With the internet being such a big part of everyone’s life – both personal and professional — it’s imperative that we use it the right way. However, like everything else, people have been very casual about their social networking and they’ve neglected its power.
Is there a line that has to be drawn when we’re on Facebook or other social networking sites? Should you have a personal and professional account for separate purposes? What’s the right approach for jumping on an opportunity when you’ve made a major contact online? If you haven’t thought about it, these are all questions that need to be considered when you’re on the web.
PROFILES ARE THE NEW RESUME
The reality of it is that what you put on the internet is your new resume. And even worse — a background check. Thanks to sites like LinkedIn, you can receive recommendation letters and put up your previous work experience for potential employers to see. However, it doesn’t end there. (And honestly, only a small percentage of employers will stop at LinkedIn.) People are in the business of information thanks to Google. They will dig deeper. They will check your Twitter to see if you’re brand focused or dare I say, explicitly inappropriate. Your behavior via social networks is a liability to who you work for nowadays.
SOCIAL NETWORKING IS NOT A BUSINESS MEETING
The great thing about the web is that it’s global. You can find just about anything or anyone on there. So what happens when you make a contact you’ve been searching for for months? You’re excited, you think about the possibilities and where your future could be headed. But don’t let your emotions cloud your professionalism. Take it to the next level by asking for an email or phone number to further discuss business. Never, ever, EVER discuss serious business — especially when including numbers — over the web. It’s a sure way to water down your credibility and an even quicker way to not be taken seriously. The worst you thing you can do is introduce a business proposal via Twitter or ask for a job on someone’s Facebook wall. Yes, it’s a new age, but the basics remain the same: set up a meeting to handle business.
PERSONAL? PRIVATE? PROFESSIONAL?
Regardless of the private setting you’ve put on your social networking account, everything isn’t for everybody to see. The things you’re saying and the pictures you’re posting can easily come back to haunt you. Here’s the thing: once something has made it to the internet – private or not – it’s there FOREVER. If you, in any way, shape or form are trying to advance yourself or your business through the internet, everything you say and post on there will be used against you. If you’re here for business, be business. If you don’t need the internet at all professionally (which is arguably impossible) say what you want. But know that there is no success in straddling the fence. You are your brand. The image you’re putting out to the world through the internet is the only one people know. And contrary to belief, a lot of people — thousands, possibly even millions — will come across your profile for a few seconds, and make a first impression from the 140 character statement or a brief status. Believe it or not, a lot of stuff comes under your name when people do their research. Just Google yourself. And save the inappropriate pictures and out of pocket comments for personal, “this better never leave the room” type of conversations.
YOU ARE THE COMPANY YOU KEEP
Just like in real life, you are guilty by association when it comes to social networking. If you’re friends with a certain associate, someone could easily hold that against you. It’s sad, but true. So be mindful of who you let in your timeline or circle. The position you may be striving for is highly conservative yet public, so if you have a friend or connection with someone who’s infamous for dancing on tables while being scantily clad, that’s probably not the best look. You may not have to lose that connection, but edit it accordingly. Be extremely mindful of who may hurt and help you as you advance through your social networks. Remember, your network is your net worth. What’s your worth? –mattie james
