3. Find a sponsor
Find supporters at the decision-maker level. Don't just ask if people need a new communication tool or internal social media platform. Go into the company and ask people what their biggest challenge is in achieving business goals. Then see if you can solve or improve that with a faster, better and newer process via the intranet. It will definitely help.
4. Leave no weapon unused
If a plea for the opportunities doesn't work, then also use the risks. There is little as effective as showing list to data an overview - whether or not anonymized - of messages that your colleagues are already posting on social media about their employer. I have seen jaws drop when I showed my sheets with examples. I didn't have to have a discussion about the need for an internal platform later!
examples
Make sure that the intranet is not just the plaything of the Communications department. On a modern intranet you can at least talk to each other, collaborate, read news and share knowledge. Not all of that falls under the responsibility of Communications. In fact, in the new situation you are no longer dependent on the approval of Communications to place your news!
Therefore, make sure that you involve other relevant departments (such as HRM and IT) and make them co-owners. This way, you make the development of the intranet a shared responsibility. You also prevent that you can only change something if you have the entire budget available.
6. Talking is also social
In your own department: talk to each other! Start the conversation. Are your communication colleagues ready for the changing reality? Because if the new intranet is soon the primary means of communication and interaction is a prerequisite, your direct colleagues must be able to use this in a good way. For example, by monitoring the discussion from a facilitating and directing role and connecting people and conversations. And that is – if you are a social media 'fan' yourself – a much bigger change for people than you might be inclined to assume.