Posted on September 8th, 2010As e-commerce business is constantly changing, some companies are implementing social knowledge networks to stay ahead of the competition. A social knowledge network is virtual online environment combining content with subject expertise and human resource assets. These typically surround a specific problem or business process which promotes innovation, improves retention, preserves knowledge and increases productivity.
Social media continues to grow at an exponential rate. Therefore it is important to understand how to effectively take advantage of these resources and collaboration of people as well as the overall function of a social network. Many businesses that have tried to take advantage have failed because they simply add these resources to existing areas, lacking the knowledge of a social network.
There are many different types of content that can be added to a social knowledge network to greatly improve the understanding of a topic. The most common forms of content include:
- Documents
- Images
- Knowledge assets
These are the backbone a successful network. Users can log on to find the information they desire in these formats or even find this information by simply using a search engine like Google. The lifeblood of a social knowledge network is context, which includes:
- Subject matter expertise
- Human resource assets
The context creates a specific reason to connect to the site and other users. As the interested parties collaborate, they have a basis for discussion (a specific topic) so the brainstorming power accelerates thus providing more detailed information to the next user searching for an answer. The difference between a social knowledge network and a forum is that users are engaged in discussion, not just random mindless comments.
Social networks go even further beyond the connection of two people by driving interaction to solve a specific problem. Both experts and those with basic knowledge of a topic can collaborate and share the facts to help solve a specific problem within a business, school or just on the internet. As the saying goes two heads are better than one, imagine the input of twenty or more heads.
Social media is growing by leaps and bounds. It is important for businesses to take advantage of this excellent resource. Social knowledge networks are a fairly new concept within the social media category and act as an excellent opportunity to improve efficiency and productivity within a company or just answer questions that visitors may have about a specific topic with the help of expert advice.