Common Issues Related to Personal and Business-Related Social Media

The issue of posting and mixing personal and business material on social media websites is difficult to determine. There have been countless instances of big names in various industries who have lost their jobs or have been publicly called out for posting inappropriate posts or other content on social media sites. Some argue that people, regardless of status or profession, have the freedom to post and say what we feel. This is one of the main reasons why social media exists. However, with great power comes great responsibility. People and small businesses need to think twice about what to say or share, or how it may be conceived in another person’s eyes, or if someone may consider it offensive. So as a small business, what should you and shouldn’t you post or share through social media?

Based on a survey from 2012, market researcher Domo and CEO.com found that only 3.8 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs use a personal Twitter account. Compared with Facebook, only 7.6 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs actively use personal accounts, and virtually none use Pinterest. The flip side to this is that most marketers consider social media marketing as one of the best ways to market your products and services. Business technology has evolved in great levels so they focus on more advance marketing strategies…but as we’ve seen, taking social media usage one step too far can have great consequences.

The issue and argument between personal accounts and business-related accounts has deep roots. Here are some things to keep in mind when determining whether or not to post something professional or personal via social media and how it could impact your small business.

Think of your Small Business Reputation – It is no secret that sharing and posting thoughts, opinions, or content can greatly impact a small business’s reputation either positively or negatively. How far is too far? They say that even negative publicity is still publicity, but can your small business afford it? Remember that even if a post is something you might find amusing or enjoy, that doesn’t mean you should share it with the world, especially under your business name or brand. Your small business’s credibility is at stake here!

Consider Audience Reactions – As you can see, reactions from other can be very dangerous and will surely sink your credibility and damage your image in an instant. Before you share or post something, ask yourself these questions: Is what I’m sharing or posting relevant? Is what I’m saying or sharing clear or is there room for misinterpretation? Is what I’m sharing or posting offensive? How will my post make others feel or respond?

Using a Single Social Media Account for Personal and Business Purposes – It’s difficult and a lot of work to upkeep two different social media accounts for both personal and professional purposes, but it may be the best road for your small business. If you choose to use one single account for both, remember that all eyes are on you and your small business. There isn’t any privacy between personal and business. However, using a single account can have its positive affects, as long as you handle it properly and responsibly and think about what you share or post before you do.

All in all, while social media seems easy to handle, especially since it has become such a vital part of our society and has made our world smaller. It is just understood that social media is used and is just something everyone uses. However, it is still something that must be taken seriously and given careful consideration, especially when small businesses use it for online marketing purposes. Using one or multiple personal or business social media accounts isn’t really right or wrong, as long as you as the CEO or small business owner set specific guidelines on how they are to be used and managed.