Posted August 4th, 2009 / By Lisa Kribs in Brand Builders, Brands, Buzz, External, Movers + Shakers, Resources, Social Media, Strategy, Technology, Trends

Brands like Starbucks, Sun, Kodak and Ford have hired social media gurus and spent thousands, if not millions, to develop their social media platforms. Everyday you hear about brands defining best practices, rules and policies to keep themselves and their employees in line.

Take a look at social media from the perspective of a 5-year-old, you might find that you’ve already got most of the tools you need to define your brand’s strategy.

Walk Don’t Run

Down the hall, in the cafeteria and by the pool–walk don’t run.

Assess and review the big picture of your social media initiatives. Before jumping in, develop strategy up front. It saves a lot of headaches down the road. Define your goals, identify the tools you’ll use, establish a basis for measurement and set guidelines for listening and engaging. You want to answer these types of questions first and foremost.

Think Before You Act

“If you don’t have anything nice to say…”

Avoid being reactive. There isn’t room to jump to conclusions and assumptions, this is a transparent playing field. Proactively approach any issue – whether its positive or negative.

Don’t Eat the Paste

Don’t eat this and that, keep your finger away from electrical sockets and stop touching Jimmy.

There’s always going to that one guy who won’t like anything your company does. Look at it as a challenge and if you can’t be friends, try to figure out their angle. What is making this person/group of people hostile? What can you do to influence their opinion?

M.Y.O.B.

My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Klenk felt she had to explain this one to me on a weekly basis (“MYOB Lisa, MYOB…”).

Never play dirty. This, of course, can be awfully tempting. But when it comes to social media, don’t trash talk. Taking shots at your competitors will only bite back at you. What’s that? You’ve got an evangelist talking smack about the other guys while singing your praise? Well then, that’s their prerogative isn’t it?

Sharing is Caring

This one is almost as good as the golden rule. Almost.

Folks, let’s be good listeners. Talk to and engage with your customers. Show them you care through the thick and the thin. May the lines of communication be forever open. This is the best market research you never paid for. You may find it a harsh reality but seriously, get to know your customers, they are ultimately paying your bills.