As more and more businesses dive head-first into the raging waters of social media, having an official company policy surrounding individual tools and services is becoming increasingly more commonplace.

Social networks, if used correctly, can be a powerful tool. But it needs guidelines to cover on-line interaction with customers. Why?

• Employees will have a clear idea of your position when it comes to social media so they will be able to communicate that to the outside world
• Employees will feel empowered that they can leverage their social networks in support of their role, as well as for their professional careers
• Companies will be legally protected from the possible misuse and misbehaviour of their employees online
• Companies will appear more innovative, forward thinking and acknowledgeable of how social media has integrated through employees lives and the rest of the world
• Employees will have a set of best practices and guidance while they venture into the social media world, so even the beginners have some reference guide to turn to

Official social media policies may vary as widely as company cultures do, but no matter what the nature of your business, it might be good practice to consider if you’re wading into social media waters in any strategic manner.

As you write your policy, consider these items:

• Stay open to opportunities. Social media offers new options for business. Be open to how it can help you engage with your constituents, collaborate, solve problems, provide customer services, increase efficiency and more
• Make sure your policy flexible enough to adapt as the world around you evolves
• Keep it general. Social media isn’t just Facebook and MySpace. It includes blogs, groups and communities, file and link sharing, wikis, applications, mobile platforms and more. Set policies that apply to what exists now and what will exist in the future.

Last but not least remember to educate employees about the use of social media and its impact.

Below social media employee policy examples from different companies and organizations:

Short URL & Title:
Need social media guidelines — http://www.torbenrick.eu/t/r/lgh

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3. Educate employees about the use of social media and its impact
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