Social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter have become widely used by both employees and bosses. While there is debate on whether bosses and employees should be “friends” on these sites, managers should follow a few simple guidelines in maintaining their online presence.

• Follow your company’s workplace technology policy. The policy should include specific wording that bans disparaging remarks about the company. If you need a workplace technology policy in your handbook, please contact Nextep’s HR Department.
• Consider your audience. If you mention your company’s name in your profile or other posts, do not post strong political views, curse words, or offensive photos since they can be linked back to your company. Be sensitive of any posts that might offend coworkers as well.
• Restrict access to your information. Users have the ability to restrict access to their posts and photos from the general public or from specific users.
• Use it to your company’s advantage. Consider creating a company profile for professional information about your company. Many progressive companies are using these sites to recruit prospective employees, attract customers, build their brand, and enhance traditional media coverage. Since this site would be a representation of your company, it should only be developed with full approval from the executives and include no personal posts.