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.