I just came across this blog post saying that 74% of employees think Social Media can hurt your companies reputation.


That is the absolutely wrong question to ask.

You should be asking how can social media improve the company's reputation AND build our employees brands!

Social media is a powerful tool and big companies need to stop looking at it from the negative perspective. Social Media on the web is no different (ok, there is one BIG difference) than going down to the pub and talking about your day at work. You can whine about your boss or share your excitement about your new project. The people you are talking to at the pub will now form opinions about your company based on what this employee says. For better or for worse. The only real difference is that Social Media is global and instant.

Keep your employees happy and engaged and teach them how to use social media wisely. That is the only recipe for success.