Social networks as information sources

I use Twitter a lot while I am at work. I have been feeling a bit guilty about this, as in most large companies doing something like interacting with Twitter rather than focussing on “core” work activities would be viewed as time-wasting and unproductive.

However, what I have realised is that my Twitter network is actually becoming an essential part of my information-sourcing activities, which are critical to my role. Through Twitter I have been able to access many leading thinkers in areas of interest for me in my current role, as well as research reports, case studies and technical information, all of which I have utilised to a great extent, and to great effect to perform the “core” activities of my job.

Whilst there are definitely exceptions to the rule, as mentioned above many large companies are oblivious to the type of benefits that web 2.0 services like Twitter can provide to their employees. Note that I am not referring to Enterprise 2.0 types of services which are generally internally focussed, but open publicly available services like Twitter and Friendfeed. These open systems allow employees to draw on the social networks they have created in the same way they use traditional internal informal networks that are always so beneficial to those who know how to use them.

If only most companies realised the treasure trove of expertiseand information that their employees would be able to access if they encouraged the use of such services. Sadly, its only the enlightened few that do.