Purist vs. Corporate

I just attended a great meeting on social media this morning. One of the many topics discussed included a major focus on where does social media sit (or not sit) inside a company. This has been a struggle for me personally at my former company as there was too much concern on the impact of the message.... would it offend a customer, would it offend a partner, don't express personal views or share personal information.

To me those are the ingredients for a healthy, productive and social environment.....dialogue and engagement....pure.

There were a number of comments/suggestions that really hit home for me that I want to capture here:

Purist vs. Corporate. Ask your company the question...do they want a transaction relationship where you show up, do your job, get paid and go home? Or do they want a engaged relationship where you build friends, share ideas, and share experiences. Both are okay but both cannot mutually exist within one another (it more difficult for a purist to thrive in a corporate environment).

Work does not end I walk out the door. Nor should my personal life when i walk in the door.

An engaged community that is pure and believes will moderate itself. There is no need for corporate governance in the Social Media plan(s).

You can't have a Social Media department.....you are either social (purist) or not.

A guiding council lets you off the hook.

I am claiming any of these statements as they were shared by individuals at the MSP SMB (Social Media Breakfast).