Social Media Issues: Listen to your mother.

Significant increases in the adoption of social media marketing tools have taken place this year, with 72.5% of Twitter users signing up in 2009 Sysomos, InsideTwitter and Facebook users having grown to over 200 million active users as of April.

Big brands have been early adopters with the ability to gain greater visibility with their audiences due to their brand name. And while the focus has primarily been on the difficulties that big brands face by opening the flood gates of communication and making themselves vulnerable to the comments of the consumer, I have yet to see anything focusing on the reputation, responsibility, and accountability of the consumer. So here goes…

Consumers Behave: Top 4 Reasons Why You Need to Think Before You Speak

1. Reputation:
When did cussing, swearing, and yelling become acceptable? It hasn’t. Even if it is online. The comments you make last forever and even with the ability to delete them on some sites – a handful of people may have seen your comment. The old rule of conducting yourself appropriately in public still remains online. You are still in the public eye, and more so online due to sharing abilities.

From pictures to comments, what are you posting that may jeopardize your reputation? Ask yourself before submitting that comment if it is something you would want your friends, family, colleagues, potential employers, and other potential influential people to see. People will always criticize and judge that is just the way of the world, but what ammunition are you putting in their pocket?

Mom says: “Think before you speak,” and “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it at all.”

2. Credibility
Perception is everything. If you are constantly self-promoting your own stuff without engaging and participating with others you are entering into a death trap. If your commentary is fabricated, automated, or untrue, people will see through it. Without trust, there can be no true respect, relationship or friendship.

Mom says: Be yourself. Kindness and authenticity go a long way.

3. Misinformation
I don’t know how many times I’ve stumbled into the Q&A on LinkedIn where people are answering questions about topics they know nothing about. Or a blog post providing guidance and advice on topics they aren’t familiar with. I’m not going to give people advice on how to remodel their kitchen just because I know how to use a hammer and nails. You shouldn’t either, misinformation can be dangerous.

Mom says:Keep your mouth shut. You don’t always have to know the answer. Don’t feel you have to say something.

4. Exclusion
Keep in mind that many places have the right to refuse your business. If you are prepared to take the heat and possibly never be able to purchase or receive service again from a particular organization then good for you. Otherwise, conduct yourself in an appropriate and professional manner. Would you tell your client or your customer that you hated them to their face? I’m not saying walk on eggshells, but find an assertive way to handle the situation or you may find you have excluded yourself from others as well as been excluded from receiving business.

Don’t embarrass others with your actions.

Mom says:Treat others as you wish to be treated.
Mom also says:Don’t air your dirty laundry.
Mom also says:Always be a lady/gentleman.

What comments, opinions, blog posts have you seen that made you embarrassed for the person?

photo credit: playingwithbrushes