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This is first in a series (seven, you guessed it!) on social media sins. This is my fun way to impart sage advice for avoiding some of the pit falls which have a way of sneaking up on you.  I stole the idea from my pal, The Clutter Coach.  Hope you enjoy my social media version! 

You have an community, whether it be blog readers, Twitter followers, or fans on Facebook. You carry on conversations, exchange ideas. They are there, ready to hear what you have to say. So when something has displeased you, it seems so easy to rant, complain, or spread negatively, knowing that you will get support. But is that the right thing to do?

The answer is, no, not really.

Everything you say on the internet, including (and especially) social media, is permanent. That five minute rant in which you blew off some steam, could come back and bite you in the derriere some day down the line. And do you really want clients, or potential clients, to see you in that light? Not very professional.

The relationships that you have with your clients, readers, followers, fans, contacts (you-name-it), is a privileged one. Don't use it as a platform when you feel wronged about something.  If you have a legitimate complaint, and you want to use social media as a means to resolve it (and this is a very effective way to get resolution), take the high road.

If you feel you must get your feelings off your chest, sit down and write it all out in a Word doc, Notepad, email, anything, and then save it to draft. Wait 24 hours and read it again and then if you must send it out to the universe, send it to yourself! You will have gotten your say off your chest and sent it on its merry way without damaging your reputation or integrity.

Always take the high road, you will never regret it.




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