By Jennifer Hoskote
In the words of the legendary Forrest Gump, “Stupid is as stupid does.”
The phrase can be adapted to numerous life situations…consistently locking your keys in the car, not cleaning up after your dog then walking outside barefoot, or leaving your I.D. at home when you go to Las Vegas.
But it especially applies to social media. You’d be surprised at how many seemingly intelligent people hurt their careers by posting something on Twitter or Facebook that could negatively influence themselves or their company or client’s image.
It’s a slippery slope because most people see social media as a channel to express themselves and their personal views on a wide array of topics – everything from their opinion of the proposed health care bill to not “getting” the season premiere of “Lost.”
This is all fine, but begs the question: “How much personal expression is too much?”
You’d think it would be common knowledge not to call out of work sick then post on Facebook “Pool party at my place, free booze!”
Apparently not.
Comments like this might help your personal image as a party animal, but it will hurt your trustworthiness and damage your credibility with clients.
It’s even worse if your Facebook or Twitter accounts are connected to your company because it threatens their gain for potential clients and your own job.
Let’s be honest: No one cares about what you had for lunch or that your morning coffee burned your tongue. Well, most people don’t.
But the benefits of social media can be quickly ruined with nonsensical posts that beg for attention for the wrong reasons – such as that photo of yourself doing a body shot off your boss’ wife.
You’re more likely to gain followers and friends with similar interests and values; make those known, and not how wasted you got this past weekend.
That being said: Even companies can get a little too social with their social media by inundating people with product and/or service emails that properly belong in the junk folder.
Keeping your client/customer base interested may be difficult at times, but creativity and controlled humor go a long way…all the way to the bank.
Whether it’s for personal or business use, knowing your audience is the first rule of thumb. This doesn’t mean completely limiting yourself, but having a firm grasp of what your message is and conveying it in an appropriate manner are vital to maintaining a successful relationship with your public.
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