We love Facebook! According to econsultancy.com, as of early 2010, there were more than 350 million people using Facebook. There’s no doubt that this wiz of an idea is an excellent resource to meet and greet, reconnect and carry on relationships. However, what becomes annoying about Facebook and other online social media sites is the trashy language and bullying comments that make most of us wonder what is wrong with this picture.
Social media is the current hot-button for sharing or even exploiting ourselves in a world-wide venue. This phenomenon makes no time better for we Facebook players to take careful consideration of the image we are projecting. Examining the following tips can lead to new friends, contacts, and last but not least, a good time without making a mess of things.
Who Do You Think is Watching? Most professionals would agree that posting drunken or risqué photos on any social media sight is damaging to a person’s reputation. I guess it depends on the social site of course, but sticking to Facebook because it is the most popular, using cuss words and allowing your friends to post racist remarks and trashy talk on your wall could likely raise issues regarding your character. Take care that you don’t tie yourself to images that reflect you as somebody you don’t want to be.
Connections that Get You Connected. Remember to look at how many people you are friends with, and how many people your friends are friends with. These hundreds of people, sometimes in the thousands, can and will see a lot of your posts and comments without even being your “friend”. Before posting or commenting, consider making one that is positive, complimentary, constructively critical, helpful, civil, and/or humorous. Think of this before you post: will what you say and upload make your parents proud, your grandparents thankful and your employer impressed?
Karen Clark, a co author of Incredible Business (Thrive Publishing 2010) says that in this era we can’t afford not to be using social media to get ourselves connecting out in the world. Karen suggests “providing fresh, relevant, useful content anywhere”. Any social media platform allows you to build a positive reputation and increases your presence while connecting with new people who have the potential of broadening your opportunities in the right direction. Karen offers significant, relevant expert advice on how to utilize the best of many social media sites that you may want to know more about. You can read more about Karen’s advice, along with other expert advice from contributing authors, by ordering this fantastic business resource guide at https://tiffanynielsen.com/etiquettestore/
Remember the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you would like to be treated….and….make choices that are not only good for you, but good for others too. Kind, courteous, class act folks are attractive, generally get farther professionally and always profit personally. Remember, if you don’t mind being bullied, put down or cussed at, others may.
Social media sets people up to show way too much to a point that becomes damaging to a reputation. Don’t let your friends make you look bad because they won’t respectfully communicate. You have the choice of deleting ill comment so “just do it”! Perfection is not expected, but, by most standards, an attempt to do things right is essential to your best outcomes. We’ve all made social media blunders; it happens, but learn and have intent to be your very best. You have nothing to lose and much to win..
Now, just in case you might be thinking this all sounds stuffy or takes the fun out of healthy satire and that your opinions matter, whether positive or negative, take it from me – your goal is to be outstanding a good thing – so make good on yourself! You have much to contribute; therefore, be rewarded for always making a good impression to keep friends interested, foes intrigued and everybody talking about your enviable class act image!
Tiffany Nielsen is from Exeter, CA and President of Premier Etiquette. She is a sought-after speaker, corporate trainer and co author of Incredible Business and Power of Civility. She is an etiquette and civility enthusiasts with an exceptional ability to motivate and inspire professionals, collegians and the youth to tap into etiquette and civility as tools for elevating personal success! Visit her website at www.tiffanynielsen.com to get her special report and to join her blog.
Copyright 2011 Tiffany Nielsen. All Rights Reserved. To reprint, please contact Tiffany Nielsen at tiffany@tiffanynielsen.com for permission.
