Let me give you an example. I’m based in the United States. I was on Twitter today and saw that one of the “trended topics” was Bank Holiday.  I wanted to know what this was so I clicked on it and up came tweets that all had “Bank Holiday” listed in them.  I read through them and learned that in Europe many countries have Bank Holidays.  These are very similar to the U.S.  labor day where many people have the day off, most businesses are closed, and we take a break from work.  Anyone reading this blog may say “geesh EVERYONE knows what Bank Holiday is”- but the point is, I didn’t - and I learned something new.  (I have always wished that the United States would begin to say “holiday’ more when it comes to vacations and days off work.  It’s so much more festive than “vacation.” But I digress.)  

 

Social Learning is a great way to research. I’ll give you three concrete examples of how to research and learn invaluable information (for ANY topic) for the three platforms I use most:

    

Twitter: When you “twitter search” a topic that people are tweeting about you will find invaluable links to guide you and help you learn. NOTE: Twitter Search is now found on the side panel on your home page, or if you’re not within twitter itself - bookmark TwitterSearch and you’ll be able to look at trends and search for any key word  you are interested in!  When you put in a keyword you’ll see “realtime” results of the word/topic you are interested in. 

 

A colleague of mine just joined Twitter. She sent me a question on how she should start.  I asked her a question right back “what do you want to learn from it?” She is a pediatric nurse and her first post read like this:  

      @______ interested in learning about trends & technology in nursing profession 

        (especially pediatrics). Let’s follow the trends together! 

 

Right away she said who she was, what she was interested in learning and began to twitter.  The one thing I explained to Kathy is that - using any new tool takes two things:

1)Time 

2)Reality                                                                                                                                         It’s easy to become “hooked in” and  two hours later you’ve done nothing but read information that doesn’t pertain to your goal.  Take a “Tortoise Approach” and build your twitter network over time.  (if you are a rabbit then look into Twitterator or other free programs that help you get larger numbers of followers quickly!)   Postscript:  My colleague stopped using twitter after she found herself becoming a twitter-holic - She said “I’m an all or nothing person!” and for now she’s decided to be more “all” in facebook and leave Twitter to others.

 

facebook: Meet new friends and keep the old, that’s how I think of facebook.  Another colleague of mine just posted a new facebook page for her side-business - custom designed jewelry. I had no idea she had such a tremendous portfolio!   She created a page that was not her ‘name’ but it was her ‘business name’ and wow - I learned of a new source for my #1 passion - spectacular jewelry!  While I had been using facebook originally to keep up with my kids lives (ok checking up on), I now use it much more effectively to showcase client services and events. (sign up for the PositivelyWarren.org Golf Classic!) and to learn what my friends and co-workers are doing.  I also research through “posts” to help learn about community events or a topic I am interested in.  An example is Lynne Is... wanting to know of a great restaurant to take her 6 kids to tonight in San Francisco.. anyone have any ideas?  (invariably someone has been there and has a great testimonial of why I should or should not take my kids into a particular establishment - not all restaurants are open to 6 kids!) 

 

Linkedin: This tool I use much more for business connections than facebook.  I am currently researching Prague companies to connect with that may be interested in designing and presenting a combined communication success workshop in Prague when I travel there this summer.  My daughter is heading to Prague for a month-long overseas study class and I would like to  help set her up  while also Linkin to  business connections.  Linkedin has been an invaluable research tool.  I’ve met a fabulous connection already who has agreed to meet with me while I’m there - and we’ve begun communication on planning a workshop together for companies he is connected with. The other component of Linkedin is the “discussion” that takes place in the groups you belong to.  “Discussions” are top notch professionals sharing their questions and answers to discussions posted by anyone in the group. I have been following discussions on how to keep your business vibrant in a down economy and am always amazed at the quality and depth of passion for this critical topic.

 

While “social networking” is the rage, I have found “social learning” is the key to it’s success.  I will never be the “expert” in all of the different platforms (Linkedin, facebook and Twitter are only 3 examples) but I continue to learn something new every day to help me succeed.  It’s all about learning how to use the tools effectively to communicate better - every day!