Avoiding social media suicide

Many companies embrace social media to increase their profiles, and to develop new ways of working with clients and consumers. Many employees also use social media such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, and a host of other blogs and sites in order to connect with other people and share information. However, as an employee, how do you avoid sharing too much...? At what point can social media use become detrimental to your career, and how can you avoid this situation?

Guidelines for social media use

In general, what you do in your time is up to you. However, activities in or outside of work that affect your job performance, the performance of others, or your company's business interests are the focus for company policy. Remember that you are a representative of your company, and your actions online may affect the perceptions of clients, candidates, and the general public, not only on yourself but also on your company.

Be responsible for what you post

What you publish will be public for a very long time. Ensure that what you post online is something that you are happy to have representing you (and, where appropriate, your company) for an indefinite period of time. Also ensure that you are prepared to deal with the consequences of what you publish. When you go public you are individually legally responsible for your commentary. Outside parties can pursue legal action against you for things that you post online.

Exercise good judgement

Think before you post. If you are in doubt, or if you feel uncomfortable about your posting, then a good rule of thumb is not to send it. If you feel emotional at the time of posting then consider sending it at a later time when you have had a chance to cool down. Remember that posting online is not the same as talking to friends and family in privacy. While it may be acceptable to tell everyone at the pub about your day from hell and your awful boss, this is not something we would recommend posting online. Remember that what you post online or in an email stays there in some shape or form forever. Deleting an item does not 'undo' it. You cannot control who sees an online post or email, and there have been many cases where conversations that were intended to be confidential ended up being made very public.

Always identify yourself

Use your name and, where relevant, your job position when discussing work related matters. Write in the first person and state that any views you are expressing are your own, and not necessarily those of your company. When you are not engaged in social computing that is relevant to work, take precautions to protect your privacy. Be careful about how much personal information you divulge in the form of contact details, photographs, and security sensitive information. For example, we would strongly advise against publishing 'holiday countdowns' or information about parties and suchlike online.

Tell the truth

When stating your opinion ensure that you stick to the facts, or that you make it clear when you asserting an opinion that is not based on fact. Do not pick fights, or allow yourself to be drawn into inflammatory debates. If talking about a competitor ensure that you are professional, courteous, and factual.

Always consider your audience

Consider whether your post will be relevant to the audience in question. Treat the audience with respect. Do not use insults, obscenities, or conduct that could be deemed discriminatory or offensive. Show proper consideration for the privacy of others, and sensitivity for topics that could be considered inflammatory.

Respect copyrights and fair use

Respect the laws concerning copyright and fair use of copyrighted material owned by others, including our own copyrights and brands. Do not reprint someone else's work without properly citing them.

Protect confidential information

As per your employment contract, do not disclose any information which may be construed as confidential pertaining to the business of your company or clients.

Add value

Provide valuable information and thoughts. Enter into worthy sharing of information.

Ensure your actions are a good use of your time

Do not let your work suffer through misguided use of social media. Always ask yourself if your current actions will result in the professional outcomes you seek to achieve.

Direct media attention to the appropriate source

If a member of the media contacts you in relation to your company then direct them to the appropriate contact within your company. Do not take it on yourself to give media interviews or commentaries that could later be used as a representation of your company's views!

To sum up

Use common sense. Assume that any photo or comment you post online could be reprinted on the front cover of a newspaper. If you wouldn't want that to happen then do not post it online!