Social Media Etiquette

I understand the role of Facebook, but up until recently Twitter was lost on me.  I just couldn’t understand how anyone could share useful information in 140 characters over and over again, and more importantly, who would follow you in order to read these random thoughts.  I started a twitter account a year ago for a story. I never followed a single person or entered one tweet. Then a few months ago, I decided to really give it a try.  Now I like it, more than Facebook in fact. I have met some great tweeps and and discovered surprising tips on stories.

But I have also seen many misuse this, and other forms of social media. My last blog entry on Airplane Etiquette brought a flurry of emails to my inbox, so I decided to share some of the thoughts of author and communication coach, Roshini Rajkumar once again, this time on Social Media Etiquette. 

This is a checklist she suggests you follow before you hit send on an email, blog, Facebook post or tweet:

– Proof your post or email—two or three times. Grammatical errors and typos are so easy to fix, and when you post content with typos, you’re sending a message about yourself, the wrong message.  Have a purpose for the message you’re sending or posting. 

– Auto addressing.  Your computer will happily fill in the email address when you start typing, but be sure to double check who your computer wants to send the email to.   

– Look at your distribution list for emails. DO NOT “reply all” if your question or response is only for one person or worse, it contains confidential information or negative information that should not be shared.  On that note, you can not control what someone else may or may not do with your email so if you don’t want the information shared, be sure to indicate that when you send it out.   

– Respect the privacy of others and the confidentiality of their communication to you. Do not forward emails you receive from others without getting the author’s permission.   

– Ask yourself: Would you say it this way if you were looking the person in the eye?  This is especially true with e-mails. Taken out of context many e-mails and posts can be misconstrued. 

– For blogs and comments to any social media remember just because you “can” post, doesn’t mean you should; think about that and then proceed.  Remember, once your post is on the Internet, it is fair game for anyone to see (even if you have made it “private”). It may not go viral immediately, but the Internet is vast and it is eternal so someday, someone may scroll across your post. And it will most likely occur at the most inconvenient time.   

– Emoticons are fun but overused, and are never professional.  

– Avoid using “text talk” online and in social media, and for that matter in texts.  Speak in complete words and sentences.  It avoids miscommunication and commands more respect.   

– Many falsely assume they’re anonymous when posting on blogs; NOTHING on the Internet is completely anonymous.   

– Think about your reputation and the reputation of your business. Would you want your boss to see your post? Would customers still consider working with you if they saw those pictures? 

All great tips and rules to post by. You can find her on Twitter @RoshiniR and me @GlobalTshooter 

I’d love to hear what you think.  Have you clicked before thinking a post through?  Ever wished you really could recall that email? 

Julie Matthews troubleshooter@globalnews.ca