Social media is everywhere. I can count on my fingers and toes the amount of social media references that I encounter daily whether I'm reading a book, watching TV, shopping at the grocery store or picking up the latest copy of my favorite magazine.
As of March 2012, there are over 42 million Facebook fan pages, so chances are, your company has a Facebook page. If your company isn't one of the 42 million Facebook fan pages, and you would like one, please feel free to post a comment and I can help you.
Back to the topic on hand: social media policy. Well? Does your company have one? With 901 million users on Facebook and 555 users tweeting on Twitter, it might be a good idea to consider drafting up a social media policy and having your legal counsel review it.
Still not convinced that your company needs a social media policy? Consider this: 23% of Facebook’s users check their account 5 or more times DAILY.
Here are some tips to get you started with your company's social media policy:
1. State your social media purpose: Why does your company have a social media page? Perhaps it is to connect your brand with those who could benefit from your services? Align your purpose with the mission of your company and include the company's goals and vision.
2. Be authentic: If you want your employees to post on your brand's behalf; then tell them that! Encourage your employees to engage in your brand's social media and make it easy and fun for them to do so. Also, let them know that you will monitor employee use of social media when it concerns your brand.
3. Productivity matters: In order for your social media endeavors to be successful, you should encourage your employees to engage in your company's social media sites but remind them to manage their balance between social media and their work.
4. Consider your audience. Readers include past, current or potential clients, employees, vendors and partners. Your audience can also either become your brand's biggest cheerleader or biggest enemy. Post and monitor wisely!
5. If you have nothing nice to post, DON'T!: Refrain from comments that can be interpreted as: slurs, demeaning, inflammatory, etc... It is okay to share your opinion but never brand yourself in a negative light. Employees must be responsible for what they write and exercise good judgement and common sense when engaging in social media. Basically, tell them to think twice before hitting the send or post button.
6. Community is everything: Understand the concept of community. You can support others and they can support you. Balance your personal and professional information and the important role that transparency plays in building a community.
7. Copy-right: Quote your sources: Respect copyright and fair use by always giving people and organizations proper credit for their work. Protect confidential and proprietary information. Every state has a law governing trade secrets.
8. Bring value: Let your networks know what you are working on and how your services can benefit them. Building a buzz for your company will not only generate excitement, but it can also get others on-board to help you promote your upcoming and current products, events, programs and services.
Sources:
Social Media Today
MediaBistro
InsideFacebook
Socialnomics
Quora
Mashable
Inc
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