Galley Creative Group

In this blog we will address the most frequented social media outlet, Facebook. With over 800 million users, Facebook has a variety of purposes which depend solely on the user.  Unlike LinkedIn’s professional networking base, Facebook is used by many age groups ranging from 13-64. The content that is shared on this social outlet suggests a more relaxed, carefree flow of ever changing information and opinions. Content can easily be “shared” from a variety of sources directly to Facebook and is most often done without a second thought as to its level of appropriateness. To better address how Facebook should be used, we categorized users and highlighted how they should use the outlet to their benefit.

Business Professionals: For those individuals whose business and personal identity are intertwined. It is important to note that an outsider’s perception will encompass you and the company.

• Limit sharing/posting information that is religious or political in nature (remain neutral)
• Avoid posting personal photos and status updates that compromise your professionalism
• Share industry experience and knowledge through valuable posts and articles
• Become the “go to” expert for information by keeping up with relevant news that is pertinent to the business
• Build integrity through public interactions by maintaining professional relationships

Working Professional: For those individuals whose career and personal identity do not overlap, in other words you are not the face of a company.

• Be selective when approving “Friend” requests; if accepting clients/customers be more cautious and aware of content that is posted
• Personal photos and status updates are acceptable as long as they remain appropriate (no vulgar language, indecent exposure, excessive drinking, etc)
• Avoid posting content that refers to your current employer or industry competitors (many companies have enacted social media policies)
• Consider privacy settings to limit what both friends and non-friends can view

Business Page:  For companies who have a Fan Page as a means of interacting with their audience and allow employees access to this page.

• Establish brand identity by uploading content that is “on brand” reflecting the same imaging and tone
• Monitor all conversation that is occurring both on and off the Fan page that is related to your company/industry
• Contribute and engage to any posts that are directly related to your company
• Initiate conversation by establishing a posting schedule
• Always post on behalf of the company, not as an individual
• Receive approval before posting and responding to content to ensure that it is both grammatically correct and appropriate
• Avoid posting personal content regarding employees on the Fan page
• Do encourage all employees to “Like” the page to increase networking among peers

There are many widgets, installers, and applications available that can link all your social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and blogs).  Before “marrying” all of these outlets together it is important to first identify each outlet’s use and audience. In this blog we will discuss the more conservative and reserved outlet, LinkedIn.

LinkedIn is a business networking tool which allows users to post their complete resume, ask for recommendations, connect with colleagues, follow company profiles and directly apply to open jobs. It is important to note that LinkedIn is not only a tool for job seekers, but also for hiring managers when investigating a potential employee. Since “48% of recruiters are using LinkedIn exclusively” it is likely that you will be screened through LinkedIn for your next job.

LinkedIn should be viewed and utilized as a professional business tool used to network and brand yourself as well as your company. Therefore, be cautious when linking your LinkedIn profile to Facebook or Twitter since we have identified that the audience on LinkedIn is quite different. So, ask yourself these questions before linking Facebook or Twitter to LinkedIn:

1. Are my updates on this outlet strictly professional in nature? If,

• Yes- consider linking
• No- do not link

2. Would I want my employer or consumer to know this information? If,

• Yes- consider linking
• No- do not link

3. Do I upload pictures and post status updates that are personal in nature? If,

• Yes- do not link
• No- consider linking

Works consulted:

http://www.bullhornreach.com/cmsites/default/files/BullhornReach_2012ActivityReport.pdf

http://thedegree360.onlinedegrees.com/visuals/social-recruiting.html

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/04/20/make-social-media-your-job-finding-weapon/

We find it important to unleash your inner artist as often as possible, which is why we wanted to highlight the Draw Something app powered by OMGPOP. Whether you’re new to the app like us, or are one of millions who have helped made this app the latest and greatest thing since Angry Birds, it’s the ideal game for the creative mind. The app is perfect for all ages and talent levels if  you are familiar with the game Pictionary.