Recently I isssued the following policy suggestion to my agency. Amazingly enough, I received very little negative feedback and actually was complimented for allowing departments reason to refuse "marketeers" from pressuring them into a relationship. I know NIGP philosophically allows some partnering but it may be time to reconsider our views or at least address the potential pitfalls of social media. Just thinking here....
Rey
MEMO ISSUED TO AGENCY
Good Day All:
Effective salespersons value each and every contact made within the monolithic walls of big government (yes that is partially us at GBA). They find many creative ways to “boost their contacts” and show their bosses that their work is valuable. Salespersons cannot be blamed for what they do, after all it is their livelihood. One clever and modern way that they do this is by latching on to your social media sites and “friending” you on these various social media service providers.
A most apparently innocuous social medium source is LinkedIn. LinkedIn bills itself as the “world’s largest professional network!” “300 Million strong!” The perfect way to build your career – and guess what, it’s FREE! (Now, think, what did your mama say about “free things”?) Anyway, public procurement professionals have always shied away from the perception of non-neutrality. Thus, if we engage vendors or potential vendors on social media, it is my opinion that we violate this basic tenet of my profession, i.e., to keep vendors at arm’s length and in a solely professional business relationship. Thus, I plan to recommended to our profession’s governing bodies that procurement professionals develop and accept a policy against accepting social media invites from persons or companies with which we currently are or may be doing business with in the future. GBA's procurement policy revision and training will also address this matter. Therefore, this basic premise I would also recommend to all GBA employees: Please refuse “friending” vendors and contractors. The appearance of impropriety will grow with unbridled familiarity. It is best to avoid such perceptions.
Thanks and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any comments or questions about this matter.
Rey