Have you ever scrolled through your Facebook and or LinkedIn feed and wondered—why is this person posting this? We’ve all stumbled on distasteful posts, shook our heads and smiled. But is there a point where bad posts can affect your business or put your job in jeopardy?
The other day, I discovered a study that said 8% of American companies have dismissed someone for their behavior on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter (Mashable). In my research, I also found that:
- 79% of HR recruiters and hiring managers screen job candidates by reviewing online information about them. (David Hall)
- 86% of hiring managers have told candidates that they were rejected based on what was found online about them. (David Hall)
Given these stats, it’s important for you and your employees to be aware of what is distasteful, uninteresting, dangerous, and unprofessional to post on both personal and business pages. Listed below are 20 examples of what not to post:
- Anything related to personal or client finances. I’m sure you don’t do this, but it never hurts to be reminded.
- Passive aggressive attacks. So your marketing lady forgot to clean up her crumbs in the office kitchen. Passively aggressively posting about it on Facebook or Twitter doesn’t exhibit maturity on your part.
- Dates/specificities of your upcoming vacation. I’m sure your vacation is going to be epic, but publicizing your itinerary online might not be the best idea for the safety of you, your big screen T.V., or your home.
- Articles and/or stats that are old. (i.e. over a year ago). Make sure to double check the dates of all the stats and articles you promote on social media. In this case, oldies aren”t goodies.
- Things that only promote you, you, you. Okay, you are pretty awesome and interesting. But make sure you spend some time engaging and promoting others as well. Especially on Twitter!
- Any financial advice or forecasting. I know this is your passion, but it mustn’t be posted online. Confidentiality is your middle name, remember?
- Your personal grievances/complaints. You had a bad day. It happens. Brush off your shoulders, write in your diary-just don”t announce it to the world.
- Bodily functions. My stomach hurts. I’m full. I’m hungry. I’m sore. Nobody cares. Sorry.
- Radical views on religion, politics, or race. You might have a strong view on certain issues, but this could backfire when it comes to prospecting and generating leads. Be as tactful and respectful as possible.
- Advertisements for your brand/company. Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are social communities, not billboards. People don’t like to feel like they are being sold to.
- Sick? Ok Ferris Bueller, don”t post photos or posts of yourself laughing and having fun when you were “supposed” to be sick.
- Any questionable photos. If you wouldn’t want a prospective client, your pastor, or your mother to see it, don’t post it.
- Photos of you taking grave risks. As a financial professional, you want to be perceived as level headed and rational. While your base jumping trip might’ve been a blast, it might give the subtle impression that you are impulsive.
- Very Personal Conversations. On social media, people are watching whether you realize it or not. If a public conversation becomes too personal, take it to a private setting.
- Pictures of breakfast, lunch, snacks, or dinner. You ate—we get it. Unless are the chef of a five star restaurant, keep it at the dining table.
- Hundreds upon hundreds of pictures of your kids. I know they are cute and cuddly, but don’t get too carried away. This is good advice for their security and safety as well.
- Your personal phone number. Unless you want your entire social network (and complete strangers) to have access to your phone number, don’t put it online.
- Complaints about work or colleagues. Always a no-no. I’ve heard of people who have been busted for posting personal blogs about work and/or colleagues. That”s what your spouse is for!
- Hints about passwords—like pet names, street names, etc.
- App Activity. Do you really want everyone to know how much time you spend on Slots, Farmville, or Texas Hold Em’ Poker?
These are only 20 examples of posts that may not be conducive to business and relationship building. I’m certain there are many more. Do you have any stories or examples of posts that miss the mark? Let us know!
Amy McIlwain
President at Financial Social Media
Author, speaker, and President at Financial Social Media, Amy McIlwain speaks at events around the world ranging from audiences of 1000 to small executive boardrooms. She's appeared on FOX, CBS, ABC, and NBC as a social media expert and her book, The Social Advisor: Social Media Secrets of the Financial Industry, has been featured as a best-seller in the Amazon business category. Hire Amy to speak at your next event! Visit www.amymcilwain.com
@amymcilwain
International Speaker, Author, #FinServ Social Media Expert, VP Social & Digital @MooreCommGroup. Former DI Soccer Player, Avid Traveler & Bengals Fan. Who Dey!
Keys to maximizing impact of social content: build base, test for future, pursue partnerships, stay on brand #inFC15 - 5 hours ago
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Agree! Except for #15. Call me crazy. Love photos of yummy looking food.
That is fair enough Joanna
Food photos can be fun!
Great list Amy. I especially appreciate numbers two, seven and eighteen. Who wants to be connected to someone who is negative or snarky when there are so many wonderfully kind, interesting and knowledgeable people on social networks?Cr
I agree with Joanna on 15 as well, partly because I just started a “Food Diary” on facebook, people are surprisingly engaged by it.
So with all these rules… One shouldn’t even have a social media account. Some of those rules are flat out ridiculous. Maybe, you should consider adding this: 21. Don’t publish articles that talk about things you shouldn’t post on the Internet.
Thanks for your feedback. This blog was intended to provide useful guidelines vs black and white rules. While it’s important to monitor what you post on social media, it’s all about finding the voice/posts that work for you!
I rather agree w/Bill — it’s a social account and not a PC account or an I agree w/everyone account. While I don’t agree w/being nasty in your posts, often what one is responding to in a post, is nasty and stirs up just as much passion!
I feel that unless the account is laden w/porn or some other really unacceptable things, posting how you feel about something, or what you support or don’t “should” be ok — again, that’s why it’s a social account and not anything else!
If you take away what we feel/think from these posts, then what’s the purpose?
Now Amy this is only my opinion, and I am not stating you are wrong. I do find it a shame that one cannot or “should” not post something just to please an potential futre employer, unless it is CLEARLY indicative of characteristics that an employer does NOT want, e.g., prejudice, bigotry, etc.!
Posting pictures about food is a great example of using the appropriate social media platform for your posts. Unless your a “chef” you can be criticized for sharing something that is important to you. Is it “most appropriate” on Pinterest? Yes, probably. Because foodies get on there to share recipes & food pics. But if you follow multiple food blogs, or part of your nature & interaction is diacussing healthy food, it’s ok to share on Facebook, or Instagram or Twitter. I wouldn’t over generalize about people’s interests. Facebook is a place to share your interests. And I would certainly use Twitter or Facebook regularly to share blog posts on my interests.
The whole point of social media is to let second degree connections and beyond know the real you. There is absolutely no harm in stating your opinion on controversial matters, financial advice /forecasting or general nags. I mean do you want to always be PC and dull?
Obviously you should always be professional but don’t forget the whole point is to let your friends or followers know the real you.