Social media can connect you with new business associates and build your brand, but it’s not without risk. No matter how secure your privacy settings, your profile and posts are public, and a thoughtless post can offend your audience and damage relationships. A few ground rules keep your social media helping, not hindering, you in business.
Check grammar and spelling
Your co-workers and partners judge your communication skills, so check messages for grammar and spelling before posting – easily done by drafting in a Word document first.
Consider who might be offended
Before you publish, consider who can see your profile. If you’d cringe at your boss, client or employee reading and sharing the message, it’s best to delete it.
Disguise neediness
Refrain from asking followers to retweet or like a page. Instead, find an enticing way to accomplish that naturally.
Share others’ observations
Share the posts of others rather than limiting content to your own commentary, giving credit by including their handle and name – and send a thank-you to those whose work you enjoy to build valuable connections.
Ask before tagging
A flattering photo of you may not flatter others. Be considerate: don’t tag friends in photos they wouldn’t share, and never relay a private conversation publicly without permission.
Limit hashtags, be transparent, engage
Use hashtags sparingly. If an issue sparks activity, don’t delete comments and get defensive – post a thoughtful response and work to resolve it. And encourage readers to respond, reciprocating by liking and commenting on their posts.