Now more than ever, social media is important to developing your personal brand and your business. However, posts that “overshare” have notoriously damaged some of the biggest names out there. So, how do you avoid getting too personal on social media?
Grant and I are very transparent about our success — and about when we weren’t so successful…
And according to a New York Times article, we aren’t the only ones. Currently, more entrepreneurs are opening up about their struggles on the way to the top.
I THINK THIS IS A POSITIVE TREND.
Still, you can see where sharing every single detail of your life can go wrong… Just log in to your Facebook account, and you’ll find plenty of examples.
Below, I am going to lay out simple guidelines to stay true to yourself without getting too personal on social media…
How to Determine If It’s Too Personal for Social Media
Before we get into these criteria for social media, I have some general advice to consider before you post…
DON’T POST WHEN YOU’RE EMOTIONAL.
Remember, a good reputation can take years to build, but moments to destroy. Just thinking a moment before you tweet alone will save you a lot of headaches.
That being said, even something seemingly innocent can be misinterpreted. So, let’s go into detail on what to share and not share.
Is it Related to Your Purpose?
Now, I am not saying that your posts have to be all business all the time. Clearly, I have my friends, family, and other interests all over my social media platforms.
NONETHELESS, YOU NEED TO BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT WHAT YOU POST.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Does the post reflect your core values?
- Does it further your mission?
- Is it something you are passionate about or proud of?
- Or, is it about why you pursue your goal?
For example, some people may think that my story about how I used to shoplift may be too personal to tell. Despite that, I wrote an article about it.
Why?
BECAUSE IT EXPLAINS HOW I HAVE GROWN AS A PERSON AND WHAT I BELIEVE AS A RESULT OF THAT.
Therefore, it doesn’t always have to be a picture-perfect on social media. It just has to have meaning…
Does it Belittle Someone Else?
I encourage people to tell their stories and stand by their beliefs. But, there is something to be said about, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
Don’t get me wrong, sharing your experience is a beautiful thing and builds a relationship with your audience.
On the other hand, there is no need to speak ill of romantic partners, business associates, and former friends. Unless it is absolutely necessary. And at that point, lawyers and law enforcement are probably better options than your Twitter following…
THE BEST REVENGE IS TO FLOURISH AND PROSPER.
You don’t want to stoop to a lower level by getting too personal. On that note, let’s talk about authenticity…
Authenticity and Being Too Personal with Social Media
The dictionary defines authentic as
REPRESENTING ONE’S TRUE NATURE OR BELIEFS; TRUE TO ONESELF OR TO THE PERSON IDENTIFIED.
Notice how that definition says nothing about being rude, crass, or argumentative?
As long as you are depicting who you are and your true intentions in a respectful way, it is almost impossible to be too personal on social media.
Be Yourself and Build an Empire,
Elena Cardone
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