Posts filed under 'Messages from Stuart'
FTC Guides Suggest Social Media Policies and Procedures Might Reduce Liability Risks
At the onset of this post, I want to be very clear that I am not intending to send fear coursing through the veins of senior management nor should this be construed as a “let’s all find another reason to fear social media”.
Quite conversely, part of leveraging a strong social media business strategy is ensuring the appropriate operational controls are in place. Policies, standardized practices and process are a responsible part of any business strategy and the business strategy of social media should be no exception.
This week, potential liability regarding the use of social media hit home as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released new Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. Essentially, the new guides will work to ensure a higher level of honesty and transparency in the use of the social web for the purpose of marketing in terms of “pay to say” disclosure and factual representations.
Though I am not a lawyer (nor have I ever played one on TV) and always encourage consultation with legal counsel, I did read through the 81 page FTC document yesterday and came across an important consideration which I don’t believe has been adequately highlighted. That consideration is the liability an employer faces for the actions of employees engaging in social media activities either within or outside the scope of their work responsibilities. The FTC addresses this scenario in response to a question which appears to have arisen during an open comment period relating to employer liability. Below is a verbatim excerpt from the FTC’s response:
“…although the Commission has brought law enforcement actions against companies whose failure to establish or maintain appropriate internal procedures resulted in consumer injury, it is not aware of any instance in which an enforcement action was brought against a company for the actions of a single “rogue” employee who violated established company policy that adequately covered the conduct in question… The Commission does not believe, however, that it needs to spell out the procedures that companies should put in place to monitor compliance with the principles set forth in the Guides; these are appropriate subjects for advertisers to determine for themselves, because they have the best knowledge of their business practices, and thus of the processes that would best fulfill their responsibilities.” see page 48 of the complete FTC document for full text
What this means is it is time to create social media policies and practices within your organization which carefully balance innovative business uses of social media with clear lines drawn on unacceptable practices.
While it is my intention to use my Association 2020 blog to add value to our community rather than endlessly promote my consulting practice, Social Frequency Media Communications, this is one instance where I want everyone to know that social media internal policy and procedure development is a core part of my services. Click here to learn more about Social Frequency Media Communications or feel free to contact me directly at stuart@socialfrequency.net.
Add comment October 9, 2009
Association Publishing Magazine Features Stuart Meyer in September/October 2009 Issue
My advance apologies for the dreadfully ego-centric sounding headline above. I simply wanted to make sure this posting was optimized for search engine results… or “SEO” as it is called… which translates into posting views and insures that this story might reach a wider audience.
As many of you know, I’ve spent the second half of this year making the transition toward living and sustaining my life purpose. This wonderful article, written by the very talented Carla Kalogeridis, provides a deeper perspective on how I am working to translate my humbling gifts and talents into my daily vocation as composer, filmmaker and not-for-profit social media consultant.
Earlier this year, as a step along this journey, I voluntarily composed a theme song (click here to listen) for the Association Forum to be used as a source of motivation for all the not-for-profit association professionals out there who have weathered a very difficult year. The title of the theme song is “Go the Distance” which pretty much says it all to anyone from any walk of life who has endured this year of economic heartbreak and setbacks.
Within the past couple of months, I was contacted by Association Publishing Magazine about their interest in writing an article about the story behind this piece of music. If you click here you can read the full article.
As the journey continues, I also invite you to support my current documentary film project, Imprévu – The Kenneth von Heidecke Story, which is an inspiring story about a blue-collar Midwestern kid from Chicago who faces unimaginable triumph and tragedy in pursuing professional and international acclaim in the world of ballet.
When I first met Ken, I knew this was a powerful story that had to be told in a way that is as uniquely creative and as beautifully artistic as his life. This film will not be your typical documentary, but rather an emotive and inspiring cinematic journey that well leave audiences reflecting, and hopefully acting upon their own inexhaustible purpose and calling in life.
Please join the official Imprévu film group on Facebook by clicking here where you can read our production diary dating back to 2008, listen to clips of film music I’ve composed and see our growing collection of production photos. I also welcome you to spread the word.
Add comment September 14, 2009
2009 ASAE Annual Meeting Opens with a Bang in Host City Toronto
For those who may not know, the 2009 ASAE Annual Meeting is taking place this week in Toronto. I was on hand for half the meeting and must say both ASAE and the host city of Toronto have pulled out all of the stops this year. From volunteer leadership and networking to education and new business tools, the ASAE Annual Meeting brings together our community to experience what being an association executive is all about.
For those who weren’t able to attend or for those looking to re-live or share the experience of the opening reception, I happened to capture some rough video from my iPhone of the exciting pyro fireworks finale, which features the 4 Canadian Tenors, which you can view below.
Social media is a conversational business strategy, not just a set of tactics. Looking to develop and/or manage the right approach ? At Social Frequency Media Communications we help your association join its future… already in progress. For more information, visit www.socialfrequency.net .
Add comment August 17, 2009
My Thanks to SCSAE Annual Meeting Attendees and Leadership
I want to send out a special hello and expression of gratitude to the attendees of the 2009 South Carolina Society of Association Executives (SCSAE) Annual Conference as well as the leadership and staff of SCSAE, especially Executive Director Keely Yates. It was truly an honor to be in the presence of such a talented and devoted group of association professionals.
I also want to commend the Isle of Palms Wild Dunes Resort just outside of Charleston, South Carolina for providing such a wonderful and vibrant environment for SCSAE’s Annual Conference.
During this week’s conference, I had the opportunity to co-present a general session and CEO breakout session covering the development of volunteer and participation strategies, building upon key findings from ASAE and the Center for Association Leadership’s Decision to Volunteer study.
I also want to personally thank my experienced and knowledgeable co-presenter, Ron McNally, CAE, ASAE and the Center’s Chief Community & Volunteer Relations Officer.
In addition to the covering the key findings and implications of Decision to Volunteer, we also explored a framework for how to institutionalize a volunteer and participation strategy, focusing on volunteer activity audits, volunteer profiling/data management, recruitment techniques, volunteer placement, recognition and establishing a leadership pipeline.
We also discussed how “Social Media is Like Volunteerism on Steroids” emphasizing the importance of participant engagement, conversations, relationship-building and understanding that it’s okay to “lose control” with the proper goals and “rules of engagement”. To SCSAE Immediate Past President David Herndon’s delight, we also considered how the science of chemistry provides an analogy for how social media will strengthen our association’s sphere.
To the attendees reading this post, I invite you to comment below or follow-up with me directly if you have any more questions or observations to share. Beyond that, I truly hope our paths will cross again as we continue to build a strong future for associations.
Add comment June 16, 2009
Welcome to Association 2020
Greetings everyone. I’ve been working within the Twine beta for the past four months under a twine named “Association of the Future”. During this past week I’ve been at the 2008 ASAE Annual Meeting and have decided to move the blog side of my twine into a WordPress blog. I’ll have many thoughts and ideas to share with our community. In addition, I’ll be weaving in the same from other thought leaders within the association world.
Association 2020 is not only a reference to the future, but also an emphasis on navigating toward the future with clear 20/20 vision. We can only achieve such clarity through sharing, as a community of association professionals, our experiences, thoughts, observations and analysis to connect where we’ve been to where we are heading as an industry.
Onward & Upward!
Stuart
Add comment August 19, 2008
