I wrestled with the subtitle of this blog and went back and forth a few times which is why the about page makes no mention of this as I write this post.  But I feel that I can wrap up all want to do here with this simple title.

I am a huge Quentin Tarantino fan and the line comes from the last scene in 1994’s Pulp Fiction, one of my favorite movies of all time.  The character of Jules Winnfield played by the legendary Samuel L. Jackson utters this line (its actually, “tryin’ real hard to be the shepherd”) in the dinner scene as he talks down a pair of armed robbers from making out with his boss’ briefcase rather than trying to kill them. His character is a hitman in the movie could have easily killed them.

Jules at the start of the movie is like much of traditional marketing and promotion, just trying to get the quick sale (the easy kill) or trick you.  Bang bang, another promotion, another conversion, another profit collected.  I see new Jules as what Chris Brogan refers to as human business.  Relationships and being human should come first for individuals and businesses.

At one point in the conversation with the robber Jules even utters,  “I don’t want to kill you, I want to help you”.

“Trying to be the shepherd” is about making a meaningful change (trying to become a better version of yourself or your business).  I want to empower you or your business by sharing in my experiences and thoughts.

Here is the complete ending scene.  If you have scene it, watch it again but think about what I wrote here. (Warning: tons of explicit language)

human business, marketing, merille, new media, pulp fiction, shepherd, social media, tarantino Hide

“We need a Social Media Policy”

Why.

This is the most important question that an organization should ask themselves. Because the answer to this question will dictate the nature of the policy.

If the reason stems from a control issue, wanting to ensure content which is not sanctioned is not created, then the policy will be of no use.  The very nature of social media dictates that it not be vetted, sanctioned or filtered.  It is afterall, real conversations by real people.

The policy should provide a guideline and as in the case of IBM’s policy, it should refer back to a business conduct policy if one exists.  Technology does not change the ethics of interacting with others.  Online or off, people should be treated with respect and employees should take ownership and responsibility over their actions.

Make sure to take a look at  Sharlyn Lauby’s article on the 10 Must-Haves for your Social Media Policy. She referenced two great policy examples. The IBM policy (referenced above) and a shorter example by Headset Bros embedded below.

The Headset Bros policy is a great example for a small to medium size business.  It embraces the nature of Social Media by asking employees to go out and join as many networks/communities as they like.

The only thing I would add is something specific to the employee representing themselves online. There are cases where a network, such as facebook, requires a profile to interact with a group and there is no language in the policy about representing the company via your profile as well.

Bottom Line: The Golden Rule should be a part of every social media policy.

HEADSET BROS – SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

marketing, new media, policy, social media, social media policy, web Hide