4 mistakes to avoid making on social media to keep your reputation intact
It’s hard to try and imagine a time before social media. It has made the world smaller by bringing people together from across the globe to forge connections, both on a personal and professional level. In fact, many freelancers even land gigs through their engagement on the various platforms.
But, whether you like it or not, the way that you conduct yourself online matters when it comes to impressing prospective clients and getting work, and your long, introspective status updates and provocative selfies aren’t going to help you secure the bag. Here are four faux pas to avoid when you are social networking so that you get the attention and respect you deserve.
1. Don’t get caught in a lie
So you asked for an extension on your deadline because you are ‘so sick’ but continue to post updates on social media documenting your day quaffing wine at a vineyard or kicking back on the beach? Bad move.
This says to your client that the work you are doing for them, as well as their time, is not a priority of yours, and will definitely make them think twice about making use of your services again.
2. Don’t be *that* crazy ranting person
While some people are relatively quiet on social media and spend most of their time on it liking comments and stalking people, others use it as a way of venting and sharing their feelings or experiences with all who stumble upon their status update. If you fall into the latter category, be mindful of what you post, who you moan about and consider how it might be construed by prospective clients. Just a thought.
3. Don’t repost without acknowledgement
If you consider yourself to be a legitimate entrepreneur and want to be seen as such by all who come across your social media profile/s, think before you share other peoples’ content and, when you do, make sure that you credit the source accordingly. In this age of free, sharable media, we can at least help to uplift others by showing recognition for their work rather than trying to pass it off as our own.
4. Don’t be problematic
We all have opinions and we are entitled to them. But airing them in a public space (where they can be screengrabbed and kept forever!) is never a good idea. If you have extreme beliefs or views, cool (or, in some cases, not cool). But you should try to prevent engagement with — or your own posting of — potentially-provocative content that could paint you in a controversial or negative light.
