Posts tagged "social media etiquette"
July 29, 2016
The social media revolution has conditioned us to think that everything must be shared: Our thoughts, our schedules — even our meals! But while all of that sharing might be great for friends and family, the rules are different for business. An embarrassing post could block you from a promotion or a new job. In fact, it might even cost you your career.
According to the blog The Hiring Site, 60 percent of employers use social media to screen job candidates. Human resources departments may ask that you install device management software on your personal cell phone or iPad if you also use it for business, and some human resources departments actually track their employees’ private Facebook and Twitter accounts.
So how can you protect your accounts and present the best version of yourself? Here are a few practical tips that may save you heartache.
Think like an employer. Before applying for a job, scour your social media accounts for incriminating photos — it’s best that you do so before human resources does. (This is especially important for people just entering the job market.) Remove any photos that contain evidence of excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, obscene gestures, or illegal activity. Remember, a company is making an investment in you — and you need to do everything possible to make yourself seem worthy of that investment. If you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see it, delete or untag yourself (or both).
Add Timeline Review to your Facebook account. Timeline Review allows you the first and final say over what appears on your Facebook page. All posts made to your page first must be approved through the review process; you may delete whichever posts you don’t care to keep. To turn Timeline Review on, click at the top right of any Facebook page and select Settings, then click Timeline and Tagging in the left column. Look for “Review posts friends tag you in before they appear on your Timeline?” and click on Edit, then select Enabled from the drop-down menu. Keep in mind that mentions of you may appear elsewhere on Facebook, such as in search, but Timeline Review gives you a bit more control over your own page.
Set your accounts to private. Setting your accounts to private is the easiest way to maintain control over what the public sees. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram all allow private account settings that are available to other users only by request. An employer will be able to see your comments on other people’s pages, but your own accounts will be protected.
Make your wishes clear. Be honest with your friends and family members: Let them know that you need their discretion. Ask them to refrain from posting and tagging without your permission. If you encounter resistance, it might be time to unfriend that person — both in social media and in real life!
Deal with problems directly. Everyone makes mistakes, but move swiftly if you encounter a photo or post that could make trouble for you. Speak directly to the person who put the photo or information on social media — in this case, a phone call or face-to-face meeting is best, if possible.
How have you overcome an embarrassing situation on social media? Tell me in the comments below!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Uncategorized, Etiquette Edge and tagged social media for employees, etiquette tips, manners, guide to social media etiquette, social media etiquette, social media manners, social media etiquette for employers
March 8, 2016
Hashtags. They’re everywhere! Their popularity began with Twitter and then rapidly expanded to almost all other social media networks. In fact, they are now being referenced in television commercials, like this one for Toyota Corolla. If you’re not familiar with hashtags, a hashtag is a word or phrase that begins with a pound sign (#) and are used to help people find messages with a specific theme or content.
Why bother using hashtags? If you are trying to have more online conversations, or increase exposure to influencers, then using relevant hashtags in your social updates will help you do that. Anyone that searches for or clicks on hashtagged content can see all of the other posts that include that keyword or phrase. If you follow me on Twitter, you’ve likely seen my tweets with the #etiquette hashtag, for example.
Unfortunately, hashtags have been increasingly abused, creating a whole new sect of social “netiquette” issues. To get the most out of hashtags, here are a few tips to follow:
- Always spellcheck – Make sure your hashtag is spelled correctly so people can find your content. For example, more people will find my posts if I use #etiquette as opposed to #etiquete as a hashtag.
- All one word – Putting a space between two words in a hashtag phrase will only make the first word searchable rather than the entire phrase. For example, if I post a link to an article on body language, I would use the hashtag #BodyLanguage, as opposed to #Body Language. The latter, in this example, will only get searches from people looking for posts with the word “body” in them.
- Capitalize – Make an effort to capitalize each word in your hashtag phrase. This makes it so much easier to read. In Toastmasters, the widely used hashtag phrase we use #WhereLeadersAreMade, for example, is far easier to read than #whereleadersaremade?
- Double check – Always double check your hashtag to ensure that it can’t be misconstrued. When Margaret Thatcher passed away, people were using the hashtag #NowThatchersDead in their social posts. However, when the capitalization was removed, the #nowthathchersdead phrase was comprehended incorrectly as “Now that Cher’s Dead”!
- Keep it short – #ThisIsAnExampleOfAnUnnecessarilyLongHashtag. You’ve likely seen many “run-on” hashtag phrases being used in a joking manner. However, if you are serious about getting your message noticed, keep it short.
- Cut back – Avoid using too many hashtags in one social post. It’s confusing, makes your post difficult to read and muddies your message. One to two hashtags are ideal for most social networks, with the exception of Instagram, where you can use as many as seven hashtags without raising eyebrows.
- Don’t hijack a hashtag – Refrain using hashtags that have nothing to do with your topic. “Hijacking” popular or trending hashtags that are not relevant to your message is in poor taste and could negatively affect your online personae. Keep it on topic.
- Search it – Are you using a new hashtag for a post? If so, do a search for it to see if it has already been utilized elsewhere. If so and it is not relevant to your message, try to come up with a different word or phrase that makes more sense.
Do you have any hashtag etiquette tips or interesting stories you’d like to share? Tweet your hashtag etiquette to me @EtiquettePage – and be sure to tag it with #HashtagEtiquette. Thanks!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Business Etiquette and tagged social media etiquette, hashtag etiquette
November 6, 2014
The deadly shooting that took place in Ottawa has highlighted, once again, the ethical quandaries around the use of social media during a tragedy.
Just as reports from local Canadian news outlets were coming out, the hashtags #OttawaShooting, #StaySafeOttawa and #PrayForOttawa jumped into action–serving as both a spread the news of the tragedy, as well as offer support.
Social media has given us the ability to stay on top of every important, and tragic, event that’s happening in the world, in real time. And that’s amazing! We live in a time where we have the unique ability to spread the news to a worldwide audience with just a click. But with this “power” to share our opinions with the world, we often forget to be sensitive. These are REAL tragedies happening to REAL people, and a little sensitivity to that will go a long way.
Think before you tweet
Sports Illustrated model Chrissy Teigen experienced a barrage of angry tweets in response to this tweet she posted shortly after news of the shooting broke out: “Active shooting in Canada, or as we call it in America, Wednesday”
Teigen’s attempt at a witty comment on gun control issues in the US fell flat. Her followers immediately took to Twitter to berate her for the controversial tweet. And it got out of hand very quickly, with tweets like “Don’t let the door hit you in your undernourished butt on your way out of the United States” and “I hope someone murders someone you love…” |
Really? I can’t believe that so many people chimed in with such hateful responses. Remember the old adage “Two wrongs don’t make it right”? The supermodel posted soon after that she was quitting Twitter after receiving dozens of death threats.
Obviously the tweet Teigen sent out was ill timed and I’m sure she regrets it, but the backlash was incredibly inappropriate. Just because we have the ability to share all of our thoughts in an instant, doesn’t mean we should!
Newsjacking the tragedy
In the aftermath of the Newton tragedy in 2012, a big box store tweeted their condolences using the hashtag #Fab15Toys. While it IS appropriate for businesses to stop and acknowledge the event, share condolences with those affected – using a self-promoting hashtag in the tweet is completely inappropriate and insensitive.
The retailer later apologized for the tweet, explaining that they used the hashtag to garner exposure to the tragic event. Whatever the reason, the use of the hashtag was in poor taste and viewed as such by followers, who chimed in with their distaste.
Bottom line for business owners: Using a tragic event to gain followers and draw attention to your social media is just plain unethical.
Showing consideration (and common sense)
To save you some embarrassment, and help you keep it classy, I’ve put together a few tips on how to manage your social media when a tragedy strikes.
- Acknowledge the tragedy and extend your condolences to those who have been affected. Keep it simple with something like “Our thoughts are with Ottawa today.”
- If you’re using a social media schedule tool, such as Hootsuite, for example, take a quick review of the posts and tweets that are in the queue. Remove those that are promoting your company. Marketing your company during a tragedy will make your company appear at though they lack empathy. I would also recommend rescheduling tweets or Facebook posts that are lighthearted or humorous, especially those scheduled for the day of the tragedy.
- If you’re running paid ads on social media, give some thought to how they would appear in light of the tragedy and if needed, hit the pause on your ad campaign for a few days.
- Let the “real” reporters report on the details of the event, the victims—and anyone else involved. Even though we have streams of content coming in live, as events unfold, we aren’t “there.” Especially for company accounts, make sure your brand is seen an objective third party—your message should only convey support and offer help where you can help.
- Share information on your social networks about how others can help with recovery efforts, if there is something set up (such as funds that might be set up to help those affected by tragedy)
During a time of crisis, such as the one that we experienced in Ottawa, the clock stops for a while. It’s impossible to approach such a day as “business as usual.” Use common sense when sharing content on social media the day of the tragedy, and in the days that follow.
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Posted by Margaret Page in Communication and tagged social media etiquette
May 17, 2013
Last week I posted an article for employees called “How to Navigate Social Media: For Employers,” that provided some basic guidance on how to create a social media policy for business owners. This week, I’ve changed gears and am sharing some etiquette tips for employees who are using social media both for personal use and in business.
We live in a world where social media plays a prominent role as a channel of communication. We connect with friends, family, colleagues–and even people we don’t know personally. The ability to share information, any time, anywhere, and with anyone around the world is amazing–but with that ability comes responsibility. What you post on social media sites is out there — forever.
Something you may not have considered is this: When you post content on social media sites –even your personal Facebook or Twitter accounts–it can affect your job, as well as the public perception of the company you work for.
It’s dangerous to assume that only your personal friends and family are seeing the content you post online. If you post it on the web, you can guarantee someone will find it—and they may or may not be directly connected to you.
Use your common sense. A good rule of thumb is this: If you wouldn’t say it loudly, in front of your mother, you shouldn’t say it on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or any other social media site.
Having said that, there are definitely some things you can do today to make sure you’re not violating social media ethics set out by your company:
- Double check privacy settings on all your social media platforms. Facebook tends to set things for you – as a default – and it’s important that you check in on the settings from time to time to make sure you’re sharing only what you want to share.
- Google yourself. Yes, set up a Google alert to track mentions of your name.
- Think twice before sharing personal gripes about your workplace on any social media network. It’s just not appropriate, or professional. Your privacy settings may be just fine, but common sense dictates that many of your online “friends” have little or no privacy protection on their own page—opening your comment up for public view. Also, anyone can do a simple “copy, paste and repost”—landing you in hot water with your company.
- Refrain from discussing any information that:
- is derogatory
- is confidential or proprietary
- may be valuable to a competitor, such as product launch dates or pending reorganizations, etc.
Be very familiar with your employer’s social media policy. Understand it, and take it seriously.
These 6 “Rs” of social media will help keep you focused on the business etiquette rules of social media use as an employee:
- Reasonable. Use reasonable etiquette online at all times– just as you would offline. If you like your job, avoid the use of profanity or sharing inappropriate photos online.
- Representation. Be clear about who you are, and who you represent online.
- Respect. Don’t share anything on social media that you wouldn’t share with the whole office—and your mother.
- Responsibility. Make sure you are not violating legal guidelines, or any other company-mandated policies about revealing proprietary company information.
- Restraint. Before you hit the send button, pause and reread. Whatever you post is out there forever—associated with your name. “Think before you tweet!”
- Remember. Familiarize yourself with your company’s social media policy. Keep it top of mind every time you share anything online.
“Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.” ~ Warren Buffett
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged social media etiquette
December 4, 2012
I have a friend who shared with me recently that one of the ways she keeps up with what’s going on in the lives of her four grown children is by checking their Facebook and Twitter profiles. She knows where her son—who is away at college—is spending his time most days because she sees his Foursquare check-ins pop up on his Facebook page! My friend feels more at ease by having a little glimpse into their daily lives (even though her children would probably say she was stalking them!).
Social media has definitely changed the way we interact with people—both personally and professionally. But one of the biggest changes social media has brought about is how we network.
In my book “The Power of Polite,” I site this example: When meeting new people, would you jump into a conversation without introducing yourself? Would you consistently talk about yourself without any regard for others around you? Of course, you wouldn’t – and the same rules apply when connecting with people through social media as they would when connecting in person.
When connecting with people online, keep these five business etiquette tips in mind:
Have a professional presence. If you’re on Twitter, you’ve seen the “egg.” Those profiles that haven’t put a professional photo in their profile are left with the default “egg” to identify them on Twitter. Whether you’re on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, update your profile to include a professional photo and up-to-date bio that demonstrates your passion and area of expertise. On LinkedIn, your professional headline is important, so make sure it shares more than just your job title—express your full competency.
Introduce yourself. One of the best ways to introduce yourself on social media is by sharing useful content. This is a great way to grab the attention of those you want to reach. On Twitter, retweeting other people’s updates is a form of acknowledgement. Simply by being social (on social media) will get you noticed and you will begin to make connections.
Be real. LinkedIn is a great place to connect with business professionals, but one of the biggest mistakes I see people make is connecting with people by sending out the default message LinkedIn provides. When inviting a business connection, add a personal message with the invitation. Something like, “Hello George. It enjoyed meeting you at the business luncheon at Ted’s Restaurant last week. I’d love to add you as a professional connection here on LinkedIn.”
Listen. Whether it’s real life, or online, building connections has more to do with listening and engaging than it does with talking about you, you, and you. Choose key people you want to connect with and listen to what interests them and jump in where there is an opportunity to provide value.
Show your gratitude. When someone shares your content, or provides feedback on one of your social networks, always say “thank you.” Not only is this good etiquette, it is a great way to connect with a fan or follower and engage in a further discussion.
Whether you’re connecting with people online or in person, knowing how to present yourself in a way that sets you apart from your competition is key to success.
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged social media etiquette, LinkedIn, business communication
July 30, 2012
Creating a LinkedIn profile, and knowing how to interact with your connections, isn’t always as simple as it seems. The information you include—or exclude—could affect your career growth, as well as your overall professional identity online.
The social network is a great place to showcase your achievements and build a network of professional contacts, but there are definitely some etiquette dos and don’ts to follow to ensure you are presenting yourself in the most positive light.
Follow these tips to avoid LinkedIn etiquette blunders!
DO:
- Include a profile picture. Investing in a photographer to take professional headshots is worth the investment. It’s the first thing people notice when they visit your LinkedIn profile.
- Complete your profile. Add your professional info, website address, honors and awards, interests, groups, etc. Also include widgets to pull in content such as your reading list, events, and your business blog.
- Give and receive recommendations. Utilize the recommendations feature to request endorsements from business contacts. While it’s great to be recognized, it’s important that you also recommend others. In good LinkedIn etiquette: what goes around—comes around.
- Join groups. LinkedIn allows you to connect with people who are in the same group as you are. But don’t just join: contribute and add value.
- Post regular status updates. Updating your LinkedIn status is a great way to stay on your network’s radar.
- Tailor your messages. When inviting someone to your network, take the time to personalize your message. Within a few seconds you can include a personal note to a contact that replaces the auto-generated “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn).
Don’t:
- Don’t add people you don’t know. While it’s great to have a large professional network, requesting a connection to a stranger will devalue the real connections you have. Add only the people you truly have a real connection with—whether you’ve been introduced in person or online.
- Don’t post an inappropriate photo. LinkedIn is not Facebook and humorous photos are not appropriate in your profile. Keep it professional.
- Don’t overlook grammar and spelling. LinkedIn is a great place to promote yourself and misspelled words are not going to make your personal brand shine.
- Don’t use automated invites. Add a personal message to the invitation.
- Don’t be spammy. This should go without saying, but avoid posting over-promotional comments on your LinkedIn page. LinkedIn is not the venue for peddling your latest product.
- Don’t ask for LinkedIn endorsements from people you don’t know. In real life, it would be a strange networking move to ask for a testimonial from a stranger. The same applies here.
From “The Power of Polite: A Guide to Etiquette in Business.”
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged social media etiquette, LinkedIn, business etiquette, networking
April 26, 2011
In the “real” world, would you randomly approach an acquaintance and ask them for a favor? Consistently talk about yourself without any regard for others around you? Jump into a conversation with strangers without introducing yourself? Accept a gift without saying “thank you”?
The same rules apply to social media etiquette as they would in real relationships. (And if you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, you might need to brush up on your social skills – both online AND offline!).
Here are a few social media etiquette tips, for Facebook and Twitter, that will not only save you from experiencing a “foot-in-mouth” situation, but will also help you understand some of the rules of engagement in this new world of social media.
Facebook Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- When sending a friend request, include a personal message of introduction.
- Be a “real” person on Facebook. It is about sharing who you are and what you do, but your personal page should be personal.
- Acknowledge when someone posts on your wall. It’s a conversation.
- Post on your friends’ walls. Stay engaged.
Don’t:
- Don’t bombard your friends with group invites—Ask once. Move on.
- Don’t use your personal page as a platform to sell your latest gadgets. If you’re using it for business, be transparent about it – set up a fan page and let your friends decide if they want to join.
- Don’t use profanity on your wall. If it’s not something you’d want your kids or your grandmother to see – don’t post it!
- Don’t tag people in unflatter pictures. Think before you tag. This is definitely one of those “Do unto others…” type things.
Twitter Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Update your profile with your personal information, and a profile picture. Think of it as your business card.
- Acknowledge when someone retweets your tweet or mentions you. It’s the “Twitter” way of showing gratitude.
- Promote yourself. But mix it up. Share interesting articles, competitor’s links even. Keep it interesting.
Don’t:
- Follow everyone and anyone – or use an automated tool—just to raise your # of followers.
- Don’t use profanity. Again, a no-brainer here. It’s just in bad taste, online or offline.
- Don’t tweet just to tweet. If you don’t have anything to say…don’t say anything.
Remember, every time you submit a comment on a blog, tweet about your new product, or share a link on Facebook, you’re leaving your signature. It tells people who you are. Behind the computer screens are real people who will form an opinion about who you are – and whether they want to do business with you – through all those random posts and tweets. And it’s permanent.
So, before you hit “send” or “tweet,” think about how it will reflect your identity.
Speaking of social media, it wouldn’t be good “etiquette” if I didn’t invite you to connect with me. You can follow me on Twitter, “Like” me on Facebook, and I’d love to connect on LinkedIn. See you there!
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged etiquette tips, Facebook etiquette, guide to social media etiquette, social media etiquette, social media manners, Twitter etiquette
