It’s 2015. Social media has merged the lines between journalism, real-time information and entertainment. For women, it’s turned into everything from a newsfeed to a fashion and fitness gallery to a gossip crack symposium, if you will.
These days you can find anything about anyone you need to know (including prospective employers, employees, friends, coaches, or potential business partners) on the internet or via a social search. Are they neat and tidy with their profiles or do they have everything but the kitchen sink accessible through Google Images?
[Tweet “These days you can find anything about anyone you need to know on the internet or via a social search…”]In a time where personal and professional lines are continually blurred, here are a few quick pointers to keep yourself out of trouble and your digital leadership in a respectable state.
DO
- Remember that your comments, tags, photos, videos, content and posts will follow you through your Digital Shadow for a long, long time
- Treat your online presence as though the information you dispel will be making the front page of the New York Times. Before you post, ask yourself, “Would my grandma approve of this? What would the headline read if this made breaking news?”
- Leverage online relationship to their full potential. If you’re passionate about a fitness brand or new movie coming out, give them a shoutout. It shows personality behind the profile.
- Consider your tone. Before you post, ask yourself, “Is there a nicer way I could phrase this?”
- Do not post anything negative.
- This bolsters two areas above, the digital shadow and tone points. This stands out like a Cowgirl at a Korn concert. If you need a place to vent about a personal relationship or bad interaction, write a diary or consult a therapist, DO NOT USE THE INTERNET AS YOUR FORUM. It is a tactless way to annoy and pique others to start a gossip wildfire about you. Ranting about a brand experience is a different story. Ranting about how you feel mistreated and unappreciated in your personal relationships really does nothing good for you on the internet.
- Always reply to Internet Thugs; even if they’re being ratchet. If someone leaves a bad review or gives their opinion on something that hurts your feelings… It’s okay. Your reply should be something to the effect of, “Hey thanks for reaching out and taking notice that my top doesn’t match my outfit and I’ve got spinach in my teeth in that photo. Whoops!” You have to maintain a sense of humor when navigating online.
DON’T
- Selfie overload. I’m not against one or two flattering pictures every now and again, but every day, really? It’s said that individuals that post continuous selfies are looking for self gratification and confidence boosters (likes and comments) because they feel insecure in that department. This will be a major turnoff to a potential employer or business partner if they skim your Instagram and notice a gallery of selfies in every filter. Please, do not do it.
- Post everything about your schedule or how busy your life is. Clearly if you’re that busy, then giving a bullet point list of your chores for the day means you may have too much time on your hands.
- Don’t overshare personal information. Most people are scrolling their news feed for something useful, entertaining, or engaging. Hearing about Little Tommy writing on the bathroom door with permanent marker or how you hope your appearance doesn’t upset “that one person” really isn’t a reflection of their character, it’s a reflection of yours. No one really wants to know about your sad breakup, so walk this line with diplomacy.
- Ask your audience to do something without being genuine. Asking for prayers every other post makes you come across as desperate and can be a turn off to a lot of people.
- Don’t hashtag overload. Hashtags are a fun, digital trend that are being utilized more and more to hone in on different search items. However, when it comes to your brand, #please #dont #do #this. #It #looks #dumb #and #dilutes #your #message.
Your turn: What are your biggest social media pet peeves? Tell me in the comments!