Many of us in business are out there in social media a lot. Why? We simply need the presence. Because it is NOT who you know, or what you know; it is who knows you. We are across all the media platforms like Twitter, Blogger, Facebook and Word Press. But as you know, being controversial, or worse crossing the line, will make your message go viral in ways you did not intend. As leaders and as representatives of your organization, there are some quickly put together e-Leadership rules that have have to be remembered. Be positive. Be yourself. Think before you hit the send or post button. It could save a career. If you are humble, you will never tumble.
- Ego is the biggest enemy in our personal and professional decisions about what we blog or post.
- There is a BIG FAT O-O in the middle of Google. O-O’s are never good. Everything you do in and on the web and social media is non- erasable and can and will come back to haunt both you and your business.
- Be kind, positive, and nice to everyone in every situation in and out of your business; you will need friends, fans, and family if you screw up big time.
- Be competitive in everything you do; but being “in your face” in the web 2.0 world never sheds a good light on you, your image, your brand, and your mission.
- This is a visual world first, a written one second. Go to TMZ and check out the controversial videos you do not want to be a part of in any way. Place only neutral to positive G and PG videos on your site, Facebook, Twitter, and blog. A picture is indeed worth 100 words.
- Take care of your best friends and inner circle. When the chips are down you will need them defending you.
- You are what you say and what you write, both good and bad.
- You are what you do in action, both good and bad.
- Reaping and sowing always go hand-in-hand.
- In an apology, never forget complete and forthright honesty. If you fib, it can get very, very complicated.
- If you must lie to get out of a situation, walk away first. Keep your mouth shut second.
- The late great Henry Ford II once said, “Never explain; never complain.” Believe his advice.
This post is brought to you by the good folks at Dale Carnegie Training of Michigan, providers of professional development and management development courses and information in Michigan. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @MarkWillDCT.
