Social Media Innovation is a huge topic among early adopters of technology in cyberspace. Talk about an over-used phrase! The term social media is already dieing in the minds of the technologically savvy. And innovation?
First, let’s define the terms from Wikipedia:
- Innovation : may refer to both radical and incremental changes in thinking, in things, in processes or in services (Mckeown, 2008).
- Social Media : the use of electronic and Internet tools for the purpose of sharing and discussing information and experiences with other human beings.The term most often refers to activities that integrate technology, social interaction, and the construction of words, pictures, videos and audio.
It makes sense to couple the terms together to create a definition for beta products, new platforms, and applications on the web. However there is a new way to look at innovation in Social Media. I read a post from Brandon Coon titled: Redefine Innovation. In the post Brandon talks about the concept of innovation in business and technology:
“We relate the word innovation with companies like Google and new products like the Internet, Social Networks, or Blogging and innovation is all of these things. But innovation can also be different ways to do business.”
“Always be trying to invent new products, services, ideas. But almost more important is that we always find a way to make our business model better, more profitable, and more (invent a word to go here).”
You are hip to the beat if you are on the next best thing in social media. Beta applications and products are released on a daily basis and become slightly overwhelming (except for Louis Gray who has the uncanny ability to be on all networks).
The only thing I hear sometimes is innovation, new applications, and beta tests.
This may be an old thought. This may be something that has been discussed in the community driven world of social media. Perhaps… I thought I would expound upon it: Turning to Adaptation instead of Innovation.
I have found it difficult to keep up with the countless number of social networks out there. I have decided to become an adapter instead of an adopter.
- Adaptation: are traits that have been selected by natural selection
The concept of traits being selected by natural selection can be applied to social media. When we are investing time into a social community we are building respect among members, as well as, sharing information back and forth. By natural progression, as users, we start to single out certain traits of a site that could be changed or improved. This is the beautiful concept of adapting a process into something better.
The concept of becoming a continuous adapter instead of an early adopter could be a post in itself.
It is encouraging to see members taking the necessary means to help make a site better instead of joining and spreading out over new platforms.
We don’t always have to be radical. The concept of being rational can make that much MORE of a difference.
When a social media community helps the site adapt, in my opinion, that is when the magic happens.
One cannot be overwhelmed if they use all things in moderation. You don’t have to be the loudest voice on all platforms.
But as you said, it is about making the products themselves better. I’m happy about the people I’ve brought to the platforms where I am active, and I try to be a good example of how to use those sites.