6 Lessons in Professional Conduct Online (or how not to lose followers and alienate people)
Many are quick to jump on the social networking bandwagon in the hope's of getting more exposure for their business. However it's easy to forget your online composure- one imprudent action can permanantly scar your professional reputation. Prevent this from happening to you by remembering these simple lessons:
Lesson #1 Emotional instability and Social Networking Don’t Mix
Put down the Merlot and Step away from the computer…
Make it a rule to only turn on your computer and text message when you’re sober.
You’d think this is obvious but then look how many people still drink and drive! I’ve witnessed on several occasions someone post outrageous things while out partying with their friends. Then returning the next day franticly deleting their posts, asking everyone to ignore what they wrote and to forget about it…trust me, we don’t forget.
Take a deep breath...
It never ceases to amaze me when I see normally calm, professional people have a public meltdown usually reserved for toddlers...typically over something insignifigant.
Anger makes you see things that aren’t there, you can’t think clearly when in a heightened emotional state. For example- last year I received an email that upset me, every time I went back to read it I got more offended. At the time I had quit smoking so my brain was going through significant changes and my emotions took over. I didn’t respond to it but that email burned in my thoughts for months after.
Almost a year later I went back to read the email and laughed as I realized it said something completely different than what I thought! My emotional state at the time made me read something false, my brain filled in words that weren’t even there. Seeing it now it’s unbelievable how badly I miss-interpreted the letter.
When you're feeling upset get off the computer, take a walk or meditate and only come back when you've calmed down. This will prevent you from saying something that's difficult to take back.
Lesson #2 Everything you post online is seen by a massive, global audience
It's staggering when you think about it, there are over 6 billion people on this planet and at any given time, any of them could be surfing the net reading your thoughts. That is a huge audience made up of a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, beliefs and age groups, and therefore you're responsible for what you put out there. No one likes it when you criticize their beliefs and culture, make fun of their looks and interests- even if you think it’s funny, someone else might find it offensive.
We can’t see your facial expression, feel your energy or hear the tone in your voice so be careful with sarcasm and jokes, it might get misinterpreted.
Your boss or client might be watching you
Recently on Twitter I saw someone whine about a project she was sick of working on wishing it was the weekend already… I wonder what the person who hired her to do that project thought about her complaint.
Lesson #3 Gobbledygook is not a real language
In a hurry? Then wait until you have a moment to proofread before hitting send!
Doesl this make3 me look dum ? ./
Lesson #4 Tequila + camera + facebook = Fail
This one's a classic, we all know of someone whose been fired over a photo or video of them doing something their client or boss thought would hurt the image of the company. (Don’t assume that because you have it in a private folder online that it’s safe).
This might seem obvious however it goes back to the first lesson, only go online sober. Usually these photos are sent via cellphone while the person is still intoxicated.
Tip: Make sure you family and friends ask permission before they post anything of you online.
It doesn’t have to be a photo of you
Be discerning about the websites you link to, you might think it's funny however others might not be so quick to laugh.
Lesson #5 Don’t spam your clients (or anyone for that matter)
Did you really lose 30lbs in 30 days using Acai Berries?
There are so many money making schemes out there it’s hard to keep track. Most of them are scams capatalizing on the current economic climate. Often these schemes require you to send anyone, and everyone multiple sales letters from a template that we've already received from a bunch of other people.
It's bad enough when you spam you're friends with this, but it's really bad when you send that to your clients. Your friends might be forgiving but it's unlikely your clients will do business with you again.
Just another name in your database...
Have you ever met someone and had a great conversation, exchanged business cards and thought you’ve made a great new contact only to have it end with them asking you to be on their mailing list?
It’s difficult to say no, you don’t want to offend them however sure enough the only emails you ever receive from them have a subject line that reads:
“[your name] only 5 days left to get in on this great offer!” Or
“[Your name], join us for a special lunch with these amazing guest speakers for half the price!”
After months of receiving these emails don’t you feel used? I know I do, and that’s because it shows me they could care less about what I have to offer, they only care about themselves.
Lesson #6 Nobody appreciates being told their beliefs are wrong
I’ve never seen anyone convince another person to change their religious or political beliefs. What I have seen are heated debates quickly spiral into nasty fights from someone who thought they could. This includes posting or forwarding religious or political propaganda without considering who is on the receiving end.
We all feel our beliefs are the correct ones or we wouldn’t believe it, however it doesn’t mean that it is. All you do is alienate and offend people when you try and challenge their convictions.
The only exception is those who write about politics and religion, the rest of us would be wise to keep our opinions to ourselves.
To review, 6 lessons in a nutshell:
- Friends don’t let friends drink and text
- If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all
- Always proofread everything before hitting send
- If you wouldn’t let your kids or your mother see that photo or video of you then don’t put it online
- If you wouldn't like getting that email don't send it to your clients
- Let it be
