Social media has become a powerful way for business owners (and individuals) to communicate with clients, prospects, friends, family, referral sources, and colleagues.
However, improper usage can result in serious consequences.
The following are a list of suggestions to limit your company's social media's risk exposure:
1. Know Your Audience – Write knowing that everyone, including the folks who sign your paycheck,
will be able to see what you post. Remember that your post will be globally accessible today and long
into the next Ice Age.
2. Be Respectful – Do not disparage competitors or criticize others. This obviously includes current
and former clients. After all, who among us is perfect?
3. Be Conversational – Write as you speak to real people in a professional situation. Avoid stuffy
corporate-speak and mannered language. In fact, avoid words like "mannered." That said, also avoid
slang that will unfairly diminish you and your superior intellect.
4. Add Value – Social media is no different than other types of communication. It should help others
build their business, improve their skills, solve problems or understand our firm better.
5. Spread the Good Word — When you have something good to say about our firm, say it on multiple
social media sites.
6. Honesty is the Best Policy – Never represent yourself or our firm in a false or misleading way. Be
transparent about your identity and relationship to our firm.
7. Stay In the Zone – Cover your areas of expertise, especially when referencing corporate products.
If you are not an expert, make this fact clear to your readers.
8. No Demagoguery – Limit personal opinions to your personal life. Even then, keep controversial
opinions off personal social media pages.
9. When In Doubt, Don't – If you have to think twice about a post, this is typically a good sign that it
should not be published.
10. Observe Copyright Laws – Give credit where credit is due.
11. Respect Confidentiality – Ask permission to repeat conversations and forward communications.
12. Avoid Hot Buttons – Do not participate in social media when the topic is a breaking event. Gilbert
13. Follow the firm's Code of Conduct.
14. Follow the firm's Privacy Policy.
15. Adhere to the firm's E-mail & Internet Usage Policies.
16. What Happens At Social Events Stay There — Photo sharing sites like Picasa and Flickr are
social media. Post photos taken at company gatherings with the greatest care and consideration.
17. Be Non-Confrontational – Avoid sarcasm and be mindful of tone. Do not escalate a potentially
volatile situation. Politely disengage from the conversation instead.
For More Information About The Potential Risks of Social Media Or For Your Free Commercial Insurance Quotes Please Contact Jason Shroot at 714-988-3325 or Please Visit Diversified Insurance Solutions at www.jasonsellsinsurance.com. You May Also Email Jason Shroot at jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com
