The social media realm has required us to have a different set of rules. Everything from strategy to implementation has changed. That even extends to who does what in which department. A blessing of a small agency is that everyone on our social media team works closely together. And while we are all pretty well versed in the ins and outs of each client, we’ve each individually got our niche.

But while we are all well versed in each client, we’ve got to have a back up plan to ensure that all necessary work gets completed (and done the right way) if the point person on the account is out sick or on vacation. Because in social media, there are no sick days.  So here’s how we do it.

1. Check the Driver’s Manual

First things first, you need the proper documents. We work in pretty close quarters here at Cyphers, but we can’t all know every minute detail of every client. That’s where our internal social media documents come in handy. We prepare them before launching a new client and it gives our team the tools each person might need if someone is MIA. They’ve got everything from social media tone and voice to answers to common questions.

2. Have a Snow Day Phone Tree

When someone is out sick, running late, or on vacation, a communication plan is vital to ensuring that work gets done (and that the person that is out can breathe easy). Okay, so maybe it isn’t your traditional phone tree, but there is enough communication so that someone can step up and into the missing person’s shoes. All necessary team members or account executives are included in this communication plan so everyone is on the same page. All in all, discuss a plan so that each person knows how their role is altered when someone else is out.

3. Rinse and Repeat

Your back up plans aren’t always going to go off without a hitch, but once you’ve been through it once or twice, you’ll be good to go. Make changes as necessary. Also, always think of the worst situation and plan accordingly. That way, should the worst happen, you’re more than prepared to deal with it.

Having a social media contingency plan in place helps ensure that all work gets done, all social networks are managed or maintained, and that nothing slips through the cracks. It can give a proactive peace of mind to a sometimes stressful agency setting.