Social media has redefined how we communicate. It has allowed businesses to share, discover, and grow locally, regionally, and globally. However, in recent years, social media sites have become a cesspool for misinformation and misappropriation of information. What has become perplexing is to watch individuals compromise their brand because they couldn’t keep their cool on social media. When building an online business, there are three things you want to do to grow your brand.
1) Build an extensive network.
2)Become a resource and provide value to your network.
3)Be authentic.
Now, if your goal is to compromise your brand and destroy your reputation and your business, here’s how you can do it in 10 easy steps.
1) Complain about a specific person.
We’ve seen a lot of this recently. Shaming on social media is the new norm, but it’s not right, and it’s not Biblical. If you need to confront someone, do it in person. Nothing sends a message of unprofessionalism more than ranting about a person on your Facebook page. It will send a message to your clients and prospects that you can’t be trusted. Let’s face it. If they would do it to them, they’ll do it to you.
2) Post a Picture of Someone Without Their Permission.
I have been guilty of posting pictures that I did not look over carefully. Almost all of the complaints have been about my lousy photography, but this has reminded me that it’s essential to think about the other person before posting her/his picture.
3) Tag Someone Without Their Permission
I can’t tell you how many times I have been tagged in a post that I did not authorize. This is not a good business practice. I am very particular about who and what I want my name associated with, and I can only assume that most people feel the same way. That’s one reason why my Facebook privacy settings are set so that I have to approve all posts and tags on my page.
4) Post Something Negative About a Public or Non-Public Figure
Most of us are guilty of posting something snarky about our most hated sports figure, celebrity, or politician. Most people believe that famous people are fair game in social media posts, and they’ll never see it anyway. I think those of us who call ourselves followers of Christ need to be careful about saying anything negative about anyone on social media whether they are a public or non-public figure. I get it, and I’ve been guilty of it. But in this area, the Holy Spirit has brought conviction to me as it pertains to this matter. Look no further than what God’s word says about the power of our words.
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. James 4:11
With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape. Proverbs 11:9
Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. Proverbs 11:12
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4: 31-32
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45
But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Colossians 3:8
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1: 19 and 20
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. Proverbs 10:12
5) Post a Racial Slur
Any racial slur is 100 percent wrong, whether in person at the office or on platforms like Facebook or Twitter. It will destroy your reputation and your business.
6) Use Profanity
Unless you are Gary Vaynerchuk, I would strongly recommend you refrain from using Profanity on your social media page. It sends a message that you are unhinged.
7) Apologize to a Specific Person
If you need to apologize to an individual, do it in person and not on a Facebook post.
8) Talk Politics All the Time
The posts we send out reflect our values. Political posts get a lot of interactions–good and bad. In today’s digital world, everyone has an opinion, and they aren’t shy about expressing it. However, political conversations can get messy, and not everyone I do business with will agree with my political beliefs. So, it’s better to use your platform to provide value and stay away from political bickering. It never changes anyone’s mind, and in general, it destroys relationships.
9) Engage in Ad Hominem Attacks
Calling someone an idiot has no place on social media. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media has become a platform to attack people for their stance on all things COVID, including lockdowns, masks, and social distancing. Attacking a person makes you look bad, and doing it on social media makes you look like a coward.
10) Pitch Your Deal Over and Over
Posting links to your business opportunity rarely works.
“Get in early!”
“Grab your spot!”
“BEST COMP PLAN EVER”
You will end up disqualifying most of your customers because they will prejudge the product/service/concept before they have had an opportunity to evaluate it for themselves. As I have stated before, use your online presence to provide value. Help people solve problems by offering solutions. The great Zig Ziglar said it best.
“You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.”
Social media is both a gift and a curse. Sites like Facebook and Instagram can keep us connected. But when misused, they can become relational landmines. I have seen good friendships destroyed because of unkind Facebook posts. In 2020, we witnessed businesses being shut down because of reckless comments. When building your online brand, avoid the activities mentioned above, and you will be on your way to set yourself apart from the masses.
Did you receive value from this post? If so, please comment below and share on your social media pages.
You Rock!
P.S. If you are interested in learning more about Mission 5000, click the link below, and let’s connect today. As my way of saying thank you for just checking us out, I am giving away $200 worth of products and services to the first 20 people who register for our next webinar. No purchase is necessary.
