Where practitioners and thought leaders share commentaries and insight
OPEN DOOR TO TAME THE SOCIAL MEDIA BEAST
A
s we all know, technology in the form of social media has
completely changed the way we work and live. Everyone has the ability to be a journalist, photographer and videographer. In essence, everyone has a voice. This can be fabulous
for organizations that understand the power of utilizing many
voices to promote their message, their WHY to their target market. Properly training management and employees on how they
can effectively help an organization through social media channels can ensure that everyone is on the same page.
When everyone is on board with the goal of positively promoting the organization, the organization can reap tremendous
benefits. Not only can employees help promote the organization’s business pages on social media; they can help promote to
their “friends”, “followers” and “connections”.
It is this “everyone has a voice”
situation that can also backfire
and throw an organization into a
Debbie Harris, MA
public relations nightmare. Employees need to feel that they
work in a safe environment where their concerns are treated
with respect. If you establish a true “open door” policy in your
organization, you can motivate employees to come to management with issues before going to social media. Employees have
the right to discuss certain issues openly on their personal social
media pages. You want to create a culture where issues are kept
in-house as the first step in solving them. Do everything you can
to minimize the risk of an angry employee becoming a journalist
about your organization.
BRANDING WISDOM FROM MY MOTHER’S KITCHEN
M
y mother was an incredible cook. Her down-home
southern style meals were served with warmth and
hospitality. Mom didn’t skimp on ingredients or portions. She
never cut the guest list or asked for contributions. Her brand
was the experience of good times in a warm kitchen filled with
love and delicious food! That interaction is what people remembered.
Too often branding is seen as the use of icons, symbols,
colors and the corporate logo. But branding has exponentially
morphed into the sum total of the customer’s experience; views
and perceptions imprinted in their minds until the psychological
interaction shapes their behavior. An emotional connection, es-
pecially in philanthropy, along with an
exceptional experience should back-up
your company’s logo or mission.
Think about ways to transform your
Deborah Porter
benefactors’ experience; tell a compelling story that is integrated into people’s lives so they have a
reason to embrace and share it. Learn your customers’ behavior then include emotional and interactive touch points, so your
marketing approach is authentic and engaging.
As my mother would say, “It’s not what you say baby, it’s what
you do!” Mom understood the true meaning of branding!
Add your voice to the conversation by submitting a 150-250 word commentary to:
[email protected] - Include name, company and contact.
The Philantrepreneur Journal reserves the right to review for appropriateness and edit as necessary. All submissions are not guaranteed publication.
The Philantrepreneur Journal
17