I fortunately escaped Big Corporate America before the social policies started becoming hip. Through others, I’ve seen a former employer implement one and then replace it with soft guidelines, for the very reason you offer: it crippled anyone’s ability or interest to blog.

Social media turns an organization into a movement- of individuals.

I've watched it happen- it throws the baby out with the bath water.

Accountability? Absolutely. Every employee needs to know that their "social media footprints" could be CSI investigated at any moment. If you shouldn't say it- post it do it don't.

But, for pete's sake if someone DOES- don't steal the potential connection/ revenue/ brand awareness/ ministry our from under those who don't.

(it's possible this is a touchy issue for me at the moment. )

Your thoughts are welcomed!

http://www.beachmarketing.co.uk

I like this kind of post, and I think it is very good for TN, because reading this makes me think, "I want to work for TN!" (Even though I am not looking for a job nor do I live in Nashville…it's that appealing!)

I like this kind of post, and I think it is very good for TN, because reading this makes me think, "I want to work for TN!" (Even though I am not looking for a job nor do I live in Nashville…it's that appealing!)

great common-sense post. this is information we can use in my company.

I am the CEO of a community bank in Los Angeles. Blogging has given me the opportunity to express the “personal” side of the business.

Unfortunately, as a regulated enterprise, we are required to maintain formal written advertising policies as well as appropriate use policies. What I have done is expanded the appropriate use policy to include common sense language that is more of a training/primer on social media than anything else. I actually took this primer info and packaged it last December in the Community Banker’s Guide to Social Network Marketing (http://www.tinyurl.com/cbgsnm). It’s a free download. Bankers can use it to train employees and then let them loose.

Thanks for the great post.

Jesse Torres
President and CEO
Pan American Bank
Los Angeles, CA

Secondly, employees would've benefit by understanding new rules for the social media road. Should teachers follow students? In the "old days," there were rules about contact between students & teachers, but do these apply in Facebook & Twitter? Should teachers all find out for themselves what is right or wrong in Social Nets?

I just don't think we can say "Social Media changes everything" (and it does and will) and at the same time say "But all your existing policies and procedures are fine as they are."
My recent post Social Media is the New Super Bowl: Pepsi Refresh and What It Means to Marketers

I'm a fan of your blog (but first time posting).

Here's an example: http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/national/tea…

A teacher was fired because a "a parent complained about a (vacation) picture of her holding a drink in her hand." (Other reports indicate she posted an expletive.)

This case demonstrates the benefits of Social Media policies both to employers and employees: (See next comment–your blog wouldn't let me post this because it's too long.)
My recent post Social Media's Impact on B2B Marketing Budgets?

I would like to see documentation for anyone losing their job because of a blog post or social media snafu. Perhaps some exist, but I still believe that the underlying reason had nothing to do with the technology and everything to do with what was communicated. It would have likely gotten them fired in any context.

Thanks again.

My feeling is that Social Media is new, and while you and I may understand it deeply–the power, the risks, the nuances–most people do not. Right now, people are losing their jobs for posting and tweeting things, and companies are stumbling into problems because they haven't defined what is and isn't expected.

If we agree that Social Media changes communication and employees' roles in important ways, then I think it stands to reason that existing company policies must change to reflect this. Perhaps in five years there will be no need for special Social Media employee policies and education, but at this particular inflection point, I think it's wise for companies to help employees understand the expectations, guidelines and rules for Social Media.

Thanks for the thoughts!

My recent post Social Media's Impact on B2B Marketing Budgets?