On Tuesday, May 22, we hosted a #ConnectChat featuring Ari Zoldan (@AriZoldan), CEO of Quantum Networks.

He discussed the various ways in which to protect yourself and your company, shared information on what is appropriate for a company and individual to do and not do, what should never be mentioned, as well as other useful information as it relates to social media privacy.

Please follow @profnet and @editorev on Twitter for more information on future chats or check back right here on ProfNet Connect for details.

 

 

ProfNet: Welcome & thank you for joining today’s #ConnectChat with @AriZoldan. This is Evelyn Tipacti, taking over @ProfNet for our #connectchat. Our guest today is Ari Zoldan, CEO of Quantum Networks. Today we'll be discussing best practices for social media privacy. Ari, please tell us about the work you do and some more about yourself.

 

AriZoldan: It's nice to be here today and joining the chat! I am the CEO of Quantum. We are a technology company based in NYC. I have been in the start-up space for over 10 years

 

WilsonCellular: Tuning into the #connectchat via @ProfNet. Heavy tweeting to ensue!

 

ProfNet: @WilsonCellular Welcome and thank you for joining #connectchat!

 

ProfNet: Most of us on here on #connectchat are on Facebook and obviously Twitter. Regarding FB, it's easy to share too much info. What should a business be aware of when using it?

 

AriZoldan: Most important rule on the web if you are involved with FB and your business, is always be professional with what you write. Always assume what you write on the web will never get erased and will always be available

 

WilsonCellular: @ProfNet Thank you! Excited to be here "listening." J

 

ProfNet: What are the risks of sharing "too much" on social network sites both professionally and personally?

 

AriZoldan: It's easy to forget that you are in a "public domain" when sharing on the web. You want to stay away from details about family. Always keep in mind that the web is available and open to everyone and anyone. Not much is "sacred" or off limits. Identity theft is on the rise and it makes it much easier today to obtain data from users.

 

WilsonCellular: Fine line with staying professional, but still having a personality.

 

AriZoldan: No doubt.

 

ProfNet: We hear about "privacy settings" but how should we be using them to protect our business interests?

 

AriZoldan: Read the fine print. It should be properly displayed on the site. If it's not, you are best to stay away. Make sure you set the proper filters and privacy setting to what you are comfortable with.

 

Ezmo22: How comfortable should we feel about giving basic information–or further, how should we feel about having "cookies" enabled?

 

ProfNet: @Ezmo22 Thanks for joining our #connectchat.

 

AriZoldan: It's a good question. Most of the time there's no need to disable cookie settings. But again, it's more about personal level of protection.

 

ProfNet: I've seen small companies discuss legal issues--what are the ramifications of doing this on a social network?

 

AriZoldan: Gathering information is great, but you want to make sure it's the correct information from the right source. People are happy to share "expert" advice more often then not. Most times they are not qualified to do so, so be aware.

 

BioMedicalDude: DANGEROUS....gives an easy roadmap even for junk lawyers to easily understand and follow.

 

ProfNet: Thanks to all for joining! If you have a question or comment, please make sure to include the #connectchat hashtag. Thanks!

 

ProfNet: Can a company "fix it" when they've shared too much information about themselves?

 

AriZoldan: Typically not. Once it's on the web it's very hard to take it back, but there are things that you can do to bury the data.

 

Jeanette_Rod: Twitter accounts can be verified to ensure authenticity. How can one be sure of the authenticity of a Facebook page?

 

AriZoldan: The level of security for both Facebook and Twitter I would say are the same. Most social media companies today are focusing on security.

 

ProfNet: Ari, although it may seem obvious, what should never be disclosed on a company's social media account?

 

AriZoldan: Family is always off limits and where you live are a no-go. Bank details, credit card information and date of birth would be considered very dangerous. Stay away from giving details about yours or your family birthdays.

 

Jeanette_Rod: How often should a biz update their social media sites without seeming overbearing to its audience/customers?

 

AriZoldan: I would say the general rule is 3 times a day. But it should be very relevant. People want information that's quality versus quantity.

 

WilsonCellular: @Jeanette_Rod I would say it greatly depends on the social media outlet you are using and your audience.

 

RonFinberg: What's your point of view on foursquare and revealing real time data of where you are?

AriZoldan: It's all about comfortable level. If you have nothing to hide or don't have any concerns, FourSquare is a GREAT network

 

ProfNet: Hello @RonFinberg!

 

ProfNet: Marketing is becoming increasingly popular on social media as organizations learn to use it for that purpose, but when does it become a privacy concern in trying to gather too much from a user?

 

AriZoldan: Companies should stay away from collecting "bad data" from users. Anything spammy is seen as bad business practice. Companies should have policies in place about collecting only opt-in data. Anything else can become a legal issue.

 

ProfNet: Ari, what can a company do to increase user privacy and increase customer loyalty and satisfaction?

 

AriZoldan:  You want to build confidence in your customer base. You want people to feel safe and secure. Social media is a very powerful tool. Used correctly, it can add some real value to your business model and overall branding. There is a lot of information on the web on how to effectively utilize social media for your business and show an ROI for your brand. We are at the genesis of social media. It will evolve and take new forms like advanced location based services soon.

 

ProfNet: The lack of government regulation increases the risk for customers who use social media -- what can they do to keep safe?

 

AriZoldan: Government has become more aware of issues as it relates to social media and protocols. We want to limit government intervention. The web is still in its infancy, much is needed to be worked through as a standard. I consider the web and social media an entrepreneur's playground. Changing passwords every 30 days on all your social media sites and email accounts will help insure additional security.

 

ProfNet: Ari, what do companies gain from gathering information about users?

 

AriZoldan: Tons. We can learn about the demographics of the user and buying patterns. More often than not, the data can be worth more then the actual service or product the person is buying. However you must be careful. Most data is bought and sold several times over.

 

ProfNet: Wow, that's incredible. I have to say I'm a marketer's dream because when I get the 25% off card in the mail for my birthday from one of my favorite stores, I almost always end up purchasing and spending. It works.

 

ProfNet: Equally, how can a small company or large corporation protect their data?

 

AriZoldan: There are many third party companies that focus on data protection. That industry is growing hence the great demand. Many services are out there that focus on this sector and are priced well. BBB and Verisign are 2 companies that people should look at.

 

ProfNet: What should companies watch out for when using the big 3--FB, Twitter and LinkedIn?

 

AriZoldan: Protect your data, it's your most powerful asset; change your passwords every 30 days; be professional and have proper content. People like visual content like photos or videos.

 

ProfNet: Yes, a lot of people don't change their passwords or they use really obvious ones. Not good.

 

ProfNet: Ari, how can companies handle human error? It happens all the time: poor judgment, carelessness, etc.?

 

AriZoldan: The best thing is not to bring it back up again. People have short memories.

 

ProfNet: Overall, what is both appropriate and inappropriate for a business to do regarding social media?

 

AriZoldan: Don't use foul language or bad taste photos. Its turns people off. When selling a product or service, always make a great impression on the web or in person. On the web the opportunity is massive to build a great business.

 

ProfNet: With that said, how can a company build their business with social media? 

 

AriZoldan: You need a plan, purpose and following. Build your audience, followers and fans. Set milestones and goals, learn to harness social media!

 

ProfNet: Ari, thank you for a wonderful and very informative #connectchat and thanks to all of our participants this afternoon. Good evening.

 

AriZoldan: It's been great fun and thank you @editorev.

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