How to Play Nice on Social Media - Think Before You Post

As I wind down my series, How to Create Your Social Media Calendar, I wanted to share a few tips on how to "play nice" on social media. Sometimes we tend to forget that manners still apply to the Internet, and I think it's important to bring up up this point again. Don't use social media for your persnal "whiner" board. Social media isn't online journaling, and should not be used to to air negative grievances. Who wants to read complaints 24,7?

Before you blast your boss or co-workers on your Facebook, think before you post. Emotions can get the best of us, so take a few moments to calm down, breathe deeply and clear your head. 

Remember the following tips when commenting and posting updates:

1. You could possibly get fired  for what you post on social media accounts - there has been a lot of controversy in the news about this topic. Employees think this violates their freedom of expression but employers think otherwise. Unfortunately, many employees have lost their jobs and have also been sued as a result of what they posted about clients, fellow employees and even bosses. In this turbulent economy, that's the last thing you want to do - to lose your job! If you are a job seeker, be extra careful - your online past could come back to haunt you.

2. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. It's all about playing nice and being courteous to others on social media. Social media isn't about posting rude remarks and comments. People have a tendency to use social media as a smoke screen - because they are hidden, they think it's okay to be rude and mean.  Stay away from posting offensive language - it's not cute and only makes you look ignorant. 

3. Show respect for people's diversity. Remember that social media is a global audience and English could be a second language for some social media users. Derogatory comments about race, religion, culture or sexual orientation  have no place in social media (or offline either).

4. Use common sense. Don't post personal or confidential information about yourself or others. You definitely want to post contact information on your profile, but be cautious when  sharing information about your children, spouses, etc. Sometimes people aren't who they say they are on social media. Never give out your personal financial or bank account information. If someone wants to conduct a transaction with you, make sure it's legitimate and do your homework before buying any product or service via a social media interaction.

5. If you are a disgruntled customer or client, you have every right to post your complaint on social media platforms but don't pick online fights. Constructive criticism goes a long way. Companies want to know what they're doing wrong, and how they can improve (it's all about you - the customer!) Make sure you have all your facts straight before you post "incriminating" evidence about a company. Don't believe every rumor you read on your friend's Facebook wall. Investigate on your own - don't just jump on the negative bandwagon because everyone else doesn't like ABC Company. One false comment based on a rumor could really damage a company's reputation. 

If you can play well with others on social media, you will have a better chance of connecting and making real, authentic social relationships - remember that your future client could be reading your next  tweet. 

Why It's Time to Give up Toxic Gossip in the Professional World

This weekend I heard an excellent teleseminar presented by author and speaker, Susan Shapiro Barash, about how gossip damages friendships and relationships.  I've seen this happen on professional social networking sites such as LinkedIn. There is this constant  juvenile back stabbing mentality that is fueled by competition and jealousy - it just needs to STOP. I have written blog posts about this in the past and it's a topic that is not addressed enough.

We all have been the gossiper or the one being gossiped about at some point in our lives. Whether it's been in our social or profession circles, gossip is just toxic and hurts a lot of people and ruins reputations. 

Social media makes it easy for people to easily gossip about other companies, employees and clients. It's one thing to create a positive buzz about your products and services and company brand, but it's another to be a virtual gossip and slam other people and companies online. 

After listening to Susan, I realized that the tips she provided cross over to our professional relationships. It's time for the professional world to drop toxic gossip - "if you don't have anything to nice to say, don't say anything at all." I'm not advising against expressing your opinion or standing up for your beliefs and ethics. However, don't stoop to a negative level. If you earn a reputation as an online gossip (or even an offline gossip), no one will want to do business with you or buy your products or services - not to mention they will stop inviting you out to lunch!

Another tip: Take an inventory of your relationships. Are you hanging onto clients or colleagues who are toxic and aren't making a positive impact on your life or business? Ditch them! They will only drag you down in the end and think about your ROI - is it really worth their drama?

Think of it this way - would a good friend or ethical business colleague/client turn around and text something about you or post something in a group email IF they were a true friend or business partner? The answer is a resounding NO.

When it comes to gossip, it could potentially ruin a person's professional reputation - whether the rumor is unfounded or not. Think before you type (or speak). Would you want someone talking about you in an unfavorable way? We all are working hard to build our professional reputations. It doesn't help when someone gossips about you behind your back - whether online or offline.

Keep the online "word-of-mouth" clean, light and GOSSIP-FREE! Leave the gossip to the celebrity tabloids who have way too much time on their hands.