Category: Social networks

Social Media, Social networks3 Comments

A social business definition from Clearlyso

Colin Henderson

If there is a word that bothers me, it is the word ‘social’.  It is often quickly followed by the word community.  Over the last 5 years you are no-one unless you have a social aspect and a community.  Some have gone to great lengths in an effort to properly define social in a meaningful way.  However to this day, it remains hard to frame the context of social in a business way, and especially for existing businesses such as banks and financial institutions.  I certainly is not by having a PR managed twitter account.  I raise all this again … Continue reading A social business definition from Clearlyso

Business Models, Innovation, Social networks2 Comments

Collaboration (1) vs Beaurocracy (0) | Wikipedia & CIA Factbook example

Colin Henderson

Here is a striking example of the power of collaborative ‘wisdom of crowds’ approach to information preparation, versus traditional top down beaurocratic approach. I was reading the Obama speech in Ghana, and his references to the current and previous governments, including Jerry Rawlings which rang a history bell for me, so thought I would read up.  First off I checked what used to be my old favourite the CIA factbook, and it has not been updated since sometime before Dec 2008 [note highlight]. On the other hand a quick visit to Wikipedia had more than enough detail being up to … Continue reading Collaboration (1) vs Beaurocracy (0) | Wikipedia & CIA Factbook example

Social Media, Social networks3 Comments

examples of banks as leaders in web 2.0 ??

Colin Henderson

I was reading this interesting post from Cindy, when it really caught my attention with this point made near the end! Innovation and Transformation Wings: Social Networking : Good for Business or Not? At this stage in the Canadian landscape there are some leaders in developing innovative Web 2.0 approaches in companies like: Bell Canada, MTS Allstream, Royal Bank of Canada, TD Canada Trust, and early days for Bank of Nova Scotia and CIBC as well. I am pretty familiar with RBC’s efforts, at least on the customer external facing web, but not at all with CIBC, TD, BNS, or … Continue reading examples of banks as leaders in web 2.0 ??

Social networks3 Comments

Worklight aims to attract corporations into the social network space

Colin Henderson

Worklight has secured $12 million in series B funding. While their headline is a vague sounding “highly- personalized “Web 2.0″ computing experience to the enterprise”, the reality is that they offer a secure corporate experience within the Facebook platform. The indicate on their site, that all personal data, and corporate information discussed is maintained within the firewall, and that corporate experience is plugged into FaceBook. Its not clear how people would know which part they can speak openly, and which parts they would be able to share confidential information though. Its an interesting idea to try and attract corporations into … Continue reading Worklight aims to attract corporations into the social network space

Social networks

Zuzzid | social site for insurance comparisons

Colin Henderson

Here is a site in UK that brings social interaction to insurance purchasing. ZUZZID : About Zuzzid Love it or hate it insurance is a big part of our lives, whether it’s getting your car back on the road, or mopping up after a burst pipe. Zuzzid is here to help. Zuzzid helps people help each other. Let everyone know about your insurance experiences by leaving a Rant or a Rave. By doing this, us Zuzzers can learn from each other’s experiences, leave advice or comments, agree or disagree, and get the discussion going. This is how to beat the … Continue reading Zuzzid | social site for insurance comparisons

Social Lending, Social networks4 Comments

When is a friend an economy?

Colin Henderson

William posted a fascinating and thought provoking piece on the Social Economy. I think we are using some words inappropriately, and in so doing making it harder to see the future than it needs to be. One of those words is ‘economy’. william azaroff | blog To me the social economy is the same as what others call the reputation or conversation economy. From the time humans started trading what they had for what they needed, we had a social economy. People’s knowledge of the others they were trading with was a crucial factor in those trades and dealings. The … Continue reading When is a friend an economy?

Social networks2 Comments

‘Give with Us’ – yet another use for blogs | Verity Credit Union

Colin Henderson

Credit Unions continue to lead the charge with social type activities, and here is yet another, from Verity in Seattle.  I picked this up from Trabian, the people who built this one. Verity are providing a simple forum for local organisations, and people, who want to help, to publish their services.  It also provides for anyone to discuss, ask questions, and post pictures, making it interactive. Verity: Give With Us “Members helping members” has always been the underlying rallying cry of credit unions. Verity Credit Union wanted to take this a step further by creating Give With Us, an online … Continue reading ‘Give with Us’ – yet another use for blogs | Verity Credit Union

Social networks2 Comments

Is RBC beginning to show signs that they get web 2.0 ?

Colin Henderson

It is early days, but this paragraph from an RBC press release last week is interesting to me because of the language [emphasis mine].  This is old hat to most readers of this blog, but consider the poor corporate communications folks at 90% of Banks.   They would required a white paper, and explanation for each one of those words, and why they are important to their Bank.  RBC is just getting on with it.  rbc.com – RBC Financial Group – Media Newsroom The challenge also leverages several web 2.0 and social media tools to keep students engaged and up to … Continue reading Is RBC beginning to show signs that they get web 2.0 ?

Open Source Banking, Social networks

What Banks need to expect when getting into social apps | TD Bank

Colin Henderson

After the post on RBC p2p, a colleague pointed out this piece on the TD experience in FaceBook.  While the article characterises this as ‘not plain sailing’ I say the opposite.  This is the new plain sailing so its time to adapt and get used to it.  TD and TBC are leading the charge in Canada – who is next? The Better Banking Blog: Social networking rule no. 1: expect criticism After asking the audience if Australia has Facebook (yes Brian, we have the Internet here too), Haier went on to discuss the reaction to the site from employees who … Continue reading What Banks need to expect when getting into social apps | TD Bank

Open Source Banking, Social networks

How often does a bank ask you for your input? | RBC p2p

Colin Henderson

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) are quietly intrducing a new site that I would place firmly in the social space.  It is just getting going, and could be on a level of significance with Wells Fargo’s Studentloandown.  RBC p2p – Not your parents’ banking site How often does a bank ask you for your input? We’re asking, so get ready. RBC p2p is a Royal Bank of Canada site for students by students. The idea is that you’ll learn about things like budgeting or saving or investments, from people who are going through the same things you are. I like … Continue reading How often does a bank ask you for your input? | RBC p2p