Have you ever sent an email that you later wish you didn’t? I think we have all done that. Remember when your attempts for Recall failed, bringing even more attention to your email? With the advances in technology and social media, we have even more ways to send something we regret.
The allure of social media gives us the illusion of a private, one-on-one discussion. It is very easy to forget that the universe may be watching. Here are a few tips for avoiding those red-faced moments.
Use Control: I’m not referring to your personal control (although that is certainly a good tip), but rather the controls the various social media platforms provide. Consider separating your personal and professional life. I know there are many that argue sharing yourself is what it’s all about. Let me ask you, have you ever seen something on your Facebook wall you wouldn’t particularly care to share with your customers? Create lists and use the privacy controls for a limited profile and applications. Twitter has added a Lists function that assists you in creating private and public followings. Social Media Examiner has a great post on this topic.
Think Permanent: Remember the Recall failure? Do not rely on technology to save your “oops” moments. If it isn’t written in the first place, there is no need for an eraser. With cached entries, social networks, You Tube and more, your “oops” lives to infinity and beyond.
Step Away From the Keyboard: There are misdemeanor “oops” moments – like the typo of one letter, creating a very different meaning or hitting Update for a message intended as a Direct Message. It’s very easy to do. When you finish your message, think of the Social Media police pointing a gun at you while they snarl, “Step away from the keyboard.” Even a few minutes helps. Come back to your entry and proofread. If your entry was dashed off in anger, reconsider.
Social media connects the world. Use it to share what’s best about you and your business but avoid those social media oops. The world is watching.
What tips do you have for avoiding social media oops?
I can’t count the number of times I was using twitter where I typed a direct private message to people, hit send, and saw it go live. Reason? I hit the s key instead of the d for direct message. I wish twitter would sense this and prompt us before it goes live.
Yeah, I just don’t understand why shouting, “Nooooo” at the screen won’t stop those kinds of Oops moments! I thought this was supposed to be amazing technology!
Thanks for sharing your Oops moment, Shane!