Social Media: Reputation Builder or Destroyer

Only yesterday I was presenting to a large group in Melbourne on the strategy of social media marketing and I received an interesting question  from a gentleman. In fact know that I think about it, it was not so much a question but a statement that went something like this. "You make social media sound interesting consider the damage to our reputation."

It's really interesting to me that even now after all the documented successes businesses are having in every conceivable market with social media, the perception of many remains that by taking part in these types of activities, the reputation of your firm and brand will in some way be diminished or tarnished.

I say ironic because the expectation of the majority of consumers now is that businesses they deal with have a web presence and are actively involved in platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and You Tube, as a means of engaging with their audience.

The loss of reputation can occur of course if the firm allows boring, inaccurate or offensive material to be put out their under the company banner, but the provision of some common sense safeguards such as final edits for all content along with a modicum of common sense will eliminate 99% of all problems and quick and decisive action  if a mistake is made, will take care of the rest.

AS we quickly approach the middle of 2013, it has become obvious that the days of wait and see are now long gone in terms of will or wont social media marketing make it on the world stage. Bottom line is that it has and good firms worldwide are continuing to enter the social media slipstream and leverage the power of communication, engagement and connection it promises.

And until next time, good luck and good marketing.
Regards,
Daniele.
I