Prologue

Part 1 of this post outlined some ways to avoid a social media debacle; but, hindsight is 20/20 (…just ask Nestlé) so this second part looks at some ways of handling/diffusing an ominous social media shit storm looming on the horizon.

 

Be good.

Companies have always had naysayers and critics, but with social media they are much more capable of connecting, mobilising and plotting their attack. So, if your company isn’t doing the right thing (as related to fair trade, employment, the environment), now might be a good time to reassess.

This is obviously easier said than done (particularly when it involves modifying major components of a business), but just realise that if you continue using unfavourable practices that you’ll likely come under fire for it.

 

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With the recent Nestlé vs. Greenpeace Facebook debacle and Kevin Smith live-tweeting as Southwest Airlines staff kicked him off a flight because he was deemed “too fat to fly”, some* predict 2010 will be the Year of the Social Media Crisis. (Y2.01K?!)


Here’s what’s happening:

Companies entering social media without an adequate understanding of the space, insufficient planning & resource allocation
+
Detractors, critics, angry consumers and mommy bloggers [*shiver*] are better able to mobilise and coordinate attacks against said companies
=
[cue doomsday music]

The perfect social media shit storm.


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