Social media is catching on, but not everyone’s boss is a fan of Facebook yet. Some companies outright ban the use of social media at work, while others quietly look the other way or subtly encourage it. If your workplace isn’t social-friendly (or if your boss scowls when he sees Instagram over your shoulder), here are five things to say when you’re caught talking online.
Social media actually increases productivity!
No, really: Nearly half of people report that using social media actually increases their productivity. Delving into creative modes of thinking helps people solve abstract problems and can ultimately make them more productive. If they can shut off the cat memes when it’s time to get to work, that is.
It’s important to know what people are saying about us online!
This may sound like a no-brainer, but companies that actively monitor mood and sentiment online are generally more successful. Social media monitoring helps companies track what customers and clients think, and can anticipate and address problems before they wouldappear through normal channels. If the company has a social team, it also
allows them to respond quickly to potential threats.
I was working collaboratively!
More than 40 percent of workers use social media to work collaboratively with their colleagues—and that number will only continue to grow as more social media natives enter the workplace. Does your company officially collaborate online? If not, setting up an official or semi-official collaborative space is an entrepreneurial project that will earn you major points on your next review.
I’m evangelizing for our brand/company/organization!
Does your company have a community manager? If not, and you just can’t get enough of your daily Tweets, likes, and +1s, maybe you should consider tossing your hat in the ring for this job—even if it’s part-time. Smaller companies often can’t afford full-time community managers or agencies that handle similar duties. This is your chance to seize the opportunity and work with your marketing or communications teams to develop your company’s online presence. Plus, it gives you the perfect excuse to read Reddit all day.
Social media sells stuff!
Pinterest isn’t just for finding cool clothes, gadgets, and accessories: It’s also a proven sales tool. According to Pinterest, some Etsy sellers have increased their traffic by 22% and their sales by 20%--just by adding a Pin It button to their listings. If your company hasn’t added a Pin It button (or other social sharing tools) to its website, now you have something to bring up in the next all-hands meeting.