I held a little workshop here at Ängsbacka today about getting started with social media and(postpost-?) modern tools like Google Docs, Reader etc. We started out by the discussing the WHY´s about using these tools. Why change? Most people today are used to using a mail-client and Microsoft Office and a lot of people working with marketing are used to specialized (commercial) software like InDesign and Photoshop. Most of us have learnt to use a local server for storage, log in to the organizations intranet and that some guy from the IT-department decides what software we can use at work. So why change?

When it comes to social media, or more appropiately the social web, or even better – the Internet model 2010, we can do (almost) everything most office workers need to do for free online. The advantage is not directly comparable – it´s not like comparing a Volvo and a BMW. It´s like comparing a horse carriage and a car. Their different. But the car is more powerful and efficient. You can´t do everything with with a car that you can do with a horse. At least not with the same quality (becoming a friend or pet it, for instance which is good reasons to have a horse, I believe).

The good news is that with a proper analysis (yes! How come I feel so good about writing that!) we can adress the resistance that most of us, I´m sure, meet with clients and collegues. What to do?

Upper right: If you get it share it! Create tutorials, share your knowledge, talk to and inspire people!
Lower right: Continue writing the “corporate bullshit” laden blogposts and presentations and share them!
Lower left: Meet new people. Join new groups. Step out of your comfort zone and be SOCIAL.
Upper left: Self-reflect and do things you´re afraid of. Then share what you learnt with the world.