Book Review: ‘Groundswell: Winning in a world Transformed by Social Technologies’
Many people are comfortable in the world of social networking applications but some people in business find it quite bewildering. It’s a technology that moves fast and managers can struggle to keep pace. Don’t panic! This book is a welcome exercise in explaining how to use blogs, Facebook, You Tube and so on, to promote business and connect with potential customers. It’s not bogged down with technical terms and real life stories help to communicate ideas. If you’re a novice, this book will be your touchstone and if you’re more knowledgeable, there is plenty here to help you improve and inspire you.
Projects and Cloud Computing
Cloud computing needs a platform to manage the applications and be able to handle any issues with performance. Getting to know the cause of any problems is not always easy. Tools only go so far in capturing information and you have to ask yourself, if cloud computing will suit you. Organizations can benefit from cloud computing but you need to do your homework first before committing projects and applications. Get the best advice and do lots of research. Microsoft is just one good source of information on the subject.
Everywhere you look today, people are multi-tasking, sharing phone pictures whilst emailing on the go and talking on the cell phone. I am a part of this and I like to stay in touch for business and pleasure. Actually, our work activities and our personal sphere are beginning to cross over, as tools such as SharePoint cover every aspect of our lives.
As for instant messaging products, there are a few new ones on offer. I have recently tried out Cerulean Studio’s Trillian Astra, which combines instant messaging from different roots, audio chat, popular social networks, Twitter, Skype, video chat, and email. 
I thought it might be interesting to see how the previous two years have treated all the major social network sites out there. My analysis shows that close to all of the networks I looked at have seen a reduction in the traffic’s domain type. This may be a blip in the Google Insights for Search tool. Or it may be the result of users using the browser instead of relying on good old Google domain.com. Either way, here are my findings, foraged from 
When a man in India wanted to buy a motorcycle, he remembered some wise words about buying in bulk. With that in mind, he posted what he intended to do on a major Indian social network site and requested that other people purchase the same motorcycle model from a dealership in a the area. The wisdom is – the more you buy, the cheaper the cost.
When you look at carefully though, it’s still just a deal a day, just like 
I’m sure you’ll agree with me when you read “The Next Evolution of Marketing: Connect With Your Customers By Marketing with Meaning” by Bob Gilbreath, that it all rings true. The book encapsulates what we are about in the world of social media marketing, as in this extract:
This is an excellent article that clearly illustrates its points by comparing the experiences within two fictitious scenarios. It’s a tale of two project managers, called Jake and Simon. We can all relate to the challenges they face. Jake likes to do things the old fashioned way and his day revolves around emails, phone calls and meetings with his team. He also emails and calls the client in London and makes written reports to upper management on how the project is progressing. Now, we come to Simon. He and his team use a web based project management system, resulting in fewer emails. Everyone can check on progress, including the client in Barcelona. Instead of phone calls, Simon uses Skype and video conferencing. The team share ideas on RSS and share links on a micro blog. Result? Jake is overtired, stressed and makes mistakes, and doesn’t have a relationship with his team. Simon, however, feels on top of his game, doesn’t make mistakes and motivates his team towards the next challenge. Enough said!
Employers are looking for management skills in their staff that transfer to project management and the ability to manage resources. I have compiled a list to help you progress in project management. Look to the experts in this up to date Top 10. tick
You may think that the world of Unified Communications and its brisk business persona of flagging up meetings etc., has nothing to do with social media, which is after all, the place we tell each other what we’ve been up to on our vacation. In fact, these two areas are increasingly melding and they complement each other well.
Other enterprise grade alternatives are coming through however. Cisco has a platform they call MyCisco, which consolidates messages, news feeds and tasks and employees can chat on forums. Quickr from IBM is easy to share information and source expertise from participants.
Are you a keen follower of project management blogs? I’ve made a list of some that I favor. These include general tips on project management and specific topics, such as the latest management methodologies, Enterprise 2.0, motivation and how to lead. My list is designed to help you choose and maybe you’ll decide to shake up your management style.