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The Ajax Guidelines The question is not whether you are representing Ajax or not, because in today’s world, you’re always representing the company… just like you’re always representing your family or your alma mater. The question is, does this situation require a professional protocol or a personal one? And how should you adjust? The following should help: When a professional protocol applies Be all things to all people? Probably a bad idea. If you find yourself caught between multiple audiences, prioritize people who “own” the brand (or employer brand) for their company. In terms of industries, media, financial services, staffing/recruiting, and software/tech get first dibs. You’re a part of a bigger whole. Follow the Ajax voice so we can leverage one another. When in doubt, be straightforward. We’ll make ‘em, we’ll own ‘em. Just remember that it’s me on the line at the end of the day. If you make a mistake trying to do what’s right for Ajax, I’ve got your back. If you put yourself above the company and get caught, I won’t have your sleepless night. We’ve got a plan and we stick to it. Having a designated individual coordinating and facilitating posts ensures that we can be nimble, responsive and inclusive without getting sidetracked from our message. So if you’ve got something to say, let’s get your message queued up! One thing, though: bring your best. This is big dog country. Ajax speaks about Workforce Marketing. This includes subtopics of branding/ messaging, change management, alignment, internal communications, marketing, sales, recruiting, HR, org design, and framing. When a personal protocol applies Again, trying to be all things to all people? Bad idea. One of the things that makes Ajax great is the diversity of personality within our walls. Be true to yourself and “Let your freak flag fly,” as Joe Gerstandt would say. (Worth looking him up, btw.) The person you are was good enough to get you hired, so keep it going! Be you. Follow nobody. Your mistakes are just about the only thing you will ever create that others won’t try to take credit for. Make them, learn from them, apologize for them, and move forward. Use Buffer. Don’t send edgy content like “This city is boring” on the heels of an airport check in. And really watch yourself during work hours. One former employee rescheduled a client call and then tweeted from a hair salon during the original call time. The client was pissed. So was I. She’s not here anymore. You make movies? Play drums? Entertain? Volunteer at your local pet shelter? Bring the awesome, let’s hear about it! You love your work at Ajax? Then get profersonal™ and share that, too! If it’s a part of who you are, then share it! If work is a minor subplot in your life, then don’t! Whoever you are, be the whole you! Audience Personality Mistakes Timing Content
