Evolv, a startup monitoring statistics of the Fortune 500 companies, has uncovered new data to support the employees’ use of social media at work. According [...]]]>

According to latest research, blocking use of social media networks is unhealthy for employee efficiency. The more social networks your employees use, the more productive they are likely to be.

Evolv, a startup monitoring statistics of the Fortune 500 companies, has uncovered new data to support the employees’ use of social media at work. According to their discovery, hourly employees who regularly use five or more social networks tend to make more sales, handle customers well, and remain on a job for longer (94 days tenure with an organization on average). On the other hand, people who avoid social networking tend to stay for only 83 days on average.

  It doesn’t, however, mean that using more social media necessarily makes you better at your job. The Evolv folks explain that it might as well be an indicator of computer literacy or sociability. The more people person you are, the better are going to be your marketing skills; the more sales you will make, and the more you would care for your customer’s satisfaction.

So which social networks are considered more productive for employee usage? Here are the top 5 networks (List made in random order) you should definitely allow at workplace.

1. Twitter

Twitter is very educational when it comes to professional use. It influences public opinion, improves brand awareness, and also helps find new customers. It is also ideal for special promotions. Thousands of people join Twitter each day forming a huge network of users for targeted marketing; an advantage that any professional can use to multiply his riches.

2. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is known as the “social network for business.” It is one of the biggest social platforms where professional services are offered for recruitment and executive search firms are able to find and contact talented individuals. It works like a powerful search tool which can also be used to collaborate with team members using shared projects and notes. For top level executives, the network works primarily for industry networking and promotion of business, whereas, for entry level employees, it is used for job search and networking with colleagues.

3. Google Plus

Google pages are different from Google profiles. They can be created for anything but target fans based on their location or role with your business (Partner, employee, customer) and so on. Professionals and brands can receive good fan following by using the hashtag feature. Best of all, it has a huge impact on Google search engine page results.

4. Facebook

The advantages of Facebook marketing are known to all. Any brand with a successful fan following and a lively page can accomplish many of its branding goals through it. Any post on products goes viral and half of the world would know about it within seconds. Marketers also have the option to pay for promotions and interact with customers through Facebook messaging. Facebook insights also help page managers to analyze their progress and fan following.

5. Pinterest

You may have used Pinterest to save items of personal interest but have you ever considered making a professional Pinterest Board and how it may be beneficial to your professional growth. It doesn’t matter what field you are in because you are sure to come across news articles, pictures, blogs, or tips that are applicable to your job. If you want, you can print it out and refer back to it regularly for inspiration. Moreover, it can be a great source for content.

So which social network, in your opinion, has more potential to affect your business? As always, we look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions on the subject.

When speaking of social media, the first thing [...]]]>

Lately, the popularity of social media has proliferated incredibly. Almost every individual (old and young) in today’s era has a social media profile, be it on Twitter, Pinterest, Stumble Upon etc. Social media serves an ideal medium of online interaction with family members, relatives, friends and colleagues.

When speaking of social media, the first thing that strikes our mind is FACEBOOK. It’s like both these terms are synonymous. Individuals spend countless hours on Facebook doing a variety of stuff such as chatting, updating statuses, posting/sharing photos and videos. But little do they know that their behavior and activities on this social network could consequently cost them an employment opportunity.

According to a research, many applicants are rejected because of their activities i.e. their comments, statuses, photos, and videos on Facebook. So the question that arises is:

Why Are Employers Interested In My Facebook Page?

Research indicates that employers ask applicants for their Facebook page, so as to evaluate their character and attitude by going through their Facebook profile. Moreover, surveys show that approximately 75% of employers investigate candidates’ profiles before recruiting them.

If the employer finds any sort of obscene or repulsive material linked to the applicant’s Facebook profile, he rejects him at once.

Lately, it has been observed that employers have made it compulsory for applicants to give their Facebook password, as part of the interview requirement. This is done so that the employers can gain access to information, which is invisible to other users such as chats etc. And again, if he finds anything thing outrageous, he may reject the applicant. Quite preposterous, isn’t it?

But Why Our Facebook Profile?

The question that prevails in the mind of those who have had this experience, and those who are yet to have it is, “Why do we have to be judged by our Facebook profile?”  Well according to the employers, the whole process of recruitment is quite expensive and risky too. Therefore, they need to collect as much information (of the applicant) as possible.

The employers also maintain that the practice of asking for passwords is not all “unethical”. They feel that researching on an applicant, before hiring him is highly necessary. And examining their profiles is a great way to have a background check.

Personal Opinion – Blatant violation of privacy

From the applicants’ perspective, this act is a blatant violation of privacy. Facebook is a social network where people share their personal views and opinions with their known ones. No employer has the right to meddle in someone’s social life. What applicants do on Facebook is totally none of their concern!

Professional and personal lives are two entirely different facets, and it would be better if the employers kept them that way. I’m sure you don’t those crazy things (the ones you do with your friends) in your professional life.

In all honesty, the practice of asking applicants their Facebook password and then appraising them according to the content found on the page is illegal, and downright preposterous.

What you do think about it? Do you feel this is ethical? You can express your thoughts in the comment box given below!

On the other hand, celebrities do their best to keep the fans updated with all their latest social [...]]]>

Celebrities, without a shadow of a doubt, are one of the most conspicuous and talked-about people on Facebook. The fans are frenetically obsessed with what they do, what their wear, who their date and so on.

On the other hand, celebrities do their best to keep the fans updated with all their latest social and professional activities, from status updates to snazzy pictures to videos.  So as to get that much needed “hype”.

In 2012, the social media giant (i.e. Facebook) was inundated with celebrity’s photos. Many of the photos were barely noticed. However, few of them experienced a phenomenal amount of exposure, with the numbers of likes reaching the sky.

Presented below is a collection of the most liked celebrity photos on Facebook, amidst 2012:

1. Barack Obama

2. Shakira

3. Mitt Romney

4. Taylor Swift

5. Justin Bieber

6. Michelle Obama

7. Eminem

8. Cristiano Ronaldo

9. Usher

10. Jackie Chan

11. Barack Obama

12. Rihanna

13. Vin Diesel

14. Roger Federer

15. Lil Wayne

16. Lady Gaga

17. Snoop Dogg

18. Metallica

19. Alicia Keys

20. Shakira