Professional Courtesy, LLC

Karen Hickman specializes in Etiquette and Protocol Consulting and is based out of Fort Wayne, IN | TEL: 260-486-7758

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You are here: Home / Archives for social media photos

Are You Guilty of Facebook Bragging

October 4, 2016 by procourtesy

Are you guilty of Facebook bragging?

No question about it, social media has been a game changer in our world. The ability to communicate, share, rant and let the world know what’s on your mind is easier than ever. It has allowed us to connect with old classmates and some distant family members that we wouldn’t normally know much about.

As a marketing tool, we can spread our message and encourage business without much effort or expense. However, there are some things to consider about this social media form of communication. Stand back and look at what you post with a critical eye. What message are you sending about yourself and your business. Is it the one you want to send?

If your social media posts are all about you, only you and what’s happening in your life and your business, it might be perceived as being a tad narcissistic or even seen as bragging.

How about sharing all 300 photos from your exotic vacation and a daily update of where you are and what you are eating? Has social media become the new family home movies that your company dreaded having to sit through?

While I enjoy seeing photos of family and friends and their children and even enjoy sharing an occasional photo of my own family, I encourage people to be careful about over doing it.

When you share live updates of where you are in the world it can leave your home vulnerable to thieves. There are plenty of people out there checking out your posts and feel like you are saying, “please rob me” Post your vacation photos when you come back home and be discreet about how many you share. If people want to see more, they’ll ask for a photo tour of your trip. And be mindful that what you share can be perceived as…”don’t you wish you had our life?”

Keep your business pages free of political and opinionated comments unless you are a political pundit and people are following you for your point of view. It’s rare that we can change someone else’s mind on their strong beliefs by posting a barrage of counter attacks on the opposing party. That old adage of not mixing religion and politics with business is still sound advice.

Be generous and happy for other people’s successes and if they share your stuff, be gracious and return the favor. What goes around, comes around, even with your competitors.

So remember, sometimes, less is more.

Filed Under: social media photos Tagged With: etiquette expert, facebook etiquette facebook bragging, Karen Hickman, social media etiquette

Selfie Etiquette

August 5, 2014 by procourtesy

cute couple taking selfies together on beach

Selfie Etiquette
Selfies have come a long way since the one of Thelma and Louise from the movie by the same name. And as in everything else that comes into our lives, taking selfies requires some etiquette guidelines. It also requires a sense of what is in good taste and bad taste. Now, I know taste can be subjective, but there are some things that just seem wrong when it comes to taking selfies.
Here is my list of situations that I consider to be in bad taste when and where “selfies” are taken:
Don’t take photos at funerals or other religious ceremonies. Pulling out your cell phone at a funeral or in the middle of any other solemn service is disrespectful.
Don’t take a selfie at a wedding ceremony. It isn’t your story to tell.
Don’t take photos in areas that are considered hallowed ground. For instance, cemeteries or other places that are preserved to remember people who have died or suffered a tragic situation.
Don’t take pictures of yourself or others in the hospital. It can just be too much information. If you wouldn’t discuss your recent ailments in a networking situation don’t take a picture of yourself and then share it on social media.
Don’t take pictures that capitalize on other people’s tragedies. For instance, at accident scenes or of people who are in compromised situations.
Don’t take selfies of yourself in intimate situations. Those things can come back to haunt you and become a real liability.
Don’t take photos of yourself driving. Not only is it dangerous, it is just plain stupid.
Don’t over do the selfie on social media. After awhile, it can look a little narcissistic.
So, if you wouldn’t want your mother or boss to see it, don’t post it. And even better, don’t even take the picture.
If others are in a picture get their permission before taking the photo and posting it.iv>

Filed Under: etiquette, phone cameras, social media photos, Uncategorized Tagged With: Professional Courtesy, selfie etiquette, social media etiquette

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Founded in 1999, the mission of Professional Courtesy and Karen Hickman is to present programs of the finest quality with the highest degree of professionalism.

The purpose of the seminars and programs is to enable professionals, executives, and individuals to conduct business in diverse cultural arenas with ease.
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Business Email Etiquette                                                                                      The number of emails we all receive every day can be overwhelming, but they are a fact of life. Keeping that in mind, try to observe some of the basic email etiquette rules for emailing within the business world. Your email message may … Read More

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