Policy for Social Media in the News

A press release has just hit the air waves talking about the Policy for Social Media manual that is now available to download for your business. The article, entitled, Protect Your Brand with a Policy for Social Media talks about some of the reasons businesses today should be writing policies and procedures for social media:

Protect the company brand by establishing the parameters for social media participation by employees

 

Safeguarding the employee’s own reputation by stressing the dos and don’ts of appropriate social media behavior

 

Outlining the benefits of using social media to create buzz about the company and connect with customers and industry leaders

 

Promoting events and new products with the vast number of social media tools

 

Outlining acceptable and unacceptable social media behavior both on the job and in your personal accounts

Check out the Policy for Social Media. For just $49.95 you can download this easy to use manual which outlines 16 policies and procedures for social media participation. 

The Number One Tip when Writing Policies and Procedures

As an HR, Operations professional or business owner, you are writing policies and procedures to protect the company brand and to establish in writing, the boundaries of acceptable corporate behavior.

As the Director of Communications for Cole Vision (Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, BJ Optical and Target Optical) we had an extensive number of policies and procedures that spelled out everything from vacation time and funeral leave to the proper why to fill out new hire forms.

The manual was large and the printing was small and there weren’t any pictures.  It definitely wasn’t a book to curl up with at night unless you were an insomniac. 

What is the number one GOAL of your policies and procedures?  That your associates understand what is expected and follow through. 

So what is the number one tip when writing policies and procedures? 

Write with the reader in mind!

• Avoid heavy lawyer talk and explain the policy and corresponding procedures clearly
• Explain the WHY behind the policy – not just what is in it for the company but also the reason behind the policy from the associate’s perspective
• Be clear – black and white – if it is a black and white issue – grey areas only lead to confusion and misinterpretation later
• Think like the associate – what questions might they have – make sure their responses are clearly answered
• Offer a chain of questions – if associates have trouble understanding the policy – give them a procedure for who to ask and what to do if they are unclear

 

Social Media participation is a perfect example of a circumstance with lots of grey areas.  All the more reason for writing policies and procedures that spell out the correct participation for your associates; both on the job and on the personal Facebook pages.

If you are in need of a social media policy and procedure manual – look no further.  Our Policy for Social Media Manual spells out 16 of the polices that need to be addressed when using social media for the company.

Why do You Need a Social Media Policy?

If you have more than one employee – having a written policy about social media helps to protect your brand online.

It comes down to two scenarios  when dealing with the fallout of an employee bad mouthing the company on their blog or Facebook page. 

1. Without a written policy – is corrective action allowed?  Do you spend months fighting the unemployment claim should you decide to terminate the employee?

2.  With a policy in writing that has been explained and agreed to – it becomes a non-issue.  They have openly tarnished the company brand which is grounds for termination and basically the employee just fired themselves.

But that’s not the only reason for a writing policies and procedures for the participation in social media.

There are so many grey areas right now: 

• Can you post a picture of you drinking a beer while wearing a company t-shirt on your Facebook page? 
• Should you blog about a new product that your department is developing before it has been officially announced?
• If you see someone write a negative comment about the company – should you get involved and if so – what do you say?

Writing policies and procedures for social media ensures that everyone is on the same page.

But why write a social media policy from scratch when there is already one developed for you?  Check out the Policy for Social Media manual available today which includes 16 policies and procedures for just $49.95.

Protect your Brand with a Social Media Policy

Social Media Policy Manual

Customers buy from those they like and trust.  Open the flood gates and let your employees communicate with customer; build relationships, listen for feedback, ask for their opinions.

Social media is an incredible tool for connecting with your customers if you participate wisely.

Most companies are unsure how to allow their employees to participate and so they block all Twitter, YouTube and FaceBook activity. 

What a loss.  Your customers are actively involved – spending hours a day – on social media.  Why not participate?

Writing policies and procedures for social media can be a daunting task.  Where do you begin?  What do you need to address?  What are the boundaries?  What is acceptable and what isn’t?

And what about employees who are talking about the company on their own time – or worse – being pictured at a keg party while wearing a company t-shirt? 

The Policy for Social Media kit takes care of that.  The 16 policies and procedures cover everything from what sites to participate in and why, how to get started, what to write about, how to listen for customer feedback and most importantly – what NOT to do.

For just $49.95 get this manual so your employees can start participating.  Don’t worry about writing policies and procedures for social media – it’s already done for you!