In today’s busy and especially technology-driven world, it’s often not too hard to forget that when we add something to our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts, it can have major repercussions.
Our posts to social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram may not necessarily be written in stone, but they do not go away and can come back to cause major issues.
Diane Gottsman, national etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas, joins us to explain in “no geek-speak” terms how you can use social media without it coming back to bite you.
During the interview, Diane mentions the following rules to live by when it comes to social media:
Determine how you want to be perceived on Facebook, Twitter, and all social media outlets. Like it or not, your communication becomes a strong part of your overall image. Recognize this as an opportunity to set yourself apart as a person with integrity. Know that employers DO check your social media accounts.Some may tell you they don’t have time to visit everyone’s profile, but smart employers know it’s worth the effort before saying “yes” to a new hire. Google yourself.Observe what comes up, including Google images. Eliminate any questionable posts or pictures. Show respect for yourself and your credibility by keeping your posts (and your daily interaction) clean. You are what you tweet or post.People make judgments based on what they see and every post matters. Read through your stream and ensure it reflects your character. Don’t rely on privacy settings.Anything can be shared on the web. Download an app that will alert you if something is posted online where your reputation could be in question. Google Alerts will monitor the web and notify you when your name has been mentioned. You can find a variety of tools by searching “Reputation Management”. Dedicate posts emphasizing your achievements and accomplishments. Link to charities you support and let others know how they can get involved. Vary your content to retain interest. And, of course, only post if it’s the truth. Take your online presence seriously. Social media is a phenomenal way to connect, build a community of like-minded friends and stay current on what’s going on in the world. Use it wisely and you will reap the benefits. Abuse it, or disregard its importance, and you will eventually face the consequences.
We also talk about:
Comcast and Time Warner Cable called off their $45 billion merger Friday. The deal faced an increasing amount of pushback from just about everyone not in the deal.
Google entered the mobile carrier market officially this week with its launch of Project Fi. It’s not quite ready for primetime, though there appears to be some potential for the offering. Click the following link from The Verge to see how Project Fi stacks up against competitors.
The app called Clear has been making lots of headlines this week – promising to clean up your social media act by scanning your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds for potentially offensive posts.