On my radio program this week, I talked with Lida Citroën about the importance of a person’s online reputation. Part of that reputation is based on someone’s “online personality.”
I’ve been thinking a lot about this the last couple of weeks. If the people you’re connected with online were asked to describe you, based just on your posts, what would they say? Are you funny? Sarcastic? Religious? Political? A partier? Family-oriented? Always positive…or always negative? A whiner and complainer? Someone who is always very supportive?
The nice thing about social media is that each person chooses “how” they’ll appear to the world—or at least the part of the world you’re connected to.
We’re entering a very contentious period of time regarding politics and every day, I see posts in support of or against political candidates. Now, I realize that some people take their politics very seriously, but the venom I see in some posts is amazing.
One person I was Friends with posted something along the lines of “If you support candidate xx, then you’re a total idiot. Please unfriend me because I want nothing to do with someone so stupid.” I did unfriend him, and it had nothing to do with which candidate I did or did not support. It did have to do with the fact that I didn’t want to be associated with someone with such extremist views—and this wasn’t a one-time occurrence.
This man was a business associate of mine—and has never even given a hint of his political views in public. Several times, I’ve referred potential clients to him. However, based on his “online personality,” I probably won’t ever do that again as I don’t want to risk my own reputation. Harsh on my part? Maybe, maybe not. I’d rather be safe than sorry.
I find it interesting when someone has a different online persona than they do in the real world. For many people, social media is a “safe” way for them to promote their views. It’s also a safe way for them to criticize and belittle people, as it’s often difficult, if not impossible for a response. Of course, it’s also a terrific way for people to provide positive support to others.
Personally, I think that it’s important that we’re all authentic to our true personalities when we’re online. Just because we’re using a computer to communicate, it doesn’t mean we’re robots! That said, just like in the real world, if we behave in a way that others don’t like, then we must be able to accept the consequences.
It’s perfectly acceptable to talk about the sports team you root for, TV shows you watch, the church you attend and the political candidates you support, as long as you keep in mind that just as you’re human, those reading your posts are human, too, and they’ll make judgments about you based on those posts.
I’d love to get your comments about this subject. Feel free to post them below!
I fully agree with your analogy and approach when it comes to reputation on social media platforms. I have taken Lida’s advice and asked across a spectrum of my followers how would they describe me to their social media friends. My goal was to be viewed as a respectable, fun and straight forward person that won’t insult any of your ideologies. Good news, the 35 people I polled gave me a very similar description. Additionally a few of them even made statements such as: “When I visit FB, I go to your page in order to feel good.”; “I enjoy reading your posts, they make me smile.”, “I love how you enjoy life, work and your family”. These comments illustrate how people are really taking notice of your demeanor. Another key aspect is the need to continue asking the questions. One can’t just slack and assume you are still doing a great job. Receiving suggestions and comments will only improve your brand.
I love the idea of asking people how they would describe you! Very nice to know that your strategy is working and people think of you in the way that you intended. Good job!