Steve Stromberg
President of SmartyPantsConsulting, a professional development and corporate training company based in Minneapolis, Minn.
Pinterest – You're Probably Breaking the Law
August 16, 2012
The hottest thing on the Web right now (and there’s always a hottest thing, right?) is Pinterest. It has been reported that Pinterest is currently driving more business referrals than the top few social media sites and for most businesses, it simply came out of nowhere.
The Pinterest model is certainly nothing complicated. As you navigate your daily web activities you post images to a board using the “pin it” button or upload from a computer or smart phone. You have to request an invitation to Pinterest or be invited by someone who’s already a member.
Once registered, you can develop and maintain themed-based image boards covering a variety of topics, food or home furnishings, for example. Friends and associates can then comment and “like” the images.
Of course, most Pinterest image boards are loaded with copyrighted material. These can include photos and art which are legally owned by individuals and corporations and protected by U.S. Copyright laws. You have most likely posted protected content many times and never thought a thing about it.
So, who cares? All publicity is good, right? Companies, artists, and writers should be honored that their work and products are being popularized, right?
Most are, but those that aren’t, can turn to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and request that Pinterest remove their protected content. Individual users do the posting and for now the Pinterest model works beautifully. Individual users would be nearly impossible to pursue (although it has been done in music file sharing instances) so you and your Pinterest pals are fine.
When it comes to creating a board on behalf of your company, I recommend these two important steps before you starting pinning:
1. Make sure that you own or have approval to pin the images you’re using.
** For instance,if you have images of an exhibit from a trade show, you may need to speak to the company to see if they’ll allow you to post the photo (even if they are a client).
2. The Federal Trade Commission is watching closely, so don’t create “fake customers.”
**If your employees are posting positive feedback about the photo they should reveal that they are employed by your company.
Pin away.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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