Whether it be Facebook’s lack of support for privacy, Google’s invasion of our privacy, or our individual inability to realize we no longer have any privacy… Privacy is a huge topic right now. I argue, though, that it’s not just privacy that is failing us. It’s also our inability to apply good ole common sense.
The latest story regarding an employee who got fired for her Facebook update and the ensuing outrage from her supporters really got me to thinking…If I were sitting at a table telling my friends how much I hated my job and criticized the people with whom I work, and my boss was sitting at the next table overhearing the entire conversation… would I get fired? Probably not. But at the very least, my credibility, reputation and career path would be severely damaged. And my common sense would tell me that it’s probably time to start job searching.
What’s the difference between this situation and displaying your discontentment on Facebook? HUGE. Online communication has taken what used to be conversations in controlled settings into an open community for public consumption. Nothing is sacred when it comes to social media and the web. NOTHING.
Late last year, Proofpoint released a study that showed 18 percent of companies had investigated a data loss event via a blog or message board in the past 12 months. 17 percent disciplined an employee for violating blog or message board policies, while nearly nine percent reported terminating an employee for such a violation (both increases from 2008, 11 percent and six percent, respectively). And with social participation increasing daily, we will see these numbers continue to rise.
Tagged as:
common sense,
facebook,
privacy,
social media
Source:
Mid-Year 2009 Predictions for the Future of Social Media, Jim Tobin, Ignite Social Media
Periodically, I try to lay out my predictions on the future of social media, particularly as it relates to social media marketing. Half-way through calendar year 2009 seems like a good time to talk about the latest, particularly as two recent moves by major web properties haven’t gotten the mainstream attention they will soon deserve. So while I only have two predictions today, they are significant.
- Facebook’s recent adjustment to their privacy settings spell the beginning of the end for Twitter; and
- Google Wave will turn social media into a true two-way conversation for the first time (if it’s widely adopted).
Facebook is About to Kill Twitter
For a while there, it seemed that Twitter’s explosive growth rate meant it was a serious threat to Facebook. It is certainly the media darling right now for all that is shiny about social media. With Facebook soon to allow status updates to be shared with everyone, they are yet another step closer to Twitter’s public lifestreaming capabilities. But they do better than Twitter in that area, in that you can share photos, videos or articles more descriptively on Facebook than you can on Twitter.
Plus, Facebook has made several moves to supporting APIs. It’s always been the open API abilities of Twitter that facilitated the dialogue on that site. (Let’s face it, it’s certainly not the below average Twitter web interface.) Put it all together and Facebook will soon be offering:
Tagged as:
facebook,
Google,
ignite social media,
social media
1. if you want people to pay attention to you, you have to pay attention to them.
put simply, you must RECIPROCATE. without this, nothing will happen for you. You can add as many friends as you want, spew out as many messages as possible, but people will just ignore you. Social media is about Establishing Relationships. This, first and foremost.
2. no more spam
bad behaviour is punished with a simple block or unfollow. Instant lifelong banishment. Goodbye to the spam of the email days; in social media YOU have control over what you see and what you don’t see. Big difference.
3. good stuff spreads. Fast.
this is like the word-of-mouth effect in the real world, except times 100. even 1000. Good stuff reaches ‘1 person’ they pass it onto 7, then 7 times 7, in a chain that ripples out in MINUTES. Stuff that is GOLD does rise to the top. Fast.
4. be real
doesn’t matter what social network you’re on, keep it real. People will appreciate this no end. Everyone is sick of reading advertising copy all over the web, show some humor, insanity, goofiness, or insight. Be different, be real. No-one is as boring as a newsreader. INJECT personality. everyone’s got it, just let it show 
5. pick your avatar carefully
Tagged as:
cartoon,
facebook,
social media,
Twitter
In my research for creating my own company’s Facebook page, I came across a couple of really good articles for optimizing a corporate Facebook page. Below is a mash-up of the best of the recommendations.
Sources: How to Create a Powerful and Engaging Facebook Page [corporatedollar.org], Five Tips for Optimizing Your Brand’s Facebook Presence [Mashable]
Facebook is undoubtedly one of the most popular social media services used by individuals, businesses and non-profits to connect with people. Groups and Pages are excellent options to leverage the large network and reach of this popular platform. Lately, Facebook Pages have become quite popular among businesses to show their presence in a much better way building engaging and long lasting relationships with users and fans. Let’s see how to make an interactive Facebook page that gives a reason to your fans to stay, interact and promote your cause.
Custom Image
Picture says a thousand words. Take a look at the Facebook page of Coca Cola. Not only it brands the page, but also grabs immediate attention of the visitor. The key to a successful page is customized image that represents your brand.
Facebook specs recommend that profile pictures should be 200px wide, while height can vary as needed. What is less documented is how the thumbnail that Facebook uses across the system is generated from this picture.
Tagged as:
brand marketing,
corporate marketing,
facebook,
social media
I am in the process of developing a Facebook page for my company, and in my research came across this very informative article on 8 essential apps for a Brand’s Facebook page. Clearly, you will need to assess what applies to your business’ objectives; however, this is a fantastic list of apps that any brand should consider.
Source: 8 Essential Apps for Your Brand’s Facebook Page, Mashable
Not even a year ago, Facebook was still being dismissed as a silly site intended to help college kids slack off. Indeed, that is what helped the social network take hold with a large number of users, but it has proven its worth in business and by now, nearly everyone is on board. Companies of all sizes are scrambling to get on the site and reach both new and current customers with a Facebook (
) Page, the Facebook preferred method for user interaction with a brand, company or public figure.
An effective Facebook Page not only attracts fans, but is sticky so that fans keep coming back and may even share the content on the Page. To do that, you need a well thought out Page that has some great applications supported by good, relevant content. Here are eight essential apps for your brand’s Facebook page:
Tagged as:
brand marketing,
corporate marketing,
facebook
