John Lauber lives by one simple rule when it comes to posting on social media: "Don't put anything out there that you wouldn't want your mother to see – or your client."
The Prudential Fox & Roach-West Chester agent has been around social media long enough to know there are real estate professionals that need to heed his advice. If not, their on-line conduct could potentially tarnish their reputation.
Be You, But Be Careful
Prospective clients or new employers can – and usually do – check your profiles or pages to learn more about you. How you portray yourself can impact their business or financial decisions. For example, if you post nothing but photos of yourself partying with friends, others might get the wrong impression about your lifestyle – and look elsewhere.
Lauber warns, "Social media is a great way to meet new people, but you've got to be careful when it comes to posting information. You never know who is going to see it. You have to be you without making a bad impression or offending others."
Be Aware, Others Could Be Watching
Many of you might have befriended colleagues or clients as well as friends. Always be mindful of what you post and when you are on-line.
Others, including your boss, could be watching. Since times and dates often display, they might wonder why you are taking time out of your work day to take quizzes, play games or post photos or comments.
Be Courteous to Others
Be mindful of what you post on other colleagues' pages. Their boss might be watching their sites and, if you post an inappropriate photo or comment that reflects poorly on them.
Be Certain to Check Your Settings
Each social media site has different privacy rules for how they can use your content, such as advertisements. If you don't want a post or photo to show up in a commercial for Facebook, change your News Feed and Wall preferences, preventing ads from third party applications from displaying your information or photos. Be certain to set and check any privacy settings on the sites you use.
Lauber adds, "It's OK to have fun, just be mindful there are people watching, so when you decide to post something about yourself on-line, think about how it may be perceived by others."
Read more about social networking:
Real Estate Social Networking: Are You in the Network?
Networking Leads to Stronger Sales for Some
In The Next Issue of TRENDLink: Tools to Help You Master Social Networking