Monthly Archives: May 2011
A Fan of Brand Photo-Tagging?
As you may have heard, Facebook’s photo tagging has gained some attention over the past week, which gives users the ability to tag pages, including celebs, businesses and brands. So, what’s the dealio? Facebook announced … ”a Page can be tagged anywhere that someone can view a photo in the photo viewer. These photos will appear on the Photos tab on the Page, and not on the Wall. In addition, a Page can be tagged by anyone on Facebook, not just people who have Liked your Page.” But, what does this mean for you?
Many brands have voiced their excitement for this functionality, calling it free advertising. Starbucks and Zappos are among the few that have shared user-generated images of their brands. To be honest, I like the new feature. Brands now have the chance to engage with some of their most loyal customers, recruit and identify new advocates (especially if users can tag you regardless of whether or not they like you) and identify the products/services that are most popular! With this update comes many opportunities; however, I do caution those of us who get overly excited, and pause to be a little Debbie Downer. There are disadvantages and risks as well. Before you get out the champagne (to tag), here a few things to think about …
So, what about privacy? Well, Facebook says they will maintain all privacy functionality for the user, meaning that not everyone on Starbuck’s page will be able to view my picture. But as a page, I reserve the right to un-tag myself from any pictures. Remember to check and set your posting ability settings in the Admin console. If you allow users to post pictures, you’ll also see these pictures in your photo reel. Question is, do you want a not-so-brand-friendly picture featured on your reel? I wouldn’t.
What do we need to do? Well, moderation is now, more than ever, absolutely essential. Someone needs to watch what pictures are tagged, one comments are shared, and how those comments can be addressed. Additionally, if Facebook truly does roll out (again) user comments on a Page’s wall – especially for regulated industries like Pharma – monitoring and moderation aren’t just a nice-to-have, they are an absolute must.
What do we need to re-assess? Terms of use and moderation guidelines will be an important for brands to adjust, revise or even create. Now, more than ever, users must understand the rules of engagement, especially for those in regulated industries. Furthermore, take a look at your Social Media Guidelines, both internally and externally. How do you want employees engaging with your brand/their employer on Facebook? Can pictures taken within your offices be shared? What can’t be shared?
What do you think of the new Page taking capability? Fan? Not so much? Why, why not?
Top 5 Tips for College Grads
Thousands of college graduates are submitting their resumes for internships and jobs this summer. They’re all hoping to land their dream jobs, or maybe just a job to pay off their $22,900 worth of loans. Ah yes, the generation that gets to walk away with the title: most indebted ever (according to WSJ). But there’s so much more than packing up your cap and gown and looking through the CareerBuilder.com website. Here’s my top 5 tips for this year’s graduates. Hope it helps you in your search!
Top 5 Tips for 2011 Grads
- Find your professional and personal line. I can’t tell you the number of resumes I’ve seen float into my inbox where it takes one search button to tell me all their dirty laundry. Expect employers to Google you. And expect that your first impression may be your last. We recently had interns send us their one paragraph biographies, and I have to admit, I was a little disappointed. Writing is a critical skill, and writing professionally is one that schools just don’t teach. Be more cautious.
- See life with a wide lens, and don’t be afraid to dream. The worst thing you can do is just think about the job, one title, pay check, promotion at a time. When I graduated, I had my heart set on law school. To kill time, I took an internship that changed my career path quite dramatically. Don’t be afraid to find new passions and follow them where they lead you.
- Be confident, but not a jerk about it. The worst thing you can do is walk in thinking you know everything. Be humble and willing to learn and grow. Admit when you’re wrong (I’m still learning this one), and don’t be afraid to ask for help (still learning this one too). Your colleagues and mentors are there to help you and guide you. They are the best thing that will happen to you in your career.
- Get involved. There are plenty of professional organizations all over the country, and most of them have groups for young professionals. Don’t be afraid to meet new people. This is the perfect time to expand your network. The first thing I did when I graduated was find organizations to volunteer for. From professional organizations to non-profits – I volunteered for committees, went to networking events, and more. I’ve met some great friends, colleagues and learned of additional growth opportunities.
- Work/life balance is hard. No one told me how hard this would be, nor was it ever taught. Your balance is likely different than mine, and you may take a few years before you find the balance that works for you. I’m still tweaking mine every day.
