Social Media Round Table Discussion
This weekend I was honored to host a round table discussion for MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainers) Day at the Microsoft Technology Center in Chicago. One thing we discussed there is something very important that we should all remember while using social media…
During this discussion we were talking about some key things to think about while using social media. And one of the participants asked about a concern he had about his Facebook page becoming intermixed with friends, work friends, business associates and potential clients.
His concern was that his after work activities would interfere with his work associates and potential clients. His question led to something very important we need to remember.
People will buy from those they know, like, and trust!
My suggestion to him was to “Just be yourself”. People will connect with you for who you are not someone pretending to be someone else just to win over a boss, customer or potential client.
We should all remember this when blogging or posting in your social media feeds. You are who you are and it doesn’t do any good to hide from that.
We also discussed a topic I’ve heard many times recently about just blocking out “business” from your “personal” feeds. While that is a possible option, in many cases that is very hard to do. After all it is called “social media”.
In thinking afterwords about the event, that maybe, some people have a “concern” about how they live their personal lives. If there is a feeling of guilt about what we do in our “private times” maybe we should strive harder to live a life that you are not afraid or concerned about other people knowing the real you.
I’m curious what your thoughts are on this topic. Could you post your comments in the space provided below?
I totally agree, being yourself is very important.
I have also heard a number of stories from clients where they gain new customers because of their activities in their personal lives.
My niece is on a fast pitch team I often post about her tournaments and games. It can create great conversations with people and that can lead to new business. It may not necessarily be the person who started the conversation, perhaps a friend or associate. In my case it has lead to new clients, the new client told me they were looking for someone who believed in family relationships and in my case I was displaying them with pride.
When we attempt to “hide” things it often comes back to bite us. However you also have to be careful with what you post because it can also have the opposite effect. I have another niece who loved to party, she often posted pictures that didn’t show her in the best light. One always has to remember that anything posted on social media is there, it’s searchable and will be found. Police departments, potential employers and other government agencies can and will use content they find on the internet. I personally know of more than one person who has not received a job they really wanted because of what they posted on the internet.
Be yourself, but be careful too! 🙂
As you know Frank, I’m a conservative and working on being a better Christian. I often post my views and opinions on social media, primarily on Facebook. People have told me I should be careful with the content I post because it may effect my business and future jobs.
I took thier advice for a while but after thinking about it, as you mention in your article “be yourself”, I realized not having an opinion on matters that concern me… just isn’t my way. Appearing passive and trying not to hurt peoples feelings might suggest that I can easily be taken advantage of (as I have before).
Also, I can use it as sort of a filter. If an employer or client decides to look me up on social media (which most employers are doing now) they will quickly learn that if they want a Pro Choice website, a gay marriage wedding cake, or an athiest t-shirt designed not to waste their time because they won’t get any help from me.