Social Media in Government at Summit 2008
Co-presented by myself and Tamey McIntosh
Trying to implement or even talk about Social Media is no April fool’s joke for the participant’s of the Social Media Summit in Toronto. This was particularly true for the public sector participants.
During the introductions, this group in particular expressed the difficulties that they face within the public sector when it comes to implementing social media. Many of them were not even 100% sure what they could use social media for, but they had a strong sense that it would help them reach their clientele.
We (digitalOttawa) were able to speak to many of those challenges with our presentation on an Introduce Web 2.0 & Social Media in the Public Sector – Case Study: Public Health Agency of Canada.
The presentation covered several main topics. The first was the “What” – what is Social Media and how does an individual use it and how can an organization use it to be more connected. Short answer is:
1. Participating in the conversation
2. Initiating the Conversation
3. Sharing Content
4. Social Media in “all” marketing
Next came the “How?” The first step being the recognition that this change will be a large organizational behaviour shift. We then introduced the Six Step approach:
1. Needs Assessment
2. Educating
3. Planning
4. Implementing
5. Coaching
6. Evaluating
Finally we answered the “Why?” and the short answer is because it’s happening and if your organization doesn’t move in the Social Media direction it will fail. The shift of power from the “Matures” to the “Millennials” and “Generation X” was also given as a strong example of “Why” social media.
We also stressed that despite the challenges faced by the public sector it was possible to implement social media! It can be done!
The presentation was very well received, and there was much head-nodding by the public service participants.
