Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Do You Have a Social Media Policy?

A current headline in The Tennessean:
Teacher's Facebook comments about student's suspension cause stir
Click HERE to read the entire article.

Start by setting standards. Here is a sample of Intel's opening statement for their policy:

These are the official guidelines for social media at Intel. If you're an Intel employee or contractor creating or contributing to blogs, wikis, social networks, virtual worlds, or any other kind of social media both on and off intel.com—these guidelines are for you. We expect all who participate in social media on behalf of Intel to be trained, to understand and to follow these guidelines. Failure to do so could put your future participation at risk. These guidelines will continually evolve as new technologies and social networking tools emerge—so check back once in awhile to make sure you're up to date.

Then educate your employees on social media etiquette. Here are only a few examples:
  • It's okay to disagree but keep it respectful, appropriate and polite.
  • Ask yourself if you are adding value to the conversation.
  • Review your comments before pressing the "send" button. If you are the slightest bit uncomfortable, please take the hint and delete without sending.
  • Even if your social media activities take place outside work, what you say can have an influence on your ability to conduct your job responsibilities.
Add in some policy, such as:
  • What you write is your responsibility.
  • Stick to your area of expertise.
  • Be transparent.
If your company employs contract employees, develop a social media policy for them as well.

As with all policy, you must make your employees aware of it and ensure that they understand the policy, why it has been established and the consequences of not following it.

Does your company have a social media policy?

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

How to Remove a Facebook Page When a Loved One Passes

I have an old friend from high school who passed away in April. His wife has left his account active but she posts to it some days when she misses him. I don't know if she has his login information.

This question came up again this week when I was in a social media discussion group as one of the attendee's brother-in-law had passed away a few months ago and people were still receiving friend suggestions. She said it was very upsetting to her sister and her mother.

Link to Facebook policy

There is a form for family members to complete.

Have you experienced this on Facebook or other social media platforms?

.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

So Many Things This Week

We have a lot of social media items on our agenda this week and I say "bring it on!"

I will be attending the MPI:TN Vendor Trade Show this afternoon. I love to visit with the vendors and see what each property/company have to offer. I will also be taking video and pictures of our client who is an exhibitor, Visual Elements, to post on their Facebook page.

Today is also the day that another client, The Clean Plate Club, will be catering the Nashville NACE luncheon at Houston Station. Chef Chris, Monica and the team have a special menu planned and are ready to strut their stuff.

Thursday is the Social Media Workshop which will be very informal. If you or someone you know would like to attend, I still have a space or two left. Many people that I talk to are intimidated by social media and have basic questions that they need answered. So many of the social media educational offerings are so much more advanced and it is our hope that these informal workshops will help launch some incredible social media campaigns.

I am also getting geared up to exhibit at the TSAE Trade Show in September. Spending time working on printed materials and booth give-away. Hope to see you there.

What's your social media priority this week?

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Only TWO Spots Left for the Social Media Workshop

A friend recently stated they wished there was a forum where they could go to get simple social media questions answered.

NOW THERE IS!
I am facilitating an (extremely) informal social media discussion workshop. Bring your questions, no matter how silly you think they are. Some examples:
  • I read articles on "social media in five minutes a day." Can this be done?
  • How can I incorporate social media into my events?
  • My audience is way behind the learning curve. How can I engage them?
  • Is it really worth the time and effort?
Date: Thursday, August 19, 2010
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Visual Elements, 2416 Music Valley Dr., Nashville, TN 37214 (behind Cracker Barrel)

There is no charge to attend and I will even spring for some refreshments.

In order to have an intimate discussion, the workshop will be limited to the first six who respond. Send an email to beverly@netconnectgroup.com to reserve your space!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

5 of My Favorite Facebook Pages

Crap at My Parents House
We used to help clean out houses for people who needed to downsize and we've similar items before. However, I am still amazed every day by what is posted on their Facebook page.

Visit Music City
Lots of places to see and events to attend in Nashville, Tennessee -- my hometown!

Ashley's Bride Guide

If you ever wanted to know what's happening on the wedding scene, look no further than Ashley's Bride Guide. Links, tips, articles, blogs, photos -- it's all here in one place.

The Daily Show
I love Jon Stewart! Enough said.

The Dog of Nashville
We just recently found this restaurant and loved it. They are running a weekly promotion called "Around the World in 30 Dogs" featuring location-inspired hot dog concoctions. If you don't eat meat, they have a veggie dog on the menu that you can substitute.

Please share your favorite Facebook pages or websites.