- Embrace social media. Learn about it. Understand it.
- Assume that everything you type on a computer, a tablet or a phone can, and will, be read by others. Do you really want to press "send"?
- Be mindful that a phone is not just a phone - it is also a camera, a video recorder, a voice recorder ...
- Consider whether you can use social media in your recruitment process. Gen Y graduates use Facebook and Twitter. Do you?
- Be aware of the use that can be made of social media in the pre-employment process.
- Think carefully before accepting any form of electronic invitation. The distinction between what is "private" and "public" is no longer clear.
- Understand that the consequences of bullying, harassment, racism and defamation in cyberspace are just as real and punishable as they are in the physical workplace.
- Have employment contracts that clearly spell out employees' obligations regarding the use of confidential information during the employment relationship and after it is over.
- Have a social media policy. It is better to prevent publication than to try to undo it.
- Have a procedure in place for dealing with departing employees.
- Consider using online services to promote your business - just be clear about whether you are creating a "client relationship".
- Understand what "the cloud" is.
- Have security in place. Hackers are not your friends.
- Monitor your digital reputation on an ongoing basis so you know who is saying what.
- Have an "Emergency Plan" in place for dealing with inappropriate social media postings.
- Be pro-active, not re-active. The social media memory is long lasting, even after content has been removed.
- Knowledge is power. Be aware of the impact that social media can have on your business and use it to your advantage!
Download Tips for surviving social media (PDF, 150KB).