''Win hearts and minds'' when using social network sites in business

More organisations are actively encouraging their staff to join a social network to improve internal and external communications.

Commenting on how these types of sites can be best integrated into a business, Huffington Post guest blogger Paula Berg said it is important that activities on sites such as Facebook and Twitter are managed effectively.

She explained the key is to have the right infrastructure in place, which involves allowing all areas of the business to have a say on the best way to use social network opportunities.

Ms Berg, who is a digital media leader at Linhart PR, said all social network-based communications must be geared towards winning "hearts and minds".

The expert added that using social media "isn''t always easy".

She explained: "Be willing to fight, to put yourself in some tough situations and to personally take it on the chin to protect and defend your company, both internally and externally."

Earlier this month, Dr Alison Parkes, senior lecturer in business information systems at the University of Melbourne, suggested more employers are trusting staff to use social network sites.

Initial concerns about safety and security are easing, she told news.com.au. Back