Many of you young bloggers don't know who Frank Sinatra is or what he has to do with building communities and social networks. But to me, he is one of the great visionaries of the social networking and community groundswell that is now in full swing.  It was nearly 30 years ago, and I remember the song vividly - It was called MY WAY. Now, I'll admit it, when Frank was singing that song, he probably wasn't thinking of myspaces.com, flickr or youtube as a means to achieving one's own PERSONAL WAY. He was just singing another one of his hit songs about the boomers (of which I am one) who were pressing for THEIR WAY - both personally and professionally - and not the way of the establishment.  Given that, he was 30 years ahead of his time. 

In today's world, technologies like blogging, wikis, podcasts and instantaneous communications let everyone have it THEIR WAY - whether it's customers who are beginning to design your products and services, investors who are directing your boards, or employees telling you what they want and leaving if they don't get it.   In fact, today's technologies allow everyone to have it THEIR WAY - except of course, the traditional leaders and organizations, who are losing control.

So what is your company to do?

Simple: Listen to Frank Sinatra's songs.

You just might be surprised to hear the sound of music when it comes to the future of your company - and how you have to get on board and let everyone you serve, including me, have it MY WAY.  With today's technologies - its going to happen ANY WAY. - Barry 5/12/06