Navigating the social media maze: pain points for surveyors

I have started analysing the results of the social media survey that many of you so kindly completed for me (thank you 🙏). This week, I wanted to share some of the themes and pain points revealed in the results.

For surveyors, social media provides an invaluable platform for sharing insights, building a professional network, and even acquiring new clients. We will explore these challenges in depth, ranging from legal constraints like GDPR to soft issues like fear of criticism with a focus on LinkedIn as this is certainly the favourite platform for surveyors! 😁

Sharing defect photos of properties (on LinkedIn): A GDPR quagmire

The challenge.

Defect photos of properties can be incredibly informative, serving as real-world case studies that provide invaluable learning points for both students and seasoned surveyors. However, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes strict rules on what can be shared, especially if it can be traced back to specific individuals or addresses.

Possible solutions

Anonymise data: Before posting photographs, ensure all identifiable meta data (like location) is removed. From what I understand, LinkedIn automatically removes location data from photos uploaded to LinkedIn posts. I'm also aware that it doesn't do this when you send a photo via direct message on LinkedIn! Though I think it's pretty safe to post images on LinkedIn, I'd recommend removing the metadata.

Do not share photos that clearly identify a property address. Think about landmarks, bus stops, signage and basically anything that helps someone to identify a location. Also, consider tools like Google Lens https://lens.google/ where you can upload an image and it will identify the location! Test the image first to see if it locates the area/address.

Client consent: A foolproof way to avoid GDPR complications is to obtain written consent from property owners, explicitly stating what will be shared and where. I know this is tricky, but...

Note: I have read some GDPR guidelines including those provided by RICS, but if anyone else has any other sources of guidance please do get in touch. It is a common pain point for surveyors - to post or not to post!

Fear of criticism: The double-edged sword of peer review

The challenge.

The surveying industry thrives on shared knowledge, networks and experience. Yet, the fear of being criticised or judged by peers can be demoralising and frustrating. This is a comment a number of surveyors made in response to my social media survey. I have seen this judgement countless times on LinkedIn over the years and there are certainly strong opinions in the surveying world. Nothing wrong with opinions, but patronising, ridiculing and arrogant behaviours are unacceptable. This prevents surveyors from discussing defects or complex cases that could benefit the community at large, which is a shame. LinkedIn is a very public platform so I can also see why surveyors are wary, but I don't think that should stop you!

Possible solutions

Private Groups: Utilise closed or private LinkedIn groups specific to the surveying industry, where members tend to be more supportive and collaborative. Use private groups on other platforms or establish a Whatsapp group (I know a lot of people do this).

Engage through questions: When discussing defects or complex cases, end your post with a question that invites professional input. For example, you might say, "Has anyone encountered a similar issue, and how did you resolve it?" or "What are the industry's best practices for a defect like this?" Asking questions can turn the post into a learning opportunity for everyone, reducing the focus on you and making it a collective conversation.

By opening the floor to collective wisdom, you shift the focus from judgment to shared learning, encouraging a more collaborative and respectful dialogue.

Above all, just do it. Be brave. The more people do it, the more others will follow. Let's create a more supportive space.

I loved this surveyor's response to one of my social media survey questions.

"There is always someone who misunderstands your post and trolls you regardless. Don't let this deter you. There will always be thousands of people who love and welcome your ideas."

Very true.

Present a Balanced View: When discussing defects or complex cases, present multiple perspectives or solutions, even those you may not agree with. For example, you could say, "There are various schools of thought on how to address this defect. Some recommend X, while others advocate Y. Both have their merits and drawbacks."

By acknowledging that there's more than one way to approach a problem, you're inviting a more open and balanced discussion. This can reduce criticism likelihood but also elevate the conversation to a more professional and educational level.

Employer Restrictions: What not to post on social media as an employee?

The challenge.

Employer-imposed restrictions can be a stumbling block. Companies have social media policies that employees are either unaware of or find too ambiguous, leading to self-censorship and reduced online engagement.

There were quite a few survey respondents who mentioned this issue, including trainees. Many were not clear on what they could or couldn't do and policies vary greatly across companies making it confusing and vague for many. They therefore don't bother, which is understandable.

Possible solutions

Consult employer policies: Familiarise yourself with your organisation's social media guidelines. When in doubt, consult your HR department or manager for clarification.

Seek approval: If a post could be considered sensitive, it's prudent to seek pre-approval to avoid any potential backlash or conflict with employer policies.

If you are an employer: when employees post on social media in a professional and positive manner, it reinforces and elevates the employer's brand. This can turn employees into valuable brand ambassadors who attract potential candidates and clients alike. Here are some ways employers can support their employees in this endeavour:

Social Media Training

Employees need social media training to post engaging, relevant, and compliant content.

How It Helps the Brand: Well-trained employees are less likely to make social media blunders that could harm the company's reputation. They are more likely to post content that aligns with company values and objectives.

Clear guidelines and policies

A well-defined social media policy can offer a framework within which employees can freely and confidently post.

How It Helps the Brand: Clear guidelines eliminate the guesswork and anxiety around what is or isn't acceptable to post, allowing employees to contribute more freely to the company's online presence.

Encourage employee-generated content

Employers can encourage employees to write about their experiences, projects, and success stories at the company, offering them a platform to share these stories.

How It Helps the Brand: Authentic employee-generated content can provide valuable and relatable insight into the company's culture, making it attractive to potential candidates.

When employees post regularly on platforms like LinkedIn in a professional and positive manner, it creates a virtuous cycle. It not only establishes them as thought leaders in their respective domains but also augments the company's brand image as an industry leader. This attracts high-quality talent and opportunities.

Other pain points

There are a number of other pain points for surveyors such as having the time to post across social media, understanding the value of social media for their business, keeping up to date with social media platforms changes (e.g. algorithms), what tools to use etc. If you ever want a quick informal chat to discuss your social media challenges please get in touch - call me on 07810 293038 or email me at nina@watershippropertysurveys.com. I can offer monthly support or one-off consultancy to get you started.

P.S. I'm also interested in hearing from those who provide all areas of CPD to the surveying industry or any sources you can recommend, free or paid. Thank you!