Melcrum has been publishing research on social media and new technologies for the last five years. We've written articles on various corporate web 2.0 experiences, from organizations who have dabbled with RSS and the odd blog, to those with in-depth social media strategies which include a seamless wiki tool to improve collaboration, popular CEO blogs for greater leadership transparency and online video campaigns that have engaged employees during major change.

We know that organizational experience with social media is wide and varied. In fact, in a recent Melcrum poll, 50% of you told us that social media has not yet been adopted in your organizations as an internal communication channel, but about a quarter said it's drastically changed the way you communicate with employees. (Don't forget to take this week's Quick Poll, in the left column.)

So, whatever stage you're at with weaving web 2.0 into your internal communication strategy, Melcrum is sure to have some research that'll offer you some great advice and inspiration. Here are my top five articles on social media, which have been unlocked exclusively for non members, for one week only!

1. How Deloitte's video competition engages internal and external audiences
2. Popular leadership blogs at General Motors
3. Nationwide's online "CEO chat"
4. How to build prosperous online communities
5. TOP TIPS: 10 rules of social media strategy

Until next time,

P.S Places are filling up fast on Melcrum's one-day social media workshop, taking place on 18th November. Book yours now to avoid disappointment and to learn practical tips on how to use social media to communicate with your employees.

Editor's Choice

Engagement: A new approach for a new decade Wayne Clarke, managing partner, Best Companies Partnership At Melcrum's SCM Summit UK earlier this month, the keynote speech was delivered by Wayne Clarke. He set the scene by sharing the engagement secrets of organizations listed in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies To Work For. Here's a snapshot of some of the ideas he offered to take employee engagement to new heights as we enter a new year and a new decade. Read more...

Take conference inspiration back to work Sue Dewhurst, managing director, The SD Group and leader of Melcrum's Black Belt training, Europe Have you ever attended a conference and left full of energy with lots of best-practice advice and ideas, only to feel immediately deflated when you return to the office and get swept up by the everyday stress? Here are eight pieces of advice on how to maintain the momentum. Read more...

TOOL: Change management planning model Andy Szpekman, president, AHS communications If you’re working on either a small- or large-scale change management project, download this change management planning model for a useful five-step guide including activities suggestions. Read more...

How to help leaders rebuild credibility and trust Jodi Hutchison, former VP and director, internal communication, CIT Advice on how you can support your leaders to rebuild trust throughout the organization from one of the speakers at Melcrum's US Strategic Communication Management Summit 2009. Read more...