When is Social Networking Too Personal? Career Coaches Tips and Advice

People who are afraid to speak in public think nothing of writing everything about them self on line either in blogs, personal web sites, through social networking or e-mail.

You could buy a billboard in Times Square and fewer people would have access to your information than if you posted on many popular social networking sites.

If you have a profession or a business where you public image is important make sure people can only read things you want them to know. Do you really want to see your doctor in a bikini? Interested in seeing the boss doing shots? Want your coworkers to know you had a terrible divorce and that you are still bitter? Post it.
Keep in mind what you post stays available forever. There is no delete or backspace key in cyberspace. Permanent ink no disappearing stuff.

More than friends can see your posting so while it might be funny to have yourself in some exaggerated or sexy pose do your really need a college admissions office or potential employers seeing you this way? It is common knowledge that many people check these sites to learn more about candidates and potentially make important decisions about you. HR departments search job posting sites not only for new employees but to find out who at their place is looking for a job. Should you get caught you better have your reasons pre-planned. Recent downsizings in other departments, changes in leadership or lack of advancement potential are often acceptable replies though no one knowing you’re out there is safer.

Stalkers and identity thieves are waiting for all of us to slip. You don’t put your kid’s name on his backpack because abductors might call the child by name but on the family web site you have your address, everyone’s names and ages and where they go to school or work. Use a password access and select who gets to know your family.

Social networking is fun and can be great for business, but stay alert! When inviting people to LinkIn.com or asking them to become a connection or friend on Facebook.com or MySpace.com
emember others judge you by the company you keep. It may seem like fun to have a high number of contacts but if your list has some questionable or unknown characters people it will be held against you.

Executive and career coaches generally recommended that managers, leaders and professionals have a presence on the web whether they are searching for a job, looking for some career development, reconnecting with family or friends or selling you’re your latest product. What coaches also recommend is you be careful and selective.

You are welcome to use or share this article as long as you keep it intact and give credit to the author Copyright Jane Cranston and Executive Coach NY 2008