“I judge you because I don’t know any different.”
“I make assumptions based on the information I read.”
“I believe what I see is what you want me to see from the photos you share.”
“I accept what is provided by you.”
What am I referencing? How easy it is for someone to get an inaccurate impression of you and your business from social media.
It makes me chuckle and recall the infamous tv commercial line, “…they can’t put anything on the internet that’s not true.” Here, watch this short clip from the State Farm Mutual Insurance commercial and grin along with me:
Whoa, Take Time to Think
Think before posting and realize that if the only photos on social media are of you at parties with a Corona in hand then others may tend to think that 1) you drink often and 2) that they may not want someone with a hangover tending to the details and nuisances of their business first thing in the morning.
If your posts are pro- this or that, are you fine with unspokenly saying to the anti- supporters that they can take their business needs elsewhere? And really, should these personal stances cross boundaries with your business? If someone in their personal life has a different opinion religiously, politically, or otherwise does that necessarily mean they shouldn’t use your services or benefit from your products? Only you can answer that last question. The personal and business stances don’t need to be aligned to have a dynamic work experience.
If you’re continually complaining or grumpy how can someone know that you’ll greet their colleagues and customers with a sunny disposition? If foul language is your norm on social media, do you slip up in business conversations, too? Is this a sign that you have a short fuse?
Marketing with foul language has run amuck. I’m not sure when it became fashionable to repel customers while you are marketing to them and enticing them to buy from you. Somewhere swearing at them seems to lean on the vinegar- rather than honey- side of things. It’s counter-productive, in my opinion.
I really liked Marie Forleo’s recent Marie TV episode about putting your real personality into your brand. Her pivotal question centers around “Who are you okay repelling?” Check out her 7-minute video for some thought provoking insights:
Being Well-Rounded
In the end potential customers and colleagues know you from what you share. What you tell them. What you post. They have no reason to distrust you until you give it to them. Are your posts really you and what you want to be remembered by?