Social media is something completely new to society and how we utilize it in our everyday lives is changing every day. I have to say, I have used it for my own benefit in marketing and it even has bit me back in the bum. Either way, this nascent source of information sharing has it's ups and downs, most notably that what we put on the internet and how it will not only be there forever, but how it will make other people see us. Presentation has never become more important than in this social media age.
Many of you are saying, "IDGAF" or "I don't care what people think of me or my choices." And that is fine. But, truth be told, for me, I care.
I care at how people judge me by a post I write or how it may affect my friendships being in different political backgrounds.
I care that I may have hurt someone's feelings about some stupid angry rant I didn't mean because I felt stronger behind a keyboard.
I care about putting intimate moments with my husband on social media because I won't have special moments with him. This also distracts me from having time with him or my family.
I especially care about getting a job in the future.
We may think that these things don't have an impact on us, but it does. Every company employs social media searches on potential candidates, and will bring those findings to bear on an candidate’s chances. You may be the best option, but something you said, or posted ONE TIME online, can ruin your ability to get into the career of your dreams, because every career starts with that first job.
And personally, I have already lost a job.
Besides that, I see others who rant about the position they hold or even getting stiffed for a gig, or get stuck doing free gigs, or even relationship issues!
I have done it; I have been there. I am sure you will find all kinds of post I didn't mean and were hurtful. But I am going to take note now as to the types of post or pics I should stay away from. Here is a list I promise to myself to maintain the proper style of posting.
Evina’s Social Media Post DON’Ts:
1. Do not post everywhere your going.
This is 100% about safety. If you are constantly updating where you are, and who you are with, it gives people an opportunity to find you – and most often those people are not going to be fans, polite, etc. And not just your personal safety, but also the safety of your friends, family, loved ones who may be out with you.
2. Posting that your job sucks is never the way to approach your unhappiness.
First, if your job sees it, you are done (This just happened: My friend runs a business and found out her employee took advantage of her). Once the employer sees anything of the sort, your fired and no recommendation for you. Second, no one likes to hear how much you hate your job. No one.
Suggestion: try talking to your employer about your dissatisfaction, they may care about keeping you as an employee and try to fix things. And if not, then you know that you are not valued, and can look for work elsewhere.
3. I don't want business posts tagging me unless I have given my approval.
Yes, you need my permission. Many professional clients I work with make me sign a disclosure and vice versa. But even if that is not the case, trust is an important factor here – you keep that trust and I will continue to work with you, and refer others to you. If you break that trust, then I will neither work with nor refer to you.
4. Friendship or relationship issues have no room on feeds.
Many employers will see this as insecurities or an unstable mentality, and not want to hire / work with someone who may have drama / issues that will affect performance, attendance, etc.
5. There is a lot of hate in the world, and a ton of videos about blood on feeds lately.
It could be animal or human, I have seen more death on my feeds than I do in real life. If you want to show an employer you are actively against something, go volunteer or donate your time or money to a cause you support. An employer likes an employee who is active.
6. What happens on your free time happens on your free time, not on your feeds.
I am so guilty of this. Vegas, drinking, partying... All these types of things potential employers and clients will and can frown upon.
Keep is classy ladies and gents. I know we are young, and having fun, but let's make our generation not be the selfie, party generation. Let’s show the world our best side, not our party side.
Evina’s Selfie NO NOs:
1. NO SELFIES:
Selfies as a model are cute if your promoting a makeup stylist or even the new brand of eyelashes. When a selfie is 90% your boobs, it's no longer a selfie... it is a boob shot. We know what your doing. I have done it.
2. Butt Shots:
From a business perspective, if you are marketing sex or looking for attention or submitting it to The Chive for Mind the Gap, than it would be perfect. If progress photos are what your aiming for, stick with a full body shot.
3. Gym Selfies:
Stop it. This harks back to AIM Away Statuses – no one cares that you are at the gym. And no one cares what your gym outfit is – no matter how “on point”. Unless you are a fitness professional, demonstrating your skills, leave the camera app closed. Besides, you will be standing in front of the mirror in the way of my 45's taking way too much time posing for the “perfect selfie” for my anabolic window.
4. Bra and Panty Shots:
If an employer sees this it can hinder your potential ability for that job. Unless it was a professional photo shoot, and modeling is your career path, it shouldn't have to be a part of any media feed at all. You shouldn't have to feel like you need to take your clothes off for the world to feel "pretty". Nor should you seek validation though social media outlets in your chonies.
I may get some back lash here from a variety of my friends perspective's. But just know, I know I am just as guilty of doing some of the NO NO's as the next person. For me, I have had to earn my own self respect by not allowing myself to be 'that girl'. I have been there, though my own experience I would rather see women succeed, than fail because of our vanity or silly weekend decisions. .
