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Socialized!: How the Most Successful Businesses Harness the Power of Social
Most companies today realize the imperative to connect with their customers, employees, and partners through social technologies – Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and elsewhere. But a huge challenge is still in the way: how to build programs and teams for accomplishing all that. While organizations have been fixated on how to use the latest social tool, they’ve lost sight of how to create a talent pool capable of adjusting to the next wave of technology around the corner. For corporations to successfully transform into social business enterprises they must shift the focus from computers and tools to developing skills and attitudes around technology.
Socialized!
represents a “playbook” on how to create such a high-performing social enterprise. Filled with clear strategies and real-life stories from visionaries and change makers, the book is designed to help leaders motivate employees throughout the organization to adopt a “social” mindset, ensuring success against the competition.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2012
11 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Mark Fidelman
3 books36 followerswww.linkedin.com/in/fidelman
Mark is a recognized expert in creating sales and marketing machines leveraging his experience with Freemium and Open Source business models.
He has worked in the software and technology space for over 20 years with organizations such as A.T. Kearney, EDS, CT Space, and Autodesk.
Mark authors the SOCIALIZED AND MOBILIZED Column on Forbes http://blogs.forbes.com/markfidelman/
Mark is considered to be an influential leader the subject of Social Business, Cloud/SaaS and Mobile Social Networks and has been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, Techcrunch, and ReadWriteWeb. Mark has been regular contributing writer at Business Insider, Technorati, CIO.com, CloudAve, SeekingAlpha, Internet Evolution and SeekOmega. http://ow.ly/1o7tX
Mark was a Section 16 Corporate Officer for a publicly traded company and is well acquainted with how large and small companies operate.
Mark is known for his industry public speaking and keynote presentations some of which can be found on slideshare.net http://ht.ly/2nmWM
Mark is a recognized expert in creating sales and marketing machines leveraging his experience with Freemium and Open Source business models.
He has worked in the software and technology space for over 20 years with organizations such as A.T. Kearney, EDS, CT Space, and Autodesk.
Mark authors the SOCIALIZED AND MOBILIZED Column on Forbes http://blogs.forbes.com/markfidelman/
Mark is considered to be an influential leader the subject of Social Business, Cloud/SaaS and Mobile Social Networks and has been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, Techcrunch, and ReadWriteWeb. Mark has been regular contributing writer at Business Insider, Technorati, CIO.com, CloudAve, SeekingAlpha, Internet Evolution and SeekOmega. http://ow.ly/1o7tX
Mark was a Section 16 Corporate Officer for a publicly traded company and is well acquainted with how large and small companies operate.
Mark is known for his industry public speaking and keynote presentations some of which can be found on slideshare.net http://ht.ly/2nmWM
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 14, 2012
What makes this a must-read is that it offers clear, compelling reasons AND a path for organizations of any size or kind to optimize the talent and resources of all stakeholders, inside and outside their walls, by apt use of mutually-beneficial social mechanisms. Plus the relevant stories are fascinating and bolster the reader's case when she/he presents this approach to the folks at work. There are so many stand-alone methods and ideas within this idea-packed book and a conversational style that it is destined to appeal to a much wider audience than the true believers in social.
September 2, 2012
I was lucky enough to see an advance copy of this book.
First of all, whether you like it or not, social media is taking over the world. So if you’re like me, you understand this. But trying to build and market your business around this idea is an entire different thing.
That is where this book comes in. This is not just a book that tells you how important social media is. This book goes well beyond that by not only giving you realistic strategies to implement, it also teaches you how to help motivate others to adapt to the ever changing world of social media.
If social media is important to your business, this is one book you don’t want to miss.
First of all, whether you like it or not, social media is taking over the world. So if you’re like me, you understand this. But trying to build and market your business around this idea is an entire different thing.
That is where this book comes in. This is not just a book that tells you how important social media is. This book goes well beyond that by not only giving you realistic strategies to implement, it also teaches you how to help motivate others to adapt to the ever changing world of social media.
If social media is important to your business, this is one book you don’t want to miss.
September 3, 2012
I’m a small business owner and the name of the game these days when it comes to marketing your business is social media. I was able to get a copy of this book and I am really looking forward to implementing the advice that the author gives on using social media and how it has become a fixture in our world. If you are looking to learn more about social media for any reason or use this is the perfect book for you.
November 12, 2012
In the sea of books about social business and social media, this book stands out for two reasons. First, it’s written for managers and executives. Second, it’s about the business case, strategy, organizational design, and operationalizing a new business model.
This book is designed for executives who are trying to understand what ‘going social’ means and if it is worthwhile for them. Each of the ten chapters includes case stories, first-hand experiences, lists, and actionable steps to becoming a social business.
Mark Fidelman, refreshingly, doesn’t sugar coat his message and quite bluntly tells you what will and will not work, and how to tell if your organization is not ready for this transformation. The all-important but often overlooked topic of culture is discussed throughout the entire book along with tips on how to hire, manage and motivate social employees. Along with what happens when traditional management styles and philosophies creep back into social companies and the subsequent damage to customer loyalty, revenue and employee morale.
This is a ‘keeper’ book and makes a great gift for any executive.” - Christine Crandell, President New Business Strategies, writer, speaker, Forbes blogger “Outside the Box”
This book is designed for executives who are trying to understand what ‘going social’ means and if it is worthwhile for them. Each of the ten chapters includes case stories, first-hand experiences, lists, and actionable steps to becoming a social business.
Mark Fidelman, refreshingly, doesn’t sugar coat his message and quite bluntly tells you what will and will not work, and how to tell if your organization is not ready for this transformation. The all-important but often overlooked topic of culture is discussed throughout the entire book along with tips on how to hire, manage and motivate social employees. Along with what happens when traditional management styles and philosophies creep back into social companies and the subsequent damage to customer loyalty, revenue and employee morale.
This is a ‘keeper’ book and makes a great gift for any executive.” - Christine Crandell, President New Business Strategies, writer, speaker, Forbes blogger “Outside the Box”
September 20, 2012
I was one of the few that karma smiled upon, getting an advance copy of this book and was really blown away. I am the manager for a small internet based business and basically "run the show" on everything. One thing we're always trying to do is increase our social media advertising. This proves more dificult than most think, at least doing it effectively. Thanks to this book though, you can not only increase your social media effectivenesss, but find the right team or person to do so on a consistent basis. This is a must for any small or large business!
December 4, 2012
Mark's book quickly caught my attention and held it. I'm grateful that I travel frequently so I can enjoy uninterrupted reading time. This is a keeper!
Mark Fidelman’s must read book, Socialized! How the Most Successful Businesses Harness the Power of Social (Bibliomotion, November 2012), and is available 11/15 at bookstores nationwide, as well as at all major online retailers. You can get your FREE copy of Socialized!, when you register for BusinessNext Social, the world’s premier conference for social business, marketing and IT executives by November 21st http://biznextlive.com/2013-lv/
Mark Fidelman’s must read book, Socialized! How the Most Successful Businesses Harness the Power of Social (Bibliomotion, November 2012), and is available 11/15 at bookstores nationwide, as well as at all major online retailers. You can get your FREE copy of Socialized!, when you register for BusinessNext Social, the world’s premier conference for social business, marketing and IT executives by November 21st http://biznextlive.com/2013-lv/
September 25, 2012
I was excited to receive a review copy of Socialized!: How the Most Successful Businesses Harness the Power of Social. I'm a social media nerd, and it was refreshing to read a book which actually shares the experiences of companies capable of building the future of social media and fan engagement. Plenty of lessons there for small business!
September 17, 2012
Great way to understand how Social Media is running through case studies.
I'm not much into theoretical Social Media bible, at least this book gives food for thoughts and let the reader work out his own judgement.
I'm not much into theoretical Social Media bible, at least this book gives food for thoughts and let the reader work out his own judgement.
September 28, 2012
I’ve worked with Mark in the past as he implemented his Darwinian funnel and can attest to the amazing results on brand awareness and sales. His playbook chapter outlines his secret sauce and is easily worth 1000x your investment in his book.
January 15, 2024
The narrator of the audiobook just spoke way too fast. Like won't slow down for fear of giving you the opportunity to say no and if only you would just listen to the words pouring out of his mouth.
So that's a hard pass.
So that's a hard pass.
February 14, 2020
The book did not add anything new to the domain , the only read worthy part was related to introducing some tools that can be used in the social sector
October 24, 2021
Boring read. Just keeps throwing some jargons and company names. Might have been a good read 10 years ago but is certainly outdated now
December 4, 2012
Mark Fidelman’s book “Socialized!” should be textbook for a MBA course in social business. It was a wake-up call for me as a marketing professional. I have used social media to varying degrees throughout the last decade. However, I always did this as an addition step – almost an afterthought.
I have tried to find quick ways to increase my knowledge of social businesses. I have sat through so many presentations that have accurately cited social media growth and adoption, yet I always leave feeling hungry for more knowledge. Many of the presentations cover how to use various software tools, but not how to meaningfully use them. “Where is the substance in these discussions?” I would often think. The lack of being able to get my hands on good materials for training and development coupled with senior management’s inadequate understanding of social media has been a constant source of frustration.
As I read “Socialized!,” I did a lot of head nodding. I also learned many concrete plays to run that I had never considered. Mark skillfully painted out the business landscape of today and then showed how create a transformation plan. The “playbook” he created after interviewing numerous business executives and leaders is exactly what I have been looking for and more.
Now that I have read it and understand the concepts, I feel like I am armed with the right tools to figure out why some campaigns are successful, while others are not. This includes topics that many social media watchers are familiar with, such as Barak Obama’s re-election campaign, to ones more obscure, such as the success of quirky companies like Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap, using social tools and no money for traditional advertising.
On a personal level, I understand now more than ever why it is important for me to grow my own personal network. I feel armed with the necessary information to move forward and be a successful marketing professional in a new age.
I have tried to find quick ways to increase my knowledge of social businesses. I have sat through so many presentations that have accurately cited social media growth and adoption, yet I always leave feeling hungry for more knowledge. Many of the presentations cover how to use various software tools, but not how to meaningfully use them. “Where is the substance in these discussions?” I would often think. The lack of being able to get my hands on good materials for training and development coupled with senior management’s inadequate understanding of social media has been a constant source of frustration.
As I read “Socialized!,” I did a lot of head nodding. I also learned many concrete plays to run that I had never considered. Mark skillfully painted out the business landscape of today and then showed how create a transformation plan. The “playbook” he created after interviewing numerous business executives and leaders is exactly what I have been looking for and more.
Now that I have read it and understand the concepts, I feel like I am armed with the right tools to figure out why some campaigns are successful, while others are not. This includes topics that many social media watchers are familiar with, such as Barak Obama’s re-election campaign, to ones more obscure, such as the success of quirky companies like Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap, using social tools and no money for traditional advertising.
On a personal level, I understand now more than ever why it is important for me to grow my own personal network. I feel armed with the necessary information to move forward and be a successful marketing professional in a new age.
December 30, 2012
Socialized! is a must read for CEOs, Marketers, HR Professionals and Management Consultants.
MBA and Marketing students would also be wise to buy the book to stimulate forward thinking in their classes.
Mark Fidelman is a master storyteller and has a a narrative style which makes his work informative, easy-to-read and engaging.
The book takes a brief but thorough look at the history of organizations, setting an ideal framework for discussion of what they need to do to succeed in "The Age Of Social Business".
This is not a book about "Social Media Marketing". It encompasses a much wider take on the meaning of "Social Business" and the need for corporate leadership to promote both internal and external change if their enterprises are to survive.
However marketers will not be disappointed. On the contrary, the book contains tools and recommendations that can be applied immediately to support a radically different approach to Marketing, Social Media and CRM.
To his credit, Fidelman has done a great deal of research and uses crystal clear case studies to help readers identify successful social organizations and explain where others have failed, due to not learning some of the important lessons that this book can provide.
This book offers great hope for a better corporate tomorrow. Those companies that follow the guidelines set out in these pages will undoubtedly become the leaders of their industries.
MBA and Marketing students would also be wise to buy the book to stimulate forward thinking in their classes.
Mark Fidelman is a master storyteller and has a a narrative style which makes his work informative, easy-to-read and engaging.
The book takes a brief but thorough look at the history of organizations, setting an ideal framework for discussion of what they need to do to succeed in "The Age Of Social Business".
This is not a book about "Social Media Marketing". It encompasses a much wider take on the meaning of "Social Business" and the need for corporate leadership to promote both internal and external change if their enterprises are to survive.
However marketers will not be disappointed. On the contrary, the book contains tools and recommendations that can be applied immediately to support a radically different approach to Marketing, Social Media and CRM.
To his credit, Fidelman has done a great deal of research and uses crystal clear case studies to help readers identify successful social organizations and explain where others have failed, due to not learning some of the important lessons that this book can provide.
This book offers great hope for a better corporate tomorrow. Those companies that follow the guidelines set out in these pages will undoubtedly become the leaders of their industries.
November 30, 2012
In essence, Socialized! is an enterprise playbook for capturing the full power of social. Plays based on interviews with more than 150 social business leaders and influencers, as well as Fidelman’s personal experience leading social business change, are presented in a simple and strategic manner, supported by historical facts and modern day illustrations.
This book was very readable, Fidelman broke down each of the complex topics into digestible and actionable information. An entertaining yet instructive book!
This book was very readable, Fidelman broke down each of the complex topics into digestible and actionable information. An entertaining yet instructive book!
April 3, 2015
I heard Mark speak at a conference, which was really good. My co-worker made the comment afterwards that she could listen to him all day, he was so fascinating. This book is really good. Since I'm the Communications and Social Media Manager at work, I see how some companies utilize social media and some don't. I work for a 100% privately funded nonprofit and it has helped us tremendously get the word out of who we are and helps us with more of a presence in the community. Mark has great information backed up with facts and this book is well worth the read.
September 29, 2012
This is my husband's book. As strictly a facebook/Linkedin user, I wasn't privy to what social media could do for a company, but I've had conversations with people who had questions on how to apply social media to businesses. I say, read this book! Mark surprised me with all the stories, insights and obvious passion he has for social business. Socialized! is really a comprehensive guide for people who want to tap into the power of social and mobile technologies.
October 27, 2012
I've had the pleasure of meeting several business leaders cited in Mark's book and am thrilled to finally get the inside scoop on what strategies, tactics and secrets have made them so successful.
Reading the book, I learned just as much from the organizations doing social "right" as the businesses who are paying a high price for their ivory tower, believing the old, hands-off rules of engagement still apply.
Reading the book, I learned just as much from the organizations doing social "right" as the businesses who are paying a high price for their ivory tower, believing the old, hands-off rules of engagement still apply.
December 18, 2012
This book provides a cogent overview of where social companies are going, how social media strategy fits into that, and what this means to everyone from individual contributors to CEOs. It fills a space between social media cheerleading and day-to-day social media guides that had been empty (though the book does offer some very practical and appliable tips as well). Highly, highly recommend this book- everyone needs to read it to understand how win with social media and social businesses.
September 13, 2014
Excellent book. I lot of the books about social media that I read to stay up with the play date very quickly. This one is 2 years old but the information is as useful now as when the book was published. Trying to find out how to maximize the opportunity of social media, this is worth a little of your time.
September 9, 2014
Some valuable principles for businesses and organizations. Written mainly for those in large and medium businesses. Some of the charts hard to read because of grayscale coloration.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews