Unlocking Knowledge: Cognni - The Speakeasy of Organisational Knowledge Platforms
On a recent trip to Paris with my wife for our 20th wedding anniversary, we explored several speakeasies. They were all unique in look, feel, experience, food and drink menus, and it got me thinking that Cognni is, in effect, the creator of speakeasies of knowledge for our clients.
In the ever-evolving world of business, knowledge is the ultimate currency. Organisations that possess a wealth of information have a distinct advantage if they leverage it properly, enabling them to make timely informed decisions, innovate, and maintain a competitive edge. Yet, much like the clandestine Prohibition-era speakeasies, certain knowledge is concealed, accessible only to those initiated into its secrets. In this article, we embark on an intriguing journey, drawing parallels between unlocking knowledge from an organisation's knowledge platform and the exhilarating discovery of a hidden speakeasy.
1. What does it look like?
The speakeasies we visited were all different; the outside ‘cover’, the entrances, the hidden bar, the menus, and the vibe were all unique. Your organisation's 'speakeasy' should be unique too. At Cognni, our knowledge platforms are all unique to our clients. They all have different names, branding, designs, and layouts; the structures and taxonomies are bespoke. Our experts go to great lengths to make each platform unique to that client so that all users in the organisation want to visit and feel comfortable and at home when they do.
2. Hidden Treasures Await:
Just as a hidden speakeasy promises secret cocktails and a unique experience, an organisation's knowledge platform is a repository of invaluable knowledge. It houses critical data, research, and insights eagerly awaiting discovery by those with authorised access. What organisations really need to do is unlock this hidden treasure and drive more value from these investments in knowledge. Hidden treasure is no use to anyone if no one knows where to find it!
3. Exclusivity:
Speakeasies were renowned for their exclusivity, providing a distinctive experience to a select few. Likewise, an organisation's knowledge is often too exclusive in who can access it, whereas the organisation's knowledge platform should be the speakeasy the whole organization knows of and can access. The exclusivity of ‘who can access what’ can still be built in, with security of content and even hidden pages and areas of the platform, which cultivates trust in managing sensitive information. This creates a sense of privilege among those with access who then value that access even more.
4. Unlocking Hidden Doors:
The thrill of uncovering a concealed door in a speakeasy mirrors the experience of navigating an organization's knowledge platform. The platform must be designed properly so users can see these hidden doors more clearly and be enticing enough that they want to explore further. When you unearth that hidden gem of knowledge, it can revolutionize your projects and decision-making.
5. Networking and Collaboration:
Much like speakeasies fostered connections and camaraderie among patrons, an organization's knowledge platform can encourage collaboration and teamwork. Sharing knowledge within the organization can lead to innovative solutions and better-informed strategies, bolstering the company's position in the market.
6. Continuous Learning:
Speakeasies offered a unique atmosphere for patrons to learn about cocktails and mixology. Similarly, a knowledge platform serves as a hub for continuous learning within an organization. It equips employees with the resources they need to stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.
7. The Element of Surprise:
Finally, both speakeasies and knowledge platforms harbour an element of surprise. Just as you might stumble upon a hidden bar while exploring a city, you can chance upon valuable insights when navigating your organization's knowledge platform. Cognni experts can show clients how to push these 'surprises' to users through the platform. These serendipitous discoveries have the potential to ignite creativity and innovation.
In conclusion, unlocking knowledge using Cognni's knowledge platform is akin to discovering a hidden speakeasy. Both experiences exude a sense of adventure, exclusivity, and the allure of concealed treasures. Embracing the power of organizational knowledge is paramount for growth and success in today's fiercely competitive business landscape. So, I implore you not to hesitate—explore your organization's knowledge platform if you have one, and if you don't have one (or it doesn't feel as enticing as a speakeasy should), then come and talk to us at Cognni; it may hold the key to unlocking your next significant opportunity. Remember, knowledge is the currency of the future, and your access to it is your gateway to success.