The
world has become a global village and the access to the web and social media
platforms make information available at our finger tips. The advent of internet
makes communication, networking, business and other beneficial activities easier
for human race.
The social media seems to provide social solutions
to just about every need. It avails us access to information, people, ideas, resources, and news
in real time. Through different platforms, we can connect with old and new friends,
hold online meeting, share opinion and provide solution to customers’
complaints. The platforms give us access to millions of people per time.
In
recent time, the social media have become tools for assessment by major employers,
government agencies and companies. They monitor and collate data about traffic,
comments, video, upload etc. Most Employers
are now relying on the comments, posts, update and contributions of potential employees
on social media as a yardstick to determine their viability and intellectual prowess.
In short, Social media platforms have become a medium to determine brands and
reputation of an individual or a company.
Your
post, update or comment may cause a great damage to your reputation if
inappropriate. The following points assist to prevent such from happening;
Consider Your Value and Brand
Before
you post or comment on anything question yourself about your value and brand. Any
update that mis-presents or questions your value or brand would have a negative
impact on you. Post updates and information that show audiences who you are,
what you believe in, and what you do to build credibility in the communities
you care about.
Never Be In a Rush to Comment
Take
time to review your comments before posting. Do not post or send comments
without adequate vetting. If you have nothing meaningful to comment while not keep
to yourself. Try as much as possible to avoid slangs and also consider
typographic error. Take time to review influencing people’s posts or comments
and you will see the difference from the person without a brand or value.
Verify the Information before Posting
Always get the information right before
making it public. It is a good thing to be first to comment. It shows you are
well informed. But vet the news and ensure it is real; consider the damage to
your reputation if after your post people start commenting that the information
is false. A buyer who sees wrong comment about your post on a product would
seek alternative route. An employer might assume you are not real, unreliable and
“half baked” person. Also, always verify any link you are sharing to ensure
that it is working and that it contains the right information for your brand.
The link might contain nude while the post says something different.
Never Share Private Issues Online
Let
your family and private matters remain with you. Do not go online to share your
confidential matters. It shows you can easily compromise privacy by sharing
information your employer or clients may not be ready to have the world know.
If you need to discuss with any of your contacts, send them private message.
Do Not Reveal Your Weakness
Do not use
words that reveal your weakness and show that you cannot handle your challenges but
require someone’s help to get through.
Do Not Update Wrong Information about Your
Company or Employer
Anything
you post online is available to the whole world.it is not hidden. Never say a
wrong thing about your employer. The post may be shared by your friends and in
the process get to your employer or company’s director. The end might be
devastating!See the Story of Cella
Finally,your
interaction in the global online community offers you a wonderful opportunities
to build and enhance your positioning as a professional. But have a clear cut on
authenticity, reputation, strategy, target audience and the usage of each
platform.
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