This week CNN.com reported that the U.S. military has given personnel the approval to use popular social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Looking at this title I wonder how long it will take for other companies to follow the U.S. military’s lead. How many years has it taken this branch of the government to adopt a SM policy? Why are other corporations – small and large still dragging their feet when it comes to giving “consent” to this medium?

Some companies have valid concerns about Social Media. At the end of the day most decision makers are worried about sensitive information being leaked to the public. And rightly so, this communication outlet can be damaging to company’s brand. So how do you manage an open social platform and company image?

Fixing A Leak

It’s time, it’s time for education and policies.
* Provide a written Social Media policy (check out this site for sample policies)
* Educate your users on different platforms like Facebook and Twitter
* Don’t block Social Media sites
* If you must block certain sites, give users access at certain times of the day
* Get everyone involved

Don’t shy away from Social Media. No matter the platform users will log in – look at it on their coworkers cell phone, and so on. So instead of placing a ban on Social Media get to know it and how it can work to your organization’s benefit.

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