Are you just dying to share the latest Jimmy Kimmel video with your co-workers?  While it might be okay to post it on Facebook, is it okay to post it on Chatter? One of the most common questions we get as Salesforce consultants is “How can we effectively leverage Chatter in our company?”  Here are our 10 do's and dont's for making the most of Salesforce Chatter:

Salesforce Chatter Tip 1: DON’T post that YouTube link of Jimmy Kimmel.
While Chatter may allow for a certain level of collaboration and camaraderie, Chatter is meant to provide information that would appeal to your entire company and ultimately increase productivity.  And while Jimmy Kimmel might provide great comic relief, it won’t enhance the company’s productivity - which is the idea behind Chatter. Not to mention, it might make you look like a slacker.

Salesforce Chatter Tip 2: DON’T write lengthy posts.
Quick, to-the-point and relevant.  That should be your guideline when posting on Chatter.  People don’t have time to read long-winded posts.

Salesforce Chatter Tip 3: DON’T get too personal.
You enjoy showing colleagues pictures of your frequent trips to Lake Tahoe. Now while you think it might be an easier way to show off your black diamond skills, don’t post it to Chatter. If it’s not relevant to your business or industry, don’t post it.

Salesforce Chatter Tip 4: DON’T like everything everyone in your company says and does.
Think of it as a beauty pageant.  They may all look fantastic and have AMAZING thoughts on world peace but only one of these fine ladies/gentlemen is walking away with the crown.  Treat your ‘likes’ as such, by rationing them out they have meaning to you and the person you dish out that crown to.

Salesforce Chatter Tip 5: DO post useful assets.
Did you just create an OMG-worthy presentation for a prospective client and think your colleagues could benefit from it?  Post it to Chatter.  Is there a new whitepaper or webcast your company is using to lure in clients? Absolutely share it.  Is there a thought leadership piece that you read about your industry?  Go for it - post it to Chatter. The more you can educate your employees about your business and industry, the better off your company.

Salesforce Chatter Tip 6: DO follow accounts and data.
Did you just get a new lead and you’re super excited about it?  Instead of asking your colleagues or obsessively logging into salesforce.com, just follow it on Chatter and anytime there is activity or changes made to the account, you will automatically be notified.