social media etiquette Archives - Professional Courtesy, LLC

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.

Selfie Etiquette

August 5, 2014 by procourtesy

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>

What’s Up New Hires… My guest blogger:Jorie Scholnik

December 5, 2011 by procourtesy

Status Update: What’s up, new hires? Here are five tips to avoid getting fired.

By: Jorie Scholnik

Every semester when I teach Life and Career Development at Santa Fe College, I always make sure to devote at least two class meetings to social networking. One lesson revolves around using Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for networking and enhancing the job search process. The other lesson covers professional tips like being aware of privacy settings and social networking tips for your first six months at a job. I always start off this lesson by asking, “Can anyone give me famous examples of someone being reprimanded or fired because of something he/she did or said on a social networking site?” Someone inevitably shouts out, “Anthony Weiner!” followed by some giggles and snickers. My students can generally provide me with several more celebrity cases with little thought.

What usually happens next is that one student will be brave enough to disclose that he or she was actually the one fired because of a Facebook status update, tweet or racy photo. Once the first person shares their personal experience, others quickly join in. I’ve listened to students talk about getting terminated because they wrote that their special training was pointless, they posted a picture of them drinking underage, they lied about why they couldn’t come to work, etc.

Ladies and gentlemen, getting fired because of social networking blunders is happening and here to stay! Therefore, I recommend these five social networking tips for new hires, and really for anyone who would like to keep their job:

Don’t initiate sending a friend request to your boss. It may make your boss uncomfortable and it may signal that you aren’t conscious of your boundaries.
It is okay to decline a friend request from a boss or co-worker. Send a personal message to acknowledge the request and state that you are happy that he/she wants to connect via social networking, but you only use Facebook for your closest friends and family members. Instead, consider offering to go to lunch during the work day to catch up.
Negative comments won’t get you anywhere. If you are bored at work, hate your boss or don’t agree with the latest policy changes, don’t even consider posting it. Use the appropriate means of providing constructive feedback at your office instead.
If you are angry, wait at least 24 hours before posting a status update or tweet. Once you’ve had time to digest why you are angry, you will state your thoughts in a more professional manner and realize that social networking may not be the best avenue to express yourself in the situation.
Verbalize how you are using Facebook and Twitter for professional purposes while at work. This will prevent your boss from thinking that you are just using the sites for fun, wasting time or not taking initiative.

Jorie Scholnik has been employed as an associate at The Protocol School of Palm Beach, Inc. under Jacqueline Whitmore for the past five years where she writes guest blog posts on www.jacquelinewhitmore.com and works with university students on polishing their business etiquette skills. Jorie Scholnik is also currently working as an assistant professor within Student Development Instruction at Santa Fe College. Prior to working at Santa Fe College, Jorie Scholnik worked as a career counselor and Job Search Strategies instructor at the University of Florida’s Career Resource Center. Jorie Scholnik earned a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling and a specialist degree in education from the University of Florida in May 2010. Her Facebook page is strictly for close friends and family, but you can follow her on Twitter @JorieScholnik.

Thank you Jorie, for taking the time to share your expert opinion regarding social media. I do appreciate your generosity.

Company Profile

From the Blog

Contact Us