Throughout the last century-plus of business, new communication technologies have provoked the same fears among executives and attorneys. From the telephone to the photocopier, from the fax machine to email, the cries of unacceptable risk have hindered the introduction of tools to the workplace that ultimately improved productivity and communication.

A mere decade ago, companies would provide Web access only to those with special executive approval based on a proven need to use the Web as an integral part of their jobs. Today, it’s social media sites that are being blocked.

For some companies, the introduction of social media is easier when initiated inside the company on the intranet. There, organizations can test the risks and rewards in a more secure enviornment. Yet many organizations are reluctant to employ social media even behind the firwewall.

Tomorrow, I’m joining Toby Ward, President and CEO of Prescient Digital, for a free webinar designed to provide you with the business case for bringing social media inside the organization. Toby and I will address the fears and uncertainties that lead executives to reject the idea, but will focus mostly on the benefits the organization can accrue—benefits that have been quantified by a number of professional services organizations, including the venerable McKinsey & Company.

You can learn more and register for the webinar here. I hope you’ll join us!