People who are afraid of public speaking don’t think about writing everything about themselves online, whether it’s on blogs, personal websites, social media, or email.
You could buy a billboard in Times Square and fewer people would have access to your information than if you posted on many popular social networking sites.
If you’re in a profession or business where your public image is important, make sure people can only read things you want them to know. Do you really want to see your doctor in a bikini? Interested in seeing the boss taking shots? Do you want your coworkers to know that you had a terrible divorce and are still bitter? Post it.
Keep in mind that what you post remains available forever. There is NO DELETE KEY or BACKSPACE in cyberspace. It’s permanent ink, not the stuff that disappears.
More than friends can see your post, so while it might be fun to have you in an exaggerated or sexy pose, do you really need the college admissions office or potential employers to see you this way? It is well known that many people consult these sites to learn more about candidates and potentially make important decisions about you. Human resources departments look to job posting sites not only for new hires, but also to find out who is looking for a job in their place. If you get caught, you better have your reasons planned out in advance. Recent cutbacks in other departments, changes in leadership, or a lack of advancement potential are often acceptable responses, although it’s safer if no one knows you’re out there.
Stalkers and identity thieves are waiting for all of us to swipe. You don’t put your son’s name on his backpack because the kidnappers may call the child by name, but on the family website you have your address, everyone’s names and ages, and where they go to school or work. Use an access password and select who gets to know your family.
Social media is fun and can be great for business, but STAY ALERT! When you invite people to LinkIn.com or ask them to become contacts or friends on Facebook.com or MySpace.com, remember that others judge you by the online company you keep. It may seem fun to have a large number of contacts, but if your list has some questionable or unknown characters, it will be held against you.
Executive and professional coaches often recommend that managers, leaders, and professionals have a web presence, whether they’re looking for a job, looking for some career development, reconnecting with family or friends, or selling their latest product. What the trainers also recommend is that you be careful and selective.
You are welcome to copy this article as long as you remain informed and attributed to the author.
Copyright Jane Cranston and Executive Coach NY 2008