Master Jae Park from the Tae Ryong Park Academy recently facilitated a self-defense workshop for the staff of the Women’s Enterprise Centre.  During his presentation, he stressed that being aware, being proactive and taking action are keys to keeping yourself safe.

That got me thinking about how those three tools could be applied to social media and online marketing. As social media becomes more prevalent as a communication tool, our businesses and our brands are increasingly exposed and at risk.  Even if your business does not actively participate in social media, your employees and your customers likely do.  It is important to know what people are saying about your business and your brand so you can engage appropriately. 

In a previous blog, I talked about Google Alerts as a tool to help you stay in touch with the online conversation. There are several other tools you can utilize as well: Google Blog Search, Technorati Watchlists, Google Trends, to name a few. 

The next key element is proactively avoiding situations that put you at risk.  In Brian Bowman’s blog entitled “Social media: Is your organization’s head in the sand?” he offers great insight into risk management strategies and the importance of an organization’s social media policy. Bowman states, “[implementing a social media policy] won’t address every potential headache related to social media, but it will help to manage online discussions that are occurring during and after work hours by your own employees.”

The final element outlined by Master Park is to take action.  Social media is all about engagement and building relationships. To keep your business and your brand appropriately represented online you need to engage.  There is nothing worse than negative comments that go unanswered. 

Knowledge is power. To keep yourself and your business safe online, become aware, be proactive and take action.

Posted by Michele McClymont at 9:46 AM 0 Comments

Tags women entrepreneurs  women-owned businesses  Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba  self-defense  social media