Kat – this is a huge thing. For those reasons and more (such as a lack of understanding and skepticism) large companies can't simply jump in with both feet, the risk is too great – and much of what they find frustrating is the focus on tools, Social Media as the latest greatest thing that everyone's doing… and lack of a business case that tells them how how social media can help them meet business objectives. And let's not even talk about proprietary or confidential issues…I take heart that a few companies are moving forward…starting internally. But I also know that Social Media isn't automatically appropriate for every company.
So, it's like any other career aspiration. If your company doesn't meet your own aspirations and you're not willing to keep the status quo, then it's time to find one that does. Change rarely comes from bottom up in a large company. It's just the way it is

Kat – this is a huge thing. For those reasons and more (such as a lack of understanding and skepticism) large companies can't simply jump in with both feet, the risk is too great – and much of what they find frustrating is the focus on tools, Social Media as the latest greatest thing that everyone's doing… and lack of a business case that tells them how how social media can help them meet business objectives. And let's not even talk about proprietary or confidential issues…I take heart that a few companies are moving forward…starting internally. But I also know that Social Media isn't automatically appropriate for every company.
So, it's like any other career aspiration. If your company doesn't meet your own aspirations and you're not willing to keep the status quo, then it's time to find one that does. Change rarely comes from bottom up in a large company. It's just the way it is

That way you hold all the cards. I call it picking your battles… and only fighting the ones you can win. As for future employers… if you're not already working for someone then I would only seek out employers that value all your sides.

That way you hold all the cards. I call it picking your battles… and only fighting the ones you can win. As for future employers… if you're not already working for someone then I would only seek out employers that value all your sides.

Sorry, I should have clarified; I meant that he made the designated department look bad internally. I agree, the customer doesn't make that kind of distinction and doesn't need to know about the internal workings of the company. And if they had been open to it, that kind of pass off could have happened.

But how likely was it, given most corporate cultures you've encountered? There is too much territoriality and defensiveness in most companies for that to have been a likely outcome.

I was really hoping taking that more narrative, storytelling approach would resonate. I was kind of riffing off Chris Brogan's “social media marketer,” “social media teacher” and “social media pastor” posts.

And the “What if” scenario I created for “Bob” was pretty much pulled from my own experiences, as I mentioned above. I was in a company that wasn't interested in growing in the same direction I wanted to grow in. So I found a way to nurture that desire for growth outside the office.

In the short term, for several months, it made working there much easier and less stressful. After a while, though, the very same growth pushed me to move on to a new job that was going to be a better fit. But I made that move from a position of strength, not desperation, and with the tools and experience built up that would allow me to succeed.

Eventually, if you keep growing, it's time to move on to a bigger container.

Sorry, I should have clarified; I meant that he made the designated department look bad internally. I agree, the customer doesn't make that kind of distinction and doesn't need to know about the internal workings of the company. And if they had been open to it, that kind of pass off could have happened.

But how likely was it, given most corporate cultures you've encountered? There is too much territoriality and defensiveness in most companies for that to have been a likely outcome.

I was really hoping taking that more narrative, storytelling approach would resonate. I was kind of riffing off Chris Brogan's “social media marketer,” “social media teacher” and “social media pastor” posts.

And the “What if” scenario I created for “Bob” was pretty much pulled from my own experiences, as I mentioned above. I was in a company that wasn't interested in growing in the same direction I wanted to grow in. So I found a way to nurture that desire for growth outside the office.

In the short term, for several months, it made working there much easier and less stressful. After a while, though, the very same growth pushed me to move on to a new job that was going to be a better fit. But I made that move from a position of strength, not desperation, and with the tools and experience built up that would allow me to succeed.

Eventually, if you keep growing, it's time to move on to a bigger container.

And it sounds like you've recognized that the answer is “Because a blank slate is boring.” I know lots of people in social media who have WILDLY different opinions on lots of topics that aren't “safe” or “neutral.” We all get along because we treat each other with respect, and remain connected despite our differences.

And you're right–as a free agent you have an unprecedented opportunity to put your best, most authentic self out there, and hopefully that will attract an employer who is a terrific fit.