right here in my hometown next week. It’s the Boston leg in a series of “un-conferences” for HR professionals. That means it’s not your typical, static “lecture” conference. Instead, it’s a dynamic, flexible, collaborative knowledge-sharing environment. And it’s designed specifically for HR professionals who want to leverage social media in their workplace environments and in their careers. Pretty cool stuff.
So, what’s the “camp” connection? That concept seems odd – especially during a cold New England winter. But stay with me on this one – it’s the SocialHRCamp! And it’s coming next Wednesday, Dec 5th, to the Cambridge, MA campus of my awesome former client, Google. I’m looking forward to huddling with some of the best and brightest talent strategy and career-oriented minds, as we explore how to integrate social media with in-real-life interactions to create business value. Sounds like a magic bullet, doesn’t it? It is! We invite all kinds of smart, innovative people to join us – college students, HR practitioners and leaders alike.
Let’s Gather Around the Campfire
I’ll be there talking about recruiting, of course – Recruiting 3.0 – along with my long-time friend Jeff Moore, Director of Global Talent at TripAdvisor. We are co-presenting the discussion “Recruiting 3.0: From Online to IRL-Qualifying, Deepening Social Relationships.” We look forward sharing a lot of laughs with you along the way. After all, when Jeff and I get together, it’s how we roll.
But between the stories and chuckles, we want to delve into a discussion about how to choose and apply the right HR technology, how to be better recruiting leaders, and how to grow stronger relationships in these social-media-driven times. Social channels have become an essential part of the recruiter’s bag of tricks, but it’s critical to remember it’s just one kind of tool. The key to success is in understanding where, when and how to use social media to establish, build and strengthen relationships and improve your career.
Not Your Father’s Day Camp
Because SocialHRCamp is an “un-conference,” attendees can customize this event experience to suit their particular interests and needs. So we’ll balance face-to-face chats and presentations with quick breaks to Tweet and post on LinkedIn and Facebook – an in-the-moment live stream of interaction and learning that spreads far beyond the event venue, in real time. It’s an opportunity to put social tools into practice.
This “un-conference” structure promises that SocialHRCamp attendees will walk away with a richer, more enduring connection with the people and practices they encounter at the sessions. I couldn’t agree more. Leaders and practitioners thrive when we’re active and hands-on in social media engagement and strategies. Regardless of your industry, role, or belief system, it’s critical to weave social media connections into the daily workflow. It’s no longer an option – it’s a core competency for brand representatives who must build greater trust with employees, customers and prospects.
That’s the beauty of an “un-conference.” It’s a safe, supportive environment that helps us all find better ways to share and apply leading-edge social HR skills, tools and techniques.
So let’s pitch the SocialHRCamp flag together! Join Jeff Waldman SocialHR Camp founder, Salima Nathoo of GLOW Consulting, your HR and recruiting colleagues, and me, as we connect, listen, learn and interact. Sign up below and make sure to say hi to me when you get to the conference – we’ll all be multitasking, talking and expanding our horizons. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
See you there IRL! Smiles.
Get a Special Friend Discount!
It’s on me! Please use the code “MeghanMBiro” when you register. Hope to see you there. Around this campfire, the more the merrier!
00Meghan M. Birohttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngMeghan M. Biro2012-11-28 19:42:362020-05-25 15:58:37SocialHRCamp: Warming Up & Packing Light
We all are! It’s #TChat World of Work’s two year anniversary celebration week, and it’s such a big deal for me (@MeghanMBiro), Kevin W. Grossman (@KevinWGrossman), and all the contributors, participants and chatters, that we’re tempted to extend the celebration to two weeks
Seriously, think about it. For nearly every week, beginning on Nov. 16, 2010, TalentCulture has hosted a #TChat. Our weekly Twitter chat topics have spanned the wide world of work — from recruiting to onboarding to outsourcing to social learning to leadership to technology to you name it, we’ve covered it. We’ve drawn millions of eyeballs and thousands of chatters and hundreds of thousands of Tweets. We’ve learned a ton. This is a great community, and we’re humbled. This is a community that continually, and without fail, guides us to the next big thing. There’s always something important and new to discuss when it comes to our daily professional lives.
On our second anniversary, we’re pleased to announce that we’re casting the spotlight on a bit of our past to bring something new and challenging to you, our loyal and ever-growing community of chatters and experts. We wanted to grow the community ORGANICALLY before deciding where to grow next. This took a lot of patience but I’m glad we did. Well, it’s time. We will be launching a new blog platform soon and extending into other more familiar networks (as well as Twitter of course). Please stay tuned for the updates. We are more dedicated than ever to stay on mission. Thanks for supporting us.
Two Days – Two Ways to Celebrate!
Click to hear the recorded #TChat Radio show
We experimented with an Internet radio show in the past, and we’re bringing it back: #TChat Radio is in an exciting 30-minute format via BlogTalkRadio beginning Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 7:30pm ET (6:30pm CT, 5:30pm MT, 4:30pm PT, or wherever you are). Kevin and I, co-creators and hosts, will meet with long-time #TChatters to talk about why they participate and how #TChat has transformed them personally and professionally. Our inaugural radio guests is an all-star trio of #TChat contributors who make this community a big deal (and fun, too!).
Click to see what’s happening on the #TChat Twitter stream right now
Then, on Wednesday, Nov. 28, at at 7-8pm ET, we’ll continue the theme by asking the loyal and wise #TChat community the following questions, all about transformative online learning communities:
Q1: Why are online learning communities so valuable for professionals today? Q2: When and why did you start participating in #TChat? Q3: How has #TChat transformed you personally and professionally? Q4: What is the most memorable #TChat you’ve been a part of and why? Q5: What tools and social platforms do you use for #TChat and other communities and why?
Voices of the #TChat Community
Why are we revisiting radio? And why are we so excited about our anniversary? Well, it’s all about you, faithful #TChatters. Your energy pushes us to new things and to trying out old things anew. Following are just a few of your thoughts about why #TChat is important to you in your professional and personal lives. (Feel free to share your #TChat experiences in the comment area below!)
#TChat has connected me with some amazing business minds and allowed me to continue to learn. In the #TChat community it’s not just a sense of being, it’s a sense of belonging.
For me #TChat has been about pushing boundaries; knowledge, comfort and / or creativity. As my world spins faster with both a new contract and forming a new company #tchat is my socialmedia anchor. You ground me and bolster my faith in the highest and best uses of Social Media. You ROCK!
#TChat has been a simultaneous dose of inspiration and reality. A real time, idea and action network of people DOING the work. It has been an honor and privilege to be so welcomed and respected. I am smarter and wiser because of you!
(#TChat is) Community and I have to say some great friends who are like-minded dynamic souls. The group is available, willing to engage. As we elevate others, we elevate ourselves.
Personally, #TChat was an opportunity to explore ideas and trends related to workplace issues. The difference? This chat was welcoming, not closed. Loved that.
Always open, never closed — and one more, ‘cause we’re so excited.
For me, #TChat is a journey of redefining the new frontier in leadership, culture and workplace innovation. It compels us to think audaciously and engage quickly. It’s a space for testing/validating new ideas, cultivating meaningful connection and co-creating the 3.0 world of work.
Work 3.0? We’re verklempt. We set out two years ago to make a difference, and we’re thrilled that you’ve been there and in the game with us. It’s made all the difference. So be there, twice, this week for #TChat: once, for #TChat Radio on Tuesday (on BlogTalkRadio) at 7:30pm ET (6:30pm CT, 5:30pm MT, 4:30pm PT), and again, for #TChat itself, Wednesday at 7-8pm ET (6-7pm CT, 5-6pm MT, 4-5pm PT). It’s a double-dose of world-of-work wonders. We couldn’t do it without you. And we couldn’t be happier to be two.
Last week, the World of Work community looked at talent in online communities, and boy, did we hit an HR, Leadership and Social Business nerve. In the #TChat preview, I conflated talent, online communities and social communities.
It turns out people have very strong feelings about the differences between social communities, talent communities and the meta-themed online communities. This is why I love #TChat: I learn from our talented, social, online community every time we get together.
Of course the words talent and social describe different aspects of the core concept of online communities, which can be built around brand, talent, social interaction, or all of the above. The key for me — for all the #TChat-ters — is how communities are managed to benefit participants. We may all have slightly different definitions — e.g., how does a talent community differ from a social community — but we all agree community is a good thing, especially with a committed leader who’s absolutely clear on what he or she is doing as leader of the community.
So this week we’ll go back to communities and dig a little deeper. Does technology help or hinder community development? How do community managers lead? When should they lead, and when should they stand aside and let the community blaze the trail? What is this new, emerging category of leader’s sweet spot? Here are this week’s questions:
Q1: What does a talent community mean to you & how is it different from a social community? #TChat
Q2: Within talent communities, how does leadership differ from and resemble leadership elsewhere?
Q3: How can a leader give a talent community direction & help it thrive? How does technology help & hinder?
Q4: How can multiple leaders manage their inter-dynamics & lead together within a talent community?
Q5: When is it best to follow or walk alongside? What is the talent community leader’s sweet spot?
Whether your preference is for brand, talent or social community, we hope you’ll join in on Wednesday, Oct. 31, at 7-8pm ET (6-7pm CT, 5-6pm MT, 4-5pm PT, or wherever you are), the Halloween edition of #TChat — a totally spooky re-animation of the community manager–community theme. Have your candy bowl and your thoughts at the ready.
Bringing his smarts to the conversation will be this week’s moderator and #TChat co-founder, Kevin W. Grossman (@KevinWGrossman), whose work as director of product marketing at Brave New Talent intersects with Wednesday’s topic in ways that promise for a teeming discussion. Yours truly (@MeghanMBiro) and the rest of the #TChat gang will be there — and you are part of the gang, too. Tweet with us!
00Meghan M. Birohttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngMeghan M. Biro2012-10-30 13:53:112020-05-25 15:46:28The Talent Community Leader’s Sweet Spot: #TChat Preview
It had been but a few days since I had joined Twitter. My time on the stream was spent searching terms like HR, workplace and innovation, and following those who shared content in these areas. I had been watching and listening to see who and what resonated with me, what ignited my brain, what made me go “ah-ha” when no one was watching me behind the comfort of my computer screen.
It came suddenly — 140 characters of a call to action. I couldn’t leave an idea behind, I just couldn’t and I didn’t. I typed what I thought and I clicked it out to the Twitterverse. I left everything on the social stage, and what happened next was unexpected and extraordinary: My tweet was quoted in the recap blog post. Validation — someone out there was listening.
By leaving no idea behind, I left an impression, a meaningful one, and here I am one year later writing the recap for the very chat that indoctrinated me into the social world of work.
Field Trip
I had the honor of attending the 13th Annual Illinois State Human Resource Conference and Exposition held just outside Chicago this week as a #TChat ambassador and collaborator. I helped facilitate our first-ever live #TChat event integrating social engagement with a traditional, brick-and-mortar conference. That’s what this week’s #TChat was about — leading at the intersection of social and physical, HR and digital, people and potential.
This week’s #TChat was also about removing the barrier blocking perceptions about social HR — by simply talking about social HR with workplace leaders on the front lines. When we remove walls, we find that we’ve always been just a few steps away from greatness, connecting face to face and sharing opportunities. This is HR 4.0 – it’s about celebrating the art of the social conversation across the organization, whether in person or in 140 characters.
Report Card
An A+ goes to our community at the conference and on Twitter, as well as our panel of leaders for waving the flag of workplace culture. That’s what it’s really about at the end of the day, right? We create the conditions for an organization to thrive in a sustainable way, and there will be more on that next week. As for this week’s event, we came from different countries and technologies, paraded our ideas, and cultivated connections. The exchanges were epic, and the event was unprecedented. #TChat Live at the Illinois State HR Conference & Expo was an Olympic event in the World of Work. …and everyone came out a winner.
Editor’s Note — Thank you for joining this week’s special-edition #TChat #ILSHRM event. Next week’s #TChat will occur at the regular time: 7pm ET (6-7pm CT, 4-5pm PT, or wherever you are). We look forward to seeing you there.
Image Credit: Stock.xchng
00Salima Nathoohttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngSalima Nathoo2012-08-09 10:05:422020-05-22 14:44:51HR Is Not the Quiet Kid in the Boardroom…Anymore: #TChat Recap
Every community develops their own definition of what matters. For some communities, it’s motivated by a shared interest or a commitment to a specific change. For others, it’s professional best practices that can create a unified purpose. Some communities are even defined solely by the outcome of their environment stemming from completely circumstantial situations such as geography or an unforeseen event.
When it comes to TalentCulture, relevance is not merely the static entity of a group of people who associate themselves with the World of Work. TalentCulture is a space to recognize and redesign; an evolving space that is given shape by the very people who fill it with their experiences, knowledge and stories. It’s the tale of two cultures – individual and organization, coming together to form one powerful voice. What matters to TalentCulture, is the community itself – what matters is YOU.
The 3 C’s of Comm“you”nity
Connection – When Steve Jobs joined Pixar, he actually joined Pixar by bringing all functions of staff together into the same physical space. This decision empowered people to connect with themselves to cultivate the confidence to do something differently as well as each other to spark remarkable success. The redefinition of the workplace resulted in removing the “bull” and leaving the pen so people could draw better conclusions, literally.
Creation – The Olympics are coming in July and with it the anticipation of the opening ceremonies. The world is waiting to catch a glimpse of the spectacle that has dazzled for literally hundreds of years. It’s a remarkable example of how the collective creates something more innovative and influential than the individual and how we love it.
Crowdsourcing – The new paradigm in community engagement is what I call “The YOU Paradigm”; where the crowd initiates and generates meaningful consensus through an organization sanctioned play-for-performance model. In this model, thought leadership emerges as collective and open source intelligence ignited by four simple words – What Do YOU Think?
Every week we put YOU front and center. The community, quite simply, is what moves TalentCulture front and center. It’s what keeps people coming back every Wednesday and has vendors using the #TChat hashtag on twitter to get YOUR attention. So tell us: What do YOU think?
00Meghan M. Birohttps://talentculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TCLogo_web-272x60-1.pngMeghan M. Biro2012-03-23 10:53:012020-05-20 18:21:24Community Paradigm: It's All About YOU!
Bravo! It’s safe to say that our first #TChat attracted talented, insightful participants eager to engage (one of our favorite verbs). You can read up on our preparation post to see our introduction of the chat idea to the community. This is a wonderful work in progress.
At the intersection of Talent + Culture, you’re all welcomed for your like-mindedness and celebrated for your unique thinking.
At the intersection of Talent + Culture, you’re all right here.
Our community. Your community. The TalentCulture Community.
The first one was last night, November 16, from 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. ET. We discussed Emotional Intelligence and the importance of assessing it and developing it, which for us, is everything that makes a best place to work – the best talent (people) and the best workplace culture.
There are many varying definitions of emotional intelligence, but the one we used last night was:
Emotional intelligence is a person’s ability to understand and manage their emotions and those of others.
You can check out the participation stats here, and the transcript, but we had a smart bunch of diverse folk during the hour and beyond. Lots who believe that the two decades of science and research behind emotional intelligence is sound and valid, and yet many contrarians who thought EI is a whole bunch of hoo-hah.
During the hour alone, there were over 240 contributors and over 1,400 tweets. Not sure how that compares with other Tweet Chats, but we certainly weren’t expecting that kind of response. Thrilled, but didn’t expect it.
The questions we asked included:
Question #1: What role do emotions play in the workplace? And should they play a role?
Question #2: How do you deal with conflict in the workplace?
Question #3: How can emotional intelligence help (or hurt) employees engage with stakeholders both inside/outside a company?
Question #4: Are virtual/mobile workforces changing the way we emotionally engage (or don’t) and communicate with one another?
Question #5: How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if he/she was highly emotionally intelligent?
Okay, so #5 was a joke. You got us there.
For those of you who asked if companies are really investing in assessing and developing emotional intelligence to improve the bottom line (like @BethHarte — thank you!), here are some examples (EI and EQ are interchangeable):
According to Whole Foods CEO John Mackey, for leadership positions, emotional intelligence is more important than cognitive intelligence.
At PepsiCo, executives identified as emotionally intelligent generated 10% more productivity and added nearly $4 million in economic value.
At Sheraton, an emotional intelligence initiative helped increase the company’s market share by 24%.
L’ Oreal realized a $91,370 increase per head for salespeople selected for EQ skills. The group also had 63% less turnover than sales staff not part of the EQ program.
Coca-Cola saw division leaders who developed EQ competencies outperform their targets by more than 15%. Division leaders who didn’t develop their EQ missed targets by the same margin.
The US Air Force reduced recruiter turnover from 35% annually to 5% annually by selecting candidates high in emotional intelligence. Total cost savings of $3 million per year on a $10,000 investment.
Hallmark Communities sales staff who developed emotional intelligence were 25% more productive than their low EQ counterparts and EQ was more important to executive job performance than character, strategic thinking, and focus on results.
For example, here’s a visual representation of the people who are most retweeted by recruiters we analyzed:
(About the Author: Carter Hostelley is the Founder and CEO of Leadtail, a B2B social media and insights agency. He and his team have developed and implemented social media programs for leading business brands and technology startups including WageWorks, Alcatel-Lucent, Symantec, Adaptive Planning, NetBase, and PunchTab. They also publish periodic social insights reports on senior marketers, HR professionals, and recruiters. These reports have been covered by publications such as: Forbes, Business Insider, Huffington Post, ERE, MarketingProfs, AllTwitter, and Social Times. Carter also has over 15 years experience working with venture-backed technology startups in numerous executive roles, and is a contributing author at CMSWire. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter or via email.)
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