The Do's and Don'ts of Social Media

There is a general question that encompasses proper online behavior, and is a great test for content that you may be thinking about submitting.  Before you post or add anything to your favorite social media sit, ask yourself, "Would I be comfortable tell or showing this to an auditorium full of thousands of people?"  Answers to this question will differ for every individual and all content.  I recommend this test if you are ever unsure because it may save you some embarrassment.

Aside from filtering your posted content, below are some do's and don'ts about online behavior.

Do

• Keep tabs on yourself by regularly searching for yourself on the internet.  See what others can see about you
• Treat your emails as if they are professional correspondence.  Getting in the habit of short-handing an email could become a tough habit to break
• Only use work computers for work related activities.  Since they are the property of the company, the company may monitor your activity
• Be engaging, while being respectful
• Manage your privacy settings
• Proofread before you post

Don't

• Don't share everything -  It is perfectly fine to keep somethings private 
• Refrain from using inside jokes or sarcasm
• Broadcast your opinions about controversial topics or issues
• Spam colleagues 
• Don't feel as if you must be friends with everyone- it is ok to be picky
• Don't mix personal life with business life