We've all seen the social media profiles, bios and disclaimers that read something similar to “my thoughts are my own” or “my tweets are my own.”
Is there really such a thing? Is there a magical hour or invisible line in the sand that separates an employee from the words they say, the things they do and the impact they have on a brand?
If a human being (i.e., an employee) is associated with a brand, is it possible to truly separate them from the brand just because it hits 5:00 pm and the employee “clocks out” or because they add a disclaimer to their tweets?
The truth is that there is no separation. As soon as you or your employees associate yourself or themselves with a brand, that association has been made. Just because they state their tweets or their social media posts are their own doesn't mean people reading, hearing or seeing them won't associate the brand to them. To believe this as such is simply ignorant.
Every employee within your company is a walking billboard of your brand. If you don't like what they say, do, tweet, think, post, pin, video tape or sing about your brand, then you better start on the inside out and fix it.
Check out the video below from Scott Stratten who I think hits the nail on the head with this much needed discussion. He also includes several case studies that prove the point in a bold way.
Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Join us this Tuesday night at 9pm et on #GetRealChat for a discussion on the reality of the 24/7 employee and the impact on brands.
Additional Resources:
KitchenAid: Bad Tweets Happen to Good Brands
Social Brands Can't Be Perfect Because Human Beings Aren't Perfect
20 Tips to Avoid Being a Social Brand Gone Wrong
Your Childs Reputation is in your Facebook Hands Starting Now
Social Trust Factor: 10 Tips to Establish Social Business Credibility
How to Build a Social Brand That's a Sweet Orange in a World of Bitter Apples
