How to gain permission/clearance to use social media within your practice?

Gaining permission to utilising social media to engage with young people online can be a challenge as ‘some’ organisations and managers are resistant due to lack of knowledge or experience of social media. Also as it’s such a new methodology to engage with young people funds may have not been allocated in current annual budgets to invest in exploring the potential and possibilities of social media.

Below I have blogged about my experience, the lesson learnt and recommendations for success. The below information/recommendations for some practitioners maybe very simplicity but for me the over task was overwhelming so I broke it down to manageable individual steps. These are just suggestions, take what you need…

Step 1

Grow a thick skin and don’t take the rejection personally. Try another tacit or another person. Some times a person may say no, then yes at a later date – patience, patience, patience….

Step 2

From my experience I had to identify allies, who within the orgainsation whom had an understanding of social media and possible future applications. Ask around!

Step 3

Questions that I consider and prepare answers for each step of the way:

• What is my business plan? Proposal.
• What am I asking for? Break it down to simple steps
• What information needs to go it my initial e-mail/phone call/brief meet up?
• Whom am I presenting the information too?
• What information do they require?
• How to present the information in their ‘language/working culture’?
• Are they analytical and need figures, statistics, case studies or articles?
• What are their fears/concerns?
• What questions/concerns will their manager identify?
• What case studies/examples do I need to present or sign post to?
• Are there existing polices, guidelines and reports to support the proposal?
• Which websites to I need to signpost them to?
• What information needs to include in the follow up e-mail; websites, blog links, film clips and reports
• How to evaluate the project
• Who will supervise?

Step 4

Whenever possible I tried to identify the level of knowledge and experience of social media of managers then from that point develop my proposal in gaining permission to further explore future possibilities and aspirations in utilising social media. Identifying the starting point allows you to identify concerns/questions which then allows you to identify possible solutions to present. It’s important to listen to others suggestions of solutions and concepts as it then becomes a collaborative process and shared task – by default they then ‘buy’ into the concept/proposal.

Step 5

Drip feed the information – you need to give people time to absorb the information, reflect and evaluate how it relates to their role and understand what you’re requesting.

Brief sells pitch example;

If you work in the same office building seek the person out and drop into the conversation:

“What are your thoughts on social media?”.

Give a 2/3 min pitch on our thoughts on the possibilities and applications.

Finish off conversations ‘ I’ll send you an e-mail with some more information, be good to meet again and further discuss possible applications.’

Step 6

Then SEND the e-mail, soon as possible - (not too long- will not get read!).

Repeat your your pitch include web links to support your proposal.

End e-mail that you shall be in contact to book an appointment for 20 mins to further discuss the possibilities and concept.

do e-mail them and book an appointment

If possible try and invite another colleague who supports the proposal

Step 7

‘What’s in it for them?’ – Sells pitch!

This is my personal view and admittedly cynical but in my experience there needs to be a ‘payoff/gain’ for individuals/groups to complete support a concept/proposal. People want solutions to make their work less stressful, take less time and meet the targets quicker (the joys of capitalist society.) Now you’re going to think I’m really cynical, you need to acknowledge & engage the inner ego of the person you need support/permission/funds – listen to them, allow them to express their fears and ask them what could be possible solutions. People don’t like to feel being put at an disadvantage or weakness. Acknowledge their expertise & experience and their contribution by supporting the proposal. Break it down to small bite size tasks.

Step 8

Keep trying! It will take twice as long as you think to get everything cleared and given the go ahead, but it’s worth it. I hope this has been a help, good luck.