I must admit I am pretty new to social media. I don’t have a FaceBook or a Twitter account and as I am typing this article, I am seriously contemplating joining LinkedIn. In fact, before the birth of MiddleMe, I only have a tiny good old blog which is for my eyes only. I am what most people out there, called a social media recluse.
It is not that I have a fear of social media, quite reverse in fact, I have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of social media and the heights it could achieve. Marketing and advertising have taken a whole new meaning with start of the era of social media. Printed media are slowly a dying breed, many of which opting to jump right into the race by offering online subscriptions as well, hoping to stretch out their worth just a little longer. No longer do you need to bring your swanky new bag to work to show off when all you need to do is to take an Instagram and post online.
While I understand the power of social media, I couldn’t see then the benefits it brings me as a person. I am a private person and I don’t really want to shout out where I have been or what’s my lunch. The social media slowly creeped in two years ago when I opted to use WeChat to communicate with the folks back home when I was relocated to Shanghai. And now, to spread the word and awareness of MiddleMe as well as to reach out to folks who could benefit from this website, I quickly realised that no other platform could help me effectively bridge a gap between me and you.
Above is a great example when social media is used positively for career purposes. However, poor social media management can mean bad news too. Raise up your hands if you have heard or read about someone making a public blunder on the internet. I have come across so much incidents more than my fingers could count. So prevent making a FaceBook blunder, here are the list of things you should really avoid…
1. Inappropriate photos
You may wish to let the whole world (or your fanbase) to know how much you love your significant other but posting a profile photo of you smooching him or her, is really not appealing to your colleagues. You may want to keep the photos in a restricted view file only shared to your closest friends and not your whole company.
HR and hiring managers do sometimes google the candidate’s profile online especially if the job nature is sensitive or requires a lot of representation ie. Sales jobs. You do want them to have a good impression of you before they call you up for interview. Flaunting in a bikini in a drunken state on a profile photo does not really portray maturity and sophistication that they are looking for in their next manager.
2. Add everyone in your company
Its okay to whine to your friends once in a while on how much you don’t want to drag yourself off the bed today, how much you dread today’s meeting and how horrible your boss are for making you stay overtime for the 3rd time this week. Before you click the submit button, please try to remember if you have added your boss or your colleagues from 5 cubicles down in your FaceBook.
One of my ex-colleagues Francis (*not his real name) had commented on his Twitter on how boring the company dinner was last night and how he managed to ‘score’ with the new receptionist. Quote “Dinner sucks, man! Totally waste my time, lucky Jeanette* is here to entertain me.” To give him credit, he did checked that he did not add any of his bosses nor his colleagues however, his cousin who used to work in the same company as him and have the whole company as his followers, retweet his message.
You can assumed that Jeanette and Francis did not stayed very long in the company.
3. Censorship
If you couldn’t resist in adding everyone in your company including the 50 years old carpark attendant and the auntie selling laksa at your cafeteria, please at least think, omit and edit before you post anything. An important rule – if you are on medical leave, stay away from social media.
Adam* who was reporting to me had texted me on Monday morning that he is running a fever and is on the way to the doctor’s. I reassured him that we would cover his work and hand it up in time for the deadline and he should get as much rest as possible. Could you imagine my fury when I discovered through his FaceBook page that he is enjoying himself at Sentosa celebrating some chick’s birthday on the beach while the rest of us had take away dinners at 9.
Well, he did have to explain his sunburn to HR the next day.
4. Posting Company Stuff
It depends on your company’s policy. Unless you are the appointed marketing social media in charge, its common sense never to post pictures or comments on not yet launched products or services. I’m pretty sure that your company will not appreciate the free advertising. Some companies have this rule written in their employees handbook, be sure to read it up. It can be range from posting a photo of your new desk to bitching about the new intern assigned to you. Just make sure your ass is covered.
On another note, you will get haters for posting your salary or how much bonus you get this year. The next thing you know, you probably will get a call from your friendly HR.
5. Keep somethings private Private
Sure, you want to let the world knows you had salad for lunch yesterday, today and tomorrow. But if you are having a lovers’ tiff, do take it offline. You do not want the whole department to avoid you like plague the next day just because they read about how he forgotten your anniversary.
Quote from one of my colleague “Its so hard to look at my director in the eye in the morning when last night, his Facebook postings was about him regretting the divorce with his wife, how sorry he was caught cheating by her and how shit-faced drunk he is.”
6. Black & White
Remember whatever you post on social media even if it is private messaging, it is still black and white. There is such thing called screenshot even the person doesn’t retweet your message back. Be safe, not sorry. Anything you don’t want a 3rd party to know, its better to keep it face to face.
Also do be social media responsible and avoid making any insensitive remarks. You do not wish to be known as the girl who cracks insensitive racist jokes or be the one who posted a photo of yourself with a peace sign with a terrible car accident in the background. As much as you are entitled to your own opinions in your own network space, you probably will want to work amicably and be likeable with the diverse group of colleagues in your company who is a follower of your tweet.
Feeling there is too much to swallow? Do what a lot of folks are doing, keep a private and a public account. That way, you know whatever you are sharing are in safe eyes.
I believe there are plenty more blunders to avoid. Do you know any? If yes, please care to share using below comments or do drop me an email to share your views @ kally@middleme.net.
*Not their real names
MiddleMe 
What a fun post Kally. You’re a very good writer. This article was informative but very entertaining. I can’t believe your direct report lied about being sick and then was at the beach. That is crazy.
http://laceandpearlsblog.com
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s sweet of you to say I’m a good writer. Its such an honor to be recognise by an established writer like yourself!! Thank you for leaving me a comment, definately made my day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so welcome.
What a lovely compliment, no one has ever referred to me as a writer. I really appreciate the kind words. That comment made my day as writing is something I struggle with, but I’m improving. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your writings are beautiful. I’m also improving on my writing everyday!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aww, thanks Kally. I feel the same about your writing. Keep up the good work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent advice…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! I’m glad you find my article helpful. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did…It made sense, alot of it really is good manners too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love reading your posts too! In fact everytime I get a email notification, I will read it thoroughly. Good writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you…I’m honored..
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a post kelly, you have brought out the naked truth of the users of social media.. The just dont differentiate between personal and social life and one can easily see through the personal intimate moments of these creatures. I have seen a number of posts on the facebook which should not have come out of the bedrooms to the closest of friends even but proudly shared for public to relish the nonsense bites . Please keep writing
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi Vava, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I have seen so much Facebook rubbish that left me sighing. I know at least 5 people got turned down because of their inappropriate posts. Thanks for your encouragement, it’s readers like yourself that kept my words flowing.. Have a great day! 🙂
LikeLike
Wonderful Post Kally. There is one more caution to take is to have friends and colleagues responsible enough not to “tag” you in their misadventures. It happened to me when I had some work to finish which had suddenly became priority during start of the weekend. (I got call at Friday night) Though I was entitled to finish it as planned on early Monday morning, management want to expedite and have it done on weekends. I had fun river rafting adventure planned with friends on Saturday and hence told them that I had some personal emergencies. And next Saturday early morning one of my friend tag me in FB. Had to scold him to do that without asking me. Anyhow I saved the day by sacrificing Sunday on altar of work 🙂
I love to go through your articles. Keep posting.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I just had to warn people on the danger of social media impact on workplace. I have witness too much of career destroyed by people posting the wrong things online. Thank you for taking time to leave me a comment, I really appreciate it. Its readers like you that makes my day. Hooray!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree that social media is both a blessing and a curse. There are parts of our lives that should remain private, but our impulse to be a sharing person often clouds our judgement. We are all unique and therefore we will never like everyone and not everyone will like us in return, no matter what the reasons. I cannot say that I have been perfect using social media, but I do admit to learning as I go.
LikeLiked by 2 people
What we need is to practice self control: think about 10 years or 20 years from now, would you regret posting that photo of you making out with your boyfriend? Think deeply about how your comment will impact others especially your loved ones before tweeting.
Thank you for leaving me a comment. We learn more as we grew. 🙂
LikeLiked by 4 people
I learned from experience that not everyone understands sarcasm. I usually have a “(sarcasm)” writing next to my sarcastic posts on social media these days so people know.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha! That’s a good one. I should try that one day too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good points here Kally. After following your blog, the next search started for your twitter account. 🙂 If you ever get one, please let me know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha. I do have a Twitter account: MiddleMe_net. Come and follow me to receive the latest updates and more!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. It has been accomplish
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Kally, we have both written about Facebook around the same time and thanks for liking my article. I guess thats how we got connected. You are so right in titling it Friend or Foe. I would appreciate your feedback on my article in the comments or you can email to me. Looking forward Kelly!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have read your post about social media and it’s fantastic! The differences between yours and mine is that your is on a personal social life level while I’m focusing on career life level. Nevertheless, your post is very well written!! Are you from Singapore since I also saw that one of your post is related to Singapore.
LikeLike
I live in Chennai in India, but I do PR & Media consultancy for the firm in Singapore. So I do travel there often. Thanks for your comment my dear!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ahh.. I see! I look forward in reading more of your posts especially if there’s any related to Singapore! Haha!
LikeLike
There will, there will be soon! Thanks once again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May I request you Kelly to leave a comment on my post ? It has taken me this long to start getting likes and it is so encouraging ! Now, to get engagement on my posts, so you have any tips ? If you think of any suggestions please do email me. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have left a comment on your post 🙂 One of the tips for you is to concentrate on your blog’s speciality, so that you are able to identify the direction your blog is heading and come up with posts towards that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for both. Will keep it in mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a good thing you wrote this post. People should be aware of the dark side of social media.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m so glad you find this useful!! Means a lot to me that you taken time to drop me a comment! Thanks.
LikeLike
No problem 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post! Keep writing! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much!! Welcome to MiddleMe and I’m delighted that you have enjoyed this post. There are many for you to explore, do leave me a comment and participate in some of the current discussions we are having 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, this is exactly my thinking! I am not very confident on social media either for these reasons. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re most welcome! Explore more of the new articles and I’m sure you’ll find something you love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will immediately clutch your rss feed as I can’t to find your email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please allow me realize in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.
LikeLike
My follow button is on the right hand column bar. Thanks for following me!
LikeLike
7smrdH Im thankful for the article post. Really Cool.
LikeLike
Happy that you enjoyed it!! Come back for more!
LikeLike
nice chaplin image………super
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
welcome………….kally
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed lovely thought and a dilemma we are constantly facing. We live in two worlds, there is a increasing blur between the private and public space…social media is becoming the converge of real and the virtual world. No such clear boundary and as we are spending more time in the digital space, we have lost track how much and what to share…
There are matters of privacy and there are matters of confidential, all these have been thrown out of the window…we are in that transient phase, not knowing how to handle media that has so much option thrown at us…like everything in life this social media has two facets to it.
😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Very well said! You just summarized my whole article. Haha. I just like to keep my public and private life separated.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good to be in such dilemma, we are challenged to think differently…
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am always surprised by the amount of very personal information that is contained in some of the websites I follow and wonder what impact it may have on the individual or their family members’ careers, relationships. I love my website and have been ‘advised’ numerous times ‘that if I want it to be truly successful I must incorporate it into a ‘suite’ of social media options, all interconnected and conscientiously maintained.’
My website is a busy place and I choose not to participate in Facebook or Twitter though I do get requests from others to place links to essays of mine on their Facebook or Twitter.
Where are all the hours in the day to maintain numerous social media outlets, while maintaining a balanced life ?
An excellent article about a very important subject. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Many don’t think like what you do. A lot of us devoted half (maybe more) of their daily life into social media which is scary to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
¡Excelente post! Gracias por compartir 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you and welcome to MiddleMe
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this superb blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will share this website with my Facebook group. Chat soon!|
LikeLike
Hi, Kally. I’ve tried to select the “like” button here in your blog, but nothing happens… 😦
Do you know what’s the problem? I don’t know WordPress very well, so I’m quite lost here… 🙂
Anyway, congratulations for your blog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for liking my post and my blog. Sometimes it’s WordPress server who are slow to respond to your action.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
In fact, I don’t know what happens because, when I’ve tried to comment your post, I had to log again. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t choose “like”. Or, as you said, it was slow to respond.
Thanks again and have a nice day! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
PS: It’s very strange, the same problem again today, in another WP page, from another writer. I need to log in again to comment, and I can’t choose the “like”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s weird perhaps you can ask the WordPress Team what’s going on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A serious, yet funny, take on social media etiquette and protocol. Good insights, Kally! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!! 😊
LikeLike
Excellent post… I completely agree with you as to private pics.. It bugs me a lot… when it comes to Instagram, I have noticed that many beautiful women, such as models barely show pics of themlseves with their partners, which is a good strategy as they otherwise might lose male followers and admirers. And yet they are many common women (I mean not famous) that post many pics of this sort…. A profile pic should be careful chosen, I could delete someone I have been following merely based on that 😉 Sending love & best wishes
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true. Many people don’t realize that we can easily download personal photos off social media or take a screenshot as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person