Social media and Integrity
Posted on | June 22, 2010 | No Comments
A friend of mine recently asked me to give her a list of my top “social media dos and don’ts“. This started a train of thought into how one maintains integrity in the social media world? The issue with social media is not so much what we don’t share. but what we do, and how easy it is to say something with its permanency embedded in cyberspace.
I believe that one should behave the same online as in the real world. In fact, one has more freedom online and therefore should be more careful. It helps build your credibility if you are consistent, especially in business.
Being myself is critical to people getting to know me, it does not make sense to be someone else online, as the is always the chance of a real life meeting occurring, and then what? Here are some of my social media media rules to help me connect and live it 
:
- Be genuinely genuine
As I engage with anyone, whether online or in the real world, I behave the same. If someone does not like you in the online space, chances are, they won’t like you in person, so … keep it real . - Respond, respond, respond
Everyone is busy, but take the time to respond to voicemails, direct messages and emails. Responding shows that you respect the time the other person has taken to make contact with you. Even if you are unable to provide immediate assistance, scheduling some time in the future instead of simply avoiding a following up is much more effective. - Share
Sharing your experiences whether they are challenges or success stories, shows you are human and accessible. The power of influence is not necessarily in your ability to demand attention, consider your influence stemming from external resources who share the stories you have shared with them. Tweet interesting resources, blog about your challenges and successes and when someone asks in person, giving them honest feedback makes all the difference. - Don’t slate your competitors
We all have competitors. Unless you have a real #BrandMinus to report, slating your competitors shows a degree of unprofessionalism that potential clients steer clear from. This also shows potential clients or investors that you handle things with integrity and professionalism. - Don’t spam your clients/customers/friends
This relates to being personal. In business and in your personal life, spamming is a big don’t. It only takes a few spam emails for your “you” brand to disappear. Be personal and appropriate with your messages. (PS: “Insert boy/girl/religion here” will not love you any less if you don’t pass the email around 20 0000 times) - Don’t integrate all platforms into one
Different platforms (online and offline) have certain audiences and integrating all into one may show that not much thought has gone into what you are saying. Be considerate and appropriate with your messages. This way, people will see how you engage with different audiences but still have the consistency of who the “you” brand is.
All of the above are ways to help manage your online profile and help you be seen as honest, credible and one who works with integrity. I guarantee, people are drawn to those characteristics. It all builds up to a little (large) thing I call “trust”.
Happy “socializing”,
Editor: Shana Kay
Tags: Communication > facebook > honesty > integrity > linkedIn > social media > trust > twitter
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