Know the Rules Before You Play the Game

With all the drama involving Google and China and social media policies versus no social media policies it is so important that you know the rules before you play the game.

Social Media Rules at Work

Every company has different social media policies. Great examples of the opposite ends of the social media spectrum are Zappos, the online retailer, and Dow Jones, the publisher. Zappos is an amazing company. Most of their employees use social media, including the CEO. They create open communication channels between their people and their customers. I wish all of us could be that lucky- to work at a place with such liberal social media policies. But unfortunately, that is not the case at every company. So, it is important to be aware of your specific company's policy on social media. Dow Jones is an example of a company with less than liberal media policies. Dow Jones does not allow its staff to promote its own work via their own social media, or for them to friend their sources on Facebook and the like. While these policies may seem draconian, at least the company has a social media policy. Many companies do not have a social media policy at all. If that is the case at your company, that does not give you free reign to do as you please. It is important for you to implement your own social media rules. Here's a good indicator: if you would be ok with your boss knowing everything you write and do, then you can do it on your work computer. If not, save it for later.

If Its on Your Work Computer, It Doesn't Belong To You

The Supreme Court has recently taken multiple cases regarding both texting and emailing on corporate owned property. While we are waiting to hear their rulings, it is better to be safe then sorry. Do not have personal conversations on your work computer via email or on your work phone. Companies monitor what websites you visit, what emails you send and everything in between. Be conscious of your actions online- they are being monitored and you can lose your job if you are not careful with what you do, what conversations you have, and what sites you visit. Remember better safe then sorry! Good luck! Author: Shannon is a senior at Boston University majoring in Advertising in the College of Communication. She has experience working for NBC Universal in New York City as well as PJA Advertising and Marketing in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She loves clean functional digital design. Digital is the future of advertising and marketing and Shannon likes to stay involved and on trend. Visit her website or follow her on Twitter.

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