Stepping in our Own Footprint

Is there a need for social media integration services in the Federal space?  I sure hope so, because that’s one of the services we plan on putting on Schedule.  It seems like articles about social media and its vital importance are everywhere—to the point where I’m already looking forward to the next hot term since “social media” is used as much as “synergy” and  “thinking outside the box” used to be.  A quick search on GSA’s website found their Social Media Directory: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/171365

The Department of Defense has a similar listing: http://www.defense.gov/registeredsites/socialmediasites.aspx

The easy conclusion is Yes, the Federal agencies have adopted social media—by default there should be a demand for services around social media.  But there’s a huge difference between having a Facebook page or Twitter feed, and integrating these into an Agency contact center to improve the customer experience and reduce costs.  That’s what we can do and want to do for Federal customers, and on Schedule. 

Still, we recognize the fun factor of social media too and utilize this ourselves.  For example, we spice up our email announcements about products, services, webinars, etc. with contests (and good technology prizes!).  We also have a very popular monthly video blog by our Chief Technology Officer David Lover: The Countdown, which is 15 minutes of technology goodness, http://bit.ly/3UZDh

If you know of an example where a Federal agency has used social media to add value to its business, please post a comment, thanks!