social media explorer

Jason Falls

Using social media tools and technologies to foster improved internal communications is probably one of the most effective activations of social media in the enterprise. For large organizations, tapping into the underground conscience of the company through open feedback from employees has changed the culture at businesses like Microsoft, Dell, Kodak, Southwest Airlines and more.

One of the examples of internal communications programs I’ve cited in presentations and previous posts is the Best Buy Blue Shirt Nation – an internal social network for employees of the electronics super store. Since I’m not a Best Buy employee, I’ve never been given access to the network. But at South by Southwest this week, I caught up with Gary Koelling and Steve Bendt, the masterminds behind the network.

For some screen shots of what the BSN interface looks like, and to learn more about it straight from the proverbial horse’s mouth, visit the following category pages on Gary’s and Steve’s blog:

• Steve Bendt’s Blue Shirt Nation Category
• Gary Koelling’s Blue Shirt Nation Category

And a special thanks to my man Keith Burtis for connecting me with Steve and Gary. Best Buy rocks.

Related articles by Jason Falls and Zemanta

• The Success of Blue Shirt Nation (discobeta.com)
• Retailer Best Buy Internal Social Network Gives Employees Voice And Management Insights (Marketing Edge Podcast)
• Groundswell: Internal Enterprise Social Media (Pistachio)