Saying that “tradigital” websites – those which show traditional content in digital formats – are no longer relevant in this day and age, a top Filipino executive said the country must adopt a social media platform that engages all sectors of the society.
Mel Velarde, president and CEO of publicly listed Information Capital Technology Ventures Inc. (ICTV), said in a recent speech that “what the public needs is a social media platform where true engagement with citizens and consumers on one hand, with government and business on the other, can be achieved.”
Velarde made the assertion based on the findings from his research done at Harvard Business School in which he differentiated a real social media platform from a digital strategy that merely delivers content in a digital format.
The executive tackled the topic of social media as part of business transformation during the recently concluded 37th Philippine Business Conference and Expo held at the Manila Hotel.
The event, which was organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), drew the participation of key personalities in the private and government sectors including Pres. Noynoy Aquino III, Vice President Jejomar Binay, and Transportation secretary Mar A. Roxas II.
Velarde also used the occasion to announce the forthcoming launch of his company’s social media initiative called “Software as a Public Service” or Swaaps.
The service is initially targeting PCCI members and local government units, which can benefit from software tools such as SMI (social media integration), SePUB (self electronic publishing) and C2RM (customer/citizen relationship management).
These tools will all soon be accessible through the company’s media portal dubbed www.nowphilippines.com.
Velarde cited statistics which showed that social media is the top application among online users, surpassing email and pornography.
The data revealed that 90 percent of global consumer is highly influenced by online peers when purchasing a product or service compared to website (65 percent) and TV (45 percent).
“Businessmen now realize it’s no longer a choice — they must embrace social media or else at least three things will happen: your customers will go to your social media-enabled competitors, your business will become extinct and since your children and grandchildren can’t talk to you, you will be extinct as well,” Velarde pointed out.
Social media, he added, also slows down aging and accelerates social intelligence and strengthens social integration.
ICTV, which currently has major clients worldwide in telecommunications, media, and technology sectors, counts former trade undersecretary Thomas Aquino and CICT commissioner Angelo Timoteo M. Diaz de Rivera as among its top executives. — Newsbytes.ph
– See more at: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/236062/scitech/it-exec-phl-needs-an-inclusive-social-platform#sthash.C7gppV06.dpuf
