I’m a glass is half-full person so I promise that nine times out of ten, you will receive emails that are about things that are good to do rather than things that aren’t. However, just once in a while, it seems right to address some things (mostly, but not exclusively, related to social media) that I think negatively impact personal or business reputations and see if we can change them.
Here are five things that I believe we should put a stop to:
Excessively personal content on Linkedin. Linkedin is, by its own definition ‘a business and employment-focused social media platform’. I want to read about business growth, tips, advice, career successes and the like. I do not want to read about what happened at little Tommy’s 6th birthday party. That’s what Facebook is for. If you post about Tommy’s party I think you are undermining your own work-related credibility.
I also cringe when I see Facebook or Insta posts in large groups which include emails or phone numbers. By all means, put a link in your post or comment on your profile page but I think you are asking for trouble if you post your phone number where thousands of people can see it without even a click.
Get rid of the perfection. Particularly on Instagram, my social platform of choice, we are bombarded with perfection. Designer homes, perfectly dressed children, amazingly behaved horses and more. It makes us feel inadequate and it’s not healthy. It’s OK if there is a cushion on the floor, mud on your kids’ clothes and if you ride your horse in a boggy field instead of a fancy sand school. And it’s OK to take a photo (and to post about it if you want to) of that imperfection! Don’t wait for perfect before you enjoy life.
Selling is OK. Most businesses need to do it and it shouldn’t be a dirty word. However, I do wish that people would do their research before they try to sell to me. By all means, try to sell me a brand new LandRover. I might not be able to afford it but at least I’m a relevant potential customer. HOWEVER, don’t try to sell me web design services (people do, on a weekly, if not daily, basis) when that’s one of the services my business offers to others. Why would I buy web design services when I have the amazing John in our team? Trying to sell it to me is simply evidence of a lack of research and laziness. So, my plea is don’t be scared of selling but just make sure that there is at least some connection between what you are trying to sell and the person you are trying to sell to!
A cheeky fifth one but it’s a plea NOT TO IGNORE podcasting. It has become and continues to be, such a key communications tool that you overlook it at your peril. Get in touch if you’re considering a podcast (we can train you and help you with the editing process) or if you’d like to raise awareness by sponsoring OnFARM.
