The Rules of Social Media & Coming Across The Way You Intended

By Brian Maynor

 

Social media is certainly an ingrained part of our culture, with everyone using one form or another, from personal expression to business development.

While it is certainly non-traditional there are some definite advantages to participating in the platform, but without thought and planning, it could go horribly wrong. Think of how many times there has been a misunderstanding between colleagues due to email wording. When engaging in social media that problem is compounded a hundred times over. With such a broad audience of people who may or may not know you, your image and reputation could suffer irreparable damage if your post comes across the wrong way.

Luckily there are a few simple things to keep in mind before firing off a tweet, post or comment that are similar to other correspondence rules, but tweaked ever so slightly to make them perfect for social media. Here’s what you need to know:

 

1.   Relax, but not too much. Social media is less formal than traditional business communication, so if you use the same wording, tone or structure in your posts you will come across as boring, stuffy or arrogant. On the other hand you don’t want to be crass, vulgar or silly when engaging a broad audience of colleagues. Balance the relaxed nature of the medium with professional respect. A great tip to avoid this is to dictate your posts into your phone. That will keep the tone conversational plus you’ll hear it out loud before submitting it.

2.   Modify your ‘voice’ for the audience and platform. Every platform has a targeted audience and just like you change up the way you speak publicly based on the size and composition of the audience you need to tailor your online voice to the platform’s target audience.   If you have some doubts about how to phrase your posts, take a second to browse other people’s posts and read some of the comments they incite.

3.   Avoid excessive acronyms and abbreviations. Space is a premium when posting online, so using abbreviations is unavoidable, so you want to make sure they are the right ones. Common platform shorthand is perfectly okay, but keep the LOLs and OMGs to a minimum. Do we need to even mention emojis?

4.   Monitor yourself. After you’ve established your online presences it’s a good idea to back every few weeks and review what you’ve been posting. That helps make sure your posts are varied and that you are maintaining the tone you want. Single posts have very short lifespans, but the feed will be there forever, and you better believe potential employers; customers and clients will be checking you out on every platform you use. This is also a great time to remove and/or de-tag yourself in any photos that are less than flattering to your professional image.

 

In strictly business situations, it is no great surprise that brief, bullet pointed communication is more effective and preferred, but that same practical approach isn’t the best for social media. While you may be limited to the number of characters you can use your voice should still be conversational, engaging and even funny. For most of us that takes practice to master, and these tips will help.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyborads at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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