Ecademy Founder Tells Lagging UK Businesses That Innovation is Not Enough
UK businesses are lagging behind their overseas counterparts inside Global Social Networks due to outdated attitudes and negativity, claims UK social media entrepreneur Penny Power, who warns that with the UK becoming increasingly attractive for global trade, success now relies on 'new attitudes not just innovation'.
Surrey, UK (PRWEB) June 3, 2009 -- Speaking at the British Association of Communicators in Business (CiB) national conference on Friday 22nd May at The Hilton Birmingham Metropole, Penny Power, who founded business social network Ecademy over a decade ago, warned organisations of the threats of failing to keep up with communication in the 21st Century and relayed her fears that British businesses are failing to adopt these changes fast enough to stay ahead of the competition.
"Business people who have grown up with 20th Century Corporate Values are having to now adapt to a world that is very different. Communication styles have changed throughout the past 30-40 years, however marketing communication inside the online world is even more radical, it is one of conversation not broadcasting," said Power.
During the two-day conference, which attracted over 100 delegates, Power revealed that the need for businesses to adapt was very evident and hearing of the life changing results when people do embrace the change has only strengthened her conviction that this is not just theory, but a business reality.
"These are tough changes and they are already being seen in Social Networks like Ecademy and Social Media like Twitter. We are now seeing communications which are open, random and supportive, rather than closed, selective and controlling. Facebook's success is no coincidence. It is documented and believed that the length of time young people now have to be adolescent is up to 30 years old and now, a typical student will leave University with over 1000 contacts that will join 1000 companies and already know their values, their passions and their needs," said Power.
Dominic Walters, Chairman of the CiB said, "Organisation leaders and communications professionals alike often feel unsure about the role and significance of social networking and how to use it to best effect. Clearly, we have seen a revolution in the way that individuals choose to 'talk' to each other and this is having a very profound effect on the communications challenges facing businesses, both internally and externally. Penny's very well-received presentation provided real food for thought on how to embrace the changes and get the most from them."
Power is best known for her philosophies of the online world and in doing so has created a process called 'Know Me, Like Me, Follow Me', also the title of her new book due out this summer, which recounts her story of building Ecademy into the global brand it is today, which was recently reported in the press to be worth an estimated £50 million.
Editors Notes
Ecademy connects business people all over the world. It is a self-development, business and branding tool, which enable business people to achieve immediate visibility. The relationships, advocates and knowledge subsequently shared through the network provides individuals with the credibility they need to grow their business.
Ecademy's core intention is to help business people to be more successful and promotes the values of a business community who no longer wish to be broadcast to, but demand engagement and conversation.
Founded in 1998 by husband and wife team Thomas and Penny Power, Ecademy is privately owned and sustains itself through subscription, with only ten percent of Ecademy's revenue coming from advertising and partnerships. The Ecademy business model is a classic example of a 21st Century business, operating virtually, with minimal operational costs.
For more information visit www.ecademy.com
For press information, hi res images or to arrange an interview please contact Rebecca King on 01603 283 506
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