8 Things You Do On Social Media That Ruin Your Reputation
Self-awareness, friends. Self-awareness.
ImYanis / Shutterstock Snarky memes.
Sexy poses.
As we spend so much time online, it's not uncommon to start feeling so comfortable that we let it "all hang out" so to speak. Unfortunately, this can have a massive impact on a reputation and a brand.
I'm sharing eight (sadly common) social media moves that can come across as creepy and quite possibly ruin your reputation.
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1. You think LinkedIn and Match.com serve the same purpose.
A few days ago, I opened my LinkedIn account and came across a message from a CEO of a major company in which he detailed his appreciation of my looks, what he liked to do in his free time, and that he would like to meet up for dinner when he was in NYC.
After sharing my disappointment with my coworkers (who all had their own tales of LinkedIn Lothario), I informed him this wasn't Match.com and blocked him. This happens quite often to a lot of us and it never ceases to amaze me that others think this is OK. Hitting on someone on a professional site is like coming onto a stranger in the office. It's not cute, it's harassment.
2. You use selfies as professional profile photos.
Everyone knows someone who can take a photo for us, and if you're looking to come off as a professional, it makes sense to pay for a shoot with a professional photographer. Save the selfies for Snapchat and post a polished shot instead.
3. You let your mood dictate your posts.
If you're mad at your ex, a client, or a colleague, keep it offline.
4. You aren't careful about what you post on other pages.
Beware: Innocent comments can come off creepy (and even scary). An editor I know once posted "It looks like the ___ dance studio on 34th street" on the account of a dancer who was excited to show off her new moves. The Instagram account holder owner was rightfully alarmed that a stranger was not only pinpointing where she was but sharing it with her followers.
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5. You post way too many pictures of yourself.
Posting like a Kardashian is great for their brand but will likely come across as self-absorbed to followers.
6. You're no stranger to improper grammar, using sexism, and foul language.
This is important not only in your notices but your memes as well. Translation: You can like Drake's post, but you don't need to share it with your clients. Have fun and showcase your humor, but keep your content smart and professional in order to avoid being guilty by proxy.
7. You use all caps.
Please look at Cher's Twitter account for the full story.
8. You post about what alcoholic beverages you're drinking.
We all laugh, but you know what I'm talking about. Definitely not professional.
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Brenda Della Casa is the Author of Cinderella Was a Liar, The Editor-in-chief and Digital Content Strategist at Preston Bailey Designs, and a Huffington Post Blogger. She regularly speaks on the topic of Digital Content, Social Media, and Digital Strategy. Follow her on Instagram.