FEATURED BOOKS
ELIZABETH HARRIN
Social Media for
Project Managers
ocial media seems to be on everyone’s lips nowadays—but why is
it so important? How can project
managers use microblogs, pod-casts, vodcasts and wikis?
Communication is obviously a key
aspect of project management. Social
media, the latest buzzword in the communications industry, is appealing to large
and small businesses alike. Many companies that initially used social media to
reach customers and build their reputations are now expanding its use to internal
project management as well. Organizations are learning that adapting the use of
social media to project management can
drive efficiencies.
Project managers appreciate and understand how the concept of community
relates to overall morale and project success.
The most common forums used for socialization and connecting with team members
also help to improve:
> Group communications
> Teambuilding
> Networking
> Community blogging
> Open forum for discussion and feedback
> Shared best practices and lessons learned
A key component of communication,
and one of the “seven C’s of social media,”
is the fundamental concept of community
and the existence of relationships. Social
media aids in these aspects as well as pro-
S
>>Many companies that
initially used social media to
reach customers and build
their reputations are now
expanding its use to internal
project management as well.
vides a medium for fostering communities
of best practices.
As team leaders, project managers have
to decide whether project-based social
media is right for their team, and if their
team is ready for social media. Ms. Har-
rin’s book addresses these issues and helps
project professionals take the first steps
in preparing your team to “communicate,
communicate, communicate.”
The book also discusses the legal and
security issues that often plague social
media projects. Throughout, readers will
find examples of companies and individuals
using social media tools to improve their
project practices. Social Media for Project
Managers is aimed at project, program and
portfolio managers at organizations of all
sizes, in both the public and private sectors.
Project managers need to be up on the
latest communication tools and should
consider incorporating social media tools
such as wikis and blogs into their projects.
This book will help them do just that.
Project Management Institute,
2010, ISBN: 9781935589112,
paperback, 153 pp., $31.95 Member,
$39.95 Nonmember.
>>Author Elizabeth Harrin will sign
copies of Social Media for Project
Managers at the PMI Bookstore
during PMI Global Congress 2010—
North America, 9-12 October at the
Gaylord National Hotel & Convention
Center in Washington, D.C., USA.