Comments on: Social Media Is Free. You Don’t Even Need A Computer.

By: Jason Falls

Jason Falls — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:37:16 +0000

Dan and Mike — Both of you are right and have valid points. There is the cost of time invested and if your employees aren’t particularly tech-savvy, that time can be larger than a company is willing to invest.

But it is true that many managers look at anything above operational costs as investment. Time has to be paid for as part of the day-to-day, so the pocketbook doesn’t hurt as bad when time is essentially the only investment necessary.

By: Mike Keliher

Mike Keliher — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:05:37 +0000

Dan, a good manager or CEO will often have no concept of what “social media” means or how much “doing it” might cost. But when someone like Jason explains that it’s only a matter of time and genuine interest in the work, and then elaborates a bit on what he means when he says “time,” a good manager of CEO can begin to understand how that translates to costs.

Thanks, Jason.

By: Dan Thornton

Dan Thornton — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:18:41 +0000

Erm.

That isn’t really true though. I totally agree that you don’t need a computer, or to invest in widgets etc.

But if you’re a business, and your employees are engaging in social media, then there is the cost of the time that they are spending.

It’s minimal, but it’s a mistake to discount it entirely, as it’s the first thing a good manager/CEO will spot when you claim that anything is ‘free’.

The solution is to be ready with examples and forecasts for how the time invested will produce a greater return, whether directly financial, or in knowledge/insight/brand loyalty.