The University of Gloucestershire called me today. They have two ladies working flat out trying to call every 2008 graduate. They want to know how graduates are doing. It’s a slow, expensive and irritating process.
This is where the social alternative strikes again. They could have made this survey one people want to participate in.
It would be easier to write a Facebook note, asking the same questions, and tag 5 people to answer them. Each person tags 5, who tags 5. It would be easier to arrange a reunion, and ask people then. It would be easier to set up a ‘University of Gloucestershire – class of 2008 group’, invite everyone to it, then ask them in there.
It’s easy to create a community from people who have gone through a shared experience.
There are a dozen applications of this. If your company/service has a high turnover, don’t waste your time calling people to participate in a feedback survey. Start a meme: “5 things i hate(d) about {company name}”. Tag 5 people and watch it flourish. People will be more honest. It’s a self-recruiting meme.
