You've heard about companies that block access to social media sites like YouTube and Facebook, a decision grounded in the belief that employees will waste time or—worse—leak proprietary information. But in a post at his Web Ink Now blog, David Meerman Scott argues that this concern is misplaced. "Corporate nannies want to make certain that their naive charges don't get into trouble in the big scary world of information," he says. "Well, duh; we're talking about people here. Employees do silly things. This debate should be centered on people, not technology."

That's why he likes the approach taken by IBM—detailed in an online document it calls the "Social Computing Guidelines." As well as validating the importance of blogs, wikis, social networks, virtual worlds and social media, it gives IBM employees a clear sense of what the company considers kosher. For instance:

• Identify yourself—name and, when relevant, role at IBM—when you discuss IBM or IBM-related matters. And write in the first person. You must make it clear that you are speaking for yourself and not on behalf of IBM.
• Try to add value. Provide worthwhile information and perspective. IBM's brand is best represented by its people and what you publish may reflect on IBM's brand. You might consider adapting these points—or ten others from the IBM guidelines for your own company's policy.

The Po!nt: According to David Meerman Scott, placing restrictions on the technologies used by your employees isn't nearly as effective as guiding their behavior.

Source: Web Ink Now. Click here for the full post.

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