2. Should you have a social media policy? 69% of companies in the Americas don’t have a social media policy. Source: Manpower, “Social Networks vs Management? Harness the Power of Social Media,” January 26, 2010
3. What are you worried about? Productivity 78% of US at-work Internet users spent less than a half hour a day on social networking sites while at work Source: WorkPlace Media, May 2009 Reputation management Just 8% of companies in the Americas said their reputation had been hurt by employee use of social networks Source: Manpower, “Social Networks vs Management? Harness the Power of Social Media,” January 26, 2010
4. What is a social media policy? Think communications guidelines, not just social media Permission-based not restrictive-based Empower your employees to be brand ambassadors Supports a sound strategy
6. Don’t share confidential information Ask permission before you write about any work-related information—you never know what might be confidential or proprietary Don’t comment on your company’s business performance Mind copyright and fair use laws
8. Respect others’ privacy Don’t mention specific colleagues, clients, vendors or partners without their approval General descriptions of an engagement or project are ok but don’t include specific identifying details Mind your own privacy
10. Speak only for yourself Identify yourself and your role at the company if you are discussing anything company-related Write in the first person, use your own voice if you’re discussing your personal opinions If you write about the company make it clear the views are your own Be mindful of how you’re presenting yourself online
12. Share your expertise Show your passion Help others succeed Help colleagues, clients, prospects, partners increase performance and solve business challenges Expand understanding of important topics Promote important industry events Connect people and build relationships
13. Be nice and play fair Respect the views and values of others: Nothing inflammatory, no obscene language, no ethnic or sexual slurs. Don’t pick fights Own up to your mistakes Use good judgment and accept responsibility Work always comes first
15. Gain buy-in Training is crucial to making people feel invested in your social media campaign and ultimately its success Explain the thinking behind your strategy and how your policy supports it Do you need staff to sign your policy? Commit to your strategy Monitor your brand
16. Resources IBM Social Computing Guidelineshttp://www.ibm.com/blogs/zz/en/guidelines.html Coca Cola Online Social Media Principleshttp://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/socialmedia/ MACPA Social Media Policyhttp://www.macpa.org/Content/25247.aspx
17. Questions? Leigh George Senior Digital Marketing Strategist at R2i 410.327.0007 x1211 lgeorge@r2integrated.com Connect with me: Twitter: @leighgeorge LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/leighgeorge Photo Credits Faucet: Flickr, swoodplumbing Files: Flickr, sfhomeless Billboard: Flickr three act tragedy Present: Flickrshopbub Start button: Flickrpobre.ch
