There is a myth that social media in particular Facebook, can be private and that personal views and opinions will not be judged by others.
Some feel that they can “free fall” and spill out their anger and annoyance about any subject matter no matter how stupid, sensitive or controversial.
More and more people are entering the social media space and research shows that more time spent on this than reading emails. We can now communicate directly and publish proflically. Due to the massive growth in social media, lines between personal, professional, business and social are very blurred….who you are; how you behave (what you post) says volumes about you.
Is the image you’re portraying – appropriate and inappropriate? What can be public?what needs to be private? what is guiding your decisions to post certain items? what outcome are you seeking?
Think about what ideas and notions pop up as soon as someone hears your name? This is known as your “personal brand”. A ‘personal brand’ is in many ways synonymous with who you are. It refers to the way other people see you. Are you trustworthy? What do you represent? What do you stand for? If you’ve been around for a while you’ve probably already developed a personal brand. People recognize your name, and often your name is followed by a “Tag line” like, Oh Ivana, she is very intelligent … so what are you doing on FB to ensure that your tag line is congruent with your image? If you’d like to make it stronger you do need to explore your life purpose/ principles/ and perceptions others may have as well as how you see yourself.
A good place to start is based on Author, Steven Covey, in 7 principles of highly effective people. Explore your life purpose and your core values and principles. He says we need to start with the end in mind…. how would you like to be thought of when you are no longer here? Yep… what do you want to scribe on your headstone?
If you think that your posts are private, regardless of your settings….they are not. You cant control what others will say or do with what you have posted.
Most importantly if you behave as if you were face to face when posting, you may re-consider your actions…. always rememeber what your Mother taught you about manners. Once you press POST… it’s out there forever..
Think of FB as entering a room full of friends, some of whom may or many not agree with your opinions and some you may not want to offend.
Ivana Agapiou
Eather Recruitment Pty Ltd