I used to start my day drinking a hot cup of coffee while I sent birthday greetings to my friends on Social Media. Now there is something else that must be done before I can get to the fun stuff. I have to un-tag and delete posts from my timeline from people who wish to use me for my connections on Social Media. Many of these people I have never even met, yet they feel we have such a great connection that they can place their ads on my wall! This is not cool. In fact, it’s downright rude!
Think of a Facebook timeline like personal property. You wouldn’t even consider placing a sign in your neighbors’ yard advertising your business would you? Would you ever presume placing one of those magnetic signs on your friends’ car with your logo on it to be okay? Of course not! It’s overstepping the boundaries of friendship. It’s disregarding their personal property. Social Media property should be treated the same way. If you abuse my friendship, I have the option to unfriend you and quite often do just that when I feel I’m being used.
If you continually use people this way, you will develop a reputation that will not be flattering. You are actually even branding yourself with this behavior. Etiquette is simply about mutual respect. If you have respect toward others then you have good manners.
Your Brand = Your Manners
Not too long ago I was in negotiations with an individual who asked me to teach one of my classes at his office. I’ll just say that we did not agree on my fee and left things on a professional note. A few days later, he posted on my timeline that he wished I’d come down on my fee so I could teach at his office. I was appalled! Business negotiations do not belong on Facebook. He told me a lot about himself at that point and I am no longer interested in doing business with him on any level. Now every time I see him I think about that incident. In my mind, that indiscretion is his brand.
Remember, what you do on Social Media is there for all to see. Don’t get into a knock-down drag-out with someone. It’s not worth it! Don’t be negative all the time. Trust me, the sky is not always falling. There are plenty of positive things to talk about. People are judging you based on the decisions you make and the posts you share. Make sure you are building the brand that you want to be known for and not one where people want to hide and escape from you.
What is okay to place on someone else’s timeline? Birthday wishes are awesome. It’s celebrating the other person and letting them know you care and celebrate them on their special day. If we’ve taken a photo together, please tag me in the photo. If you are saying something nice about me, please tag me! If you are recommending my business or service, tag away! I’ll be your friend forever! Do you get the theme here? When it’s only about you and your business, it only belongs on your wall/ timeline. When it’s about me or us, yes, I’m thrilled that you have thought of me.
The Golden Rule is timeless and applies to all we do, even on Social Media;
“Do unto to others as you would have them do unto you.”
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