You've set up a blog
You have a company Twitter Account
You are working on creating a Facebook Fan Page
Your company has its own LinkedIn page
But what about your individual employees. Do you allow them to participate in social networking during work hours? Can employees update their status?
Most companies are blocking daytime social media participation for a variety of reasons: the time element it takes away from productive work, managing what they say about the company, monitoring comments, video and photos that could be detrimental to the company brand.
However - if you want to really reach out to your customers - you need to do so with more than just a brand image. If customers have the opportunity to follow individual employees, they may develop a relationship with your company that stands the test of time.
Customers do business with those they like and trust.
It is much easier to trust a brand if you know the names of the people behind the brand.
In a recent article in Entrepreneur Magazine, the author Ken Wheaton, talks about how companies can GO BIG in the social world and reach their customers:
It means unshackling your employees. It means equipping them with tools, policies and the means to engage with stakeholders around the clock. Above all, it means allowing your work force to unlock and share their company and subject-matter expertise.
It means - allowing employees to engage in regular social networking in the name of the company.
What's stopping you?
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES!
You need hard and fast rules that govern the use of social media in the name of the company while also providing the means and how-to instructions for your employees.
Coming soon - a company guide for you to create a set of custom policies and procedures for using social media within your company.
Stop back for some tips and techniques and then keep a watch out for the company policy and procedure online manual coming soon!
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