CSMA™ Code of Ethics
Part One: Definition of Certified Social Media Agent™
Section 1: Definitions
• CSMA™: CSMA’s™ partner with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that empowers them to maximize their sales and marketing capabilities using ethical Social Media and Social Networking techniques for the benefit of their clients and the real estate industry as a whole.
• A professional sales and marketing relationship: A professional sales and marketing relationship exists when a CSMA™ is representing buyers or sellers even if no written business agreement or contract that defines the responsibilities of each party.
• A CSMA (Certified Social Media Agent)™: An CSMA™ also agrees to practice the CSMA™ Professional Core Competencies and pledges accountability to the CSMA™ Code of Ethics.
Part Two: The CSMA™ Standards of Ethical Conduct
Preamble CSMA™ Certified Social Media Agents™ conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively upon the real estate sales and marketing profession; are respectful of different approaches to sales and marketing; yet recognize industry standards require them to uphold themselves the highest level of professional performance as possible. To this end CSMA™ Certified Social Media Agents™ follow proven methods of success achievement in the real estate sales profession and hold their staffs accountable to those standards as well as applicable laws and regulations.
Section 1: Professional Conduct At Large
As a Certified Social Media Agent™:
1) I will not knowingly make any public statement that is untrue or misleading about what I offer as a CSMA™, or make false claims in any written documents relating to the real estate sales and marketing profession or my credentials as a CSMA™.
2) I will accurately identify my Social Media Marketing and Networking qualifications, expertise, experience, certifications and CSMA™ Credentials.
3) I will recognize and honor the efforts and contributions of others and not misrepresent them as my own. I understand that violating this standard may leave me subject to legal remedy by a third party.
4) I will conduct myself in accordance with the CSMA™ Code of Ethics in all activities.
5) I will conduct and report research with competence, honesty, and within recognized scientific standards and applicable subject guidelines. My research will be carried out with the necessary consent and approval of those involved, and with an approach that will protect participants from any potential harm. All research efforts will be performed in a manner that complies with all the applicable laws of the country in which the research is conducted.
6) I will maintain, store, and dispose of any records created during my real estate business in a manner that promotes confidentiality, security, and privacy, and complies with any applicable laws and agreements.
7) I will use CSMA™ member contact information (e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, etc.) only in the manner and to the extent authorized by the CSMA™.
Section 2: Conflicts of Interest
As a professional Certified Social Media Agent™:
8 ) I will seek to avoid conflicts of interest and potential conflicts of interest and openly disclose any such conflicts. I will offer to remove myself when such a conflict arises.
9) I will disclose to my client and his or her advocate all anticipated compensation from third parties that I may pay or receive for referrals of that client.
10) I will only barter for services, goods or other non-monetary remuneration when it will not impair my professional relationship.
11) I will not knowingly take any personal, professional, or monetary advantage or benefit of the my client relationship, except by a form of compensation as agreed in the agreement or contract.
Section 3: Professional Conduct with Clients
As a professional Certified Social Media Agent™:
12) I will not knowingly mislead or make false claims about what my or my clients’ abilities or interests.
13) I will not give my prospective clients information or advice I know or believe to be misleading or false.
14) I will have clear written agreements or contracts with my clients. I will honor all agreements or contracts made in the context of all my professional relationships.
15) I will carefully explain and strive to ensure that, all the terms of my professional agreement or contract.
16) I will be responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern any relationship I may have with my clients or vendors.
17) I will suggest my client seek the services of other professionals when deemed necessary or appropriate.
Section 4: Confidentiality/Privacy
As a professional Certified Social Media Agent™:
18) I will maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality (when required) with all clients. I will have a clear agreement or contract before releasing information to another person, unless required by law.
19) I will have a clear agreement upon how information will be exchanged between me, my clients and any 3rd parties.
Part Three: The CSMA™ Pledge of Ethics
As an CSMA™ Professional Certified Social Media Agent™, I acknowledge and agree to honor my ethical and legal obligations to my clients, colleagues, and to the public at large. I pledge to comply with the CSMA™ Code of Ethics, and to practice these standards with those whom I represent.
If I breach this Pledge of Ethics or any part of the CSMA™ Code of Ethics, I agree that the CSMA™ in its sole discretion may hold me accountable for so doing. I further agree that my accountability to the CSMA™ for any breach may include sanctions, such as loss of my CSMA™ membership and/or my CSMA™ Credentials and de-listing from the CSMA™ data base.
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