Sep 9th
Here’s an interesting debate. If you use social networks to make professional connections while on company time, does your company then have the ability to control the content you create on your profiles?
On two separate occasions over the past month, I’ve been approached with this question from concerned professionals, working in business development and sales. You know I’m all about transparency, but I’m not going to name them here because that might create problems for them at work. Please understand…
The Argument
One one hand, if you are using a social media tool through a company-owned internet connection, on a company-owned computer, while you’re on company time, it makes sense that the company would have a reason to stake a certain level of ownership in how the tool is being used and what content it contains.
On the other hand, your company does not own you. Never will. Likewise, the company does not own, nor have a right to control your personal brand and how you choose to publish it. These tools are free (for the most part) and available to anyone with an internet connection, a shred of intelligence and a desire to make them work.
Another Anonymous Story
Last evening, I had the opportunity to speak at a meeting for the Success Group in Columbus. This networking group connects independent business owners and network marketers, so they can share insights and get better at driving business in the door. They were all really interested and engaged.
At the end of the talk, an individual with Pampered Chef (who will also remain unnamed for the same reasons as above) approached me with an interesting question. I’m paraphrasing because I didn’t write it down, but it’s close:
“So how can I use social media to drive my business if I’m not allowed to mention the name “Pampered Chef” online? I’m not even allowed to link to their site on social networks unless they are completely closed off to my personal friends.”
Honestly, I was a little stumped. Even today, the only thing I can come up with is to connect with as many people as possible as friends. But then again, most people are selective about whom they choose to connect with, and have good reasons to be.
What blows me away is that the smart folks at Pampered Chef are missing the boat on a BIG opportunity. Anyone familiar with the products understands that Pampered Chef, like Mary K and other dealer network businesses, thrive on their representative’s ability to build relationships and create networks of customers. And yet, in an effort to protect a brand name, they’ve taken away these entrepreneur’s most powerful tools and made them off-limits to their brand.
Um, that’s not helping anyone, is it?
In both of these situations, organizations are attempting to dictate what individuals can and cannot do with their personal social media tools. Is this ethical? Is it productive? Are they really protecting a brand?
What do you think?
Photo credit: antiprotko
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