Netiquette: Social Networking Etiquette

 

   I see nothing wrong with creating a secret society where only members can go and share their deepest most inner thoughts regardless how immoral or anti-establishment those thoughts may be; but HELLO!  The place for that ain't the Internet; and for sure it's not through social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.  According to Webster's, social is defined as 'marked by pleasant companionship with one's friends'.  Webster's define friend as, 'one attached by respect or affliction; one who is not hostile; one who supports or favors something'.  Webster's goes on to define 'media' as "a channel or system of communication, information, or entertainment".
     Social media, or online networking has different meanings depending on the end user.  I am an extrovert who's never had a hard time going out meeting new people.  For me, making new friends online is not my personal objective for networking, ONLINE.  It's about business.  I prefer to network online with people I already know, like family and friends.  Is it possible for people to make new friends online, you ask? Sure it is.  Look at companies like eHarmony.com and uMatch.com.  These online social dating networks are true success stories for properly using  online networks.
     And having said that, some people just aren't understanding the longevity and immediate impact of letting just ANYBODY into your secret society (social network); online or off.
     I teach entrepreneurship to high school students and all my students know, to me, your reputation is all that you have and it must be protected at all costs.  Your personal reputation filters to your corporate brand.  Everything associated with you is indicative of the reputation of the brand.
     So as we move about our lives, introverted or extroverted, we must be more cognizant  of our reputation in the eyes of others.  Remember, you will never please all of the people, all of the the time, but we are in control what we say, and how much we really want people to know about us.
     Protect your network!