1. Concepts in social media are constantly evolving, and it's often difficult for business leaders to get their heads around social tools in the workplace. What do you mean when you use the phrase "Social Business"?

Social business is the intentional use of social media to drive meaningful, strategic business outcomes. Social media isn't a technology fad or a means to free online marketing impressions -- it can be used for significant, sustainable, transformative value creation. By intentionally designing new social business models with customers, employees, and value chain partners, any forward-thinking organization can direct and guide social business efforts to drive high value, high scale, cost effective business outcomes.

2. With a down economy and tightening resources, why should companies be focused on integrating social media into their already challenging workflows?

Rethinking existing business processes in this market may not be the first move on every executive's mind, but doing so can drive significant return on investment. We've researched dozens of examples where companies have saved millions of dollars by integrating social into their operations; for example, IBM's developerWorks community drives $100 million in annual support savings. Getting to that level takes commitment; the most effective social business activities are deeply integrated into the flow of work.

3. Beyond the tools and technology, what is the single most important factor in becoming a social business?