Social Media Stalking - Keep Yourself Safe!

I read a chilling article today about a woman who was stalked by a fellow Foursquare user at a restaurant. While the situation is as creepy as it is unique, one thing that many social media users don't own up to is their own accountability in usage. I'm not saying sites like PleaseRobMe (the live Twitter/Foursquare site that announced users home departures) are at all justified in what they do; in fact, I think websites like that cross a major line that takes social media from something fostering open communication to a more fearful type of relationship. Regardless of how you use social media, I think there are four guidelines that everyone has to consider before making that Check-In, posting that Facebook Status or sending that Tweet.

1. What are my privacy settings like? My Facebook is locked up tighter than Fort Knox, and that's because the things I share on Facebook aren't meant for anyone's eyes but those of my friends and family. The best decision you can make before opening an account on any social media platform is planning what you do and do not want to share, which brings me to my next point...

2. Monitor what the news is saying about a platform. Most people know about the Facebook privacy issues that have been on everyone's lips recently, but there are still some users that had no idea. While it's easy to blame Facebook, you have to hold yourself somewhat accountable as well. Taking a moment to Google the platform and see what bloggers or news sites are saying about it is a step that you should take from time to time, regardless of what you're posting (personal or professional).

3. Self censor based on your own guidelines. I spoke earlier about Facebook being for personal use only... while it's tempting to add a co-worker to a personal-use account to share with them some photos, keep in mind your own professionalism. Do you really want your co-worker (or, if your co-worker has a nasty streak, your boss or other colleagues) to know how you feel about working late or what you did during your "sick day?" Now more than ever, social media tears down alibis for everything from work to divorces to a white lie to a friend. I'm not by any means endorsing lying. I'm just saying that by keeping home and friends on one platform and professional acquaintances on another, you'll be saving yourself from a lot of embarrassment, and helping avoid any dangerous situations.

4. When in doubt, Google yourself. As someone who routinely Googles herself to see how high her LinkedIn page is ranking, imagine my surprise last summer when I found that some ex-employees I had worked with at my parents' business were making threats on MySpace about my family and me. Obviously, lessons were learned by both parties that don't need any more discussion. However, the point is that while you may be embarrassed about typing your own name into a search engine, finding a threat to your safety and stopping it before it becomes an issue far outweighs the momentary discomfort.

While social media is fun and opens new doors in learning and communicating, there are always risks when using the platforms. By watching what you say, who you say it to, privacy agreements and monitoring your usage as well as others' usage of your name, you can keep the conversation going without worrying what the cost could be.

"Prepare for the End of the Web as We Know It"

Once again, Ad Age posts an article that is insightful, well-written and brings up new terms and ideas that help me reshape my outlook on internet marketing. Check this out...

It's Time to Prepare for the End of the Web as We Know It

I think "content snacking" is the perfect term for the most common manner that people are consuming media these days, and the three new behaviors are dictating how consumption will be evolving. Gotta love media!

Social Media "Blunders" vs. Sins

I found BusinessWeek's Six Social Media Sins today, and while it's a good article with valid points, I think they overlook the fact that these aren't sins if you don't know what you're doing on Social Media; these are more uninformed blunders.

So to add on to what BusinessWeek started, I made a list of three "blunders" that many newbies to social media make when trying to effectively spread their message.

1. Mixing messages - A twitter account or Facebook updates should have a cohesive theme to the messages (and NOT just marketing messages, like BusinessWeek warns). But if you're talking about what you ate for breakfast without asking readers without relating it somehow to your tone, then it's confusing to the readers as to who is on the keyboard - or even if it's the same person.

2. You think that followers, fans or subscribers are the litmus test of success. If you're communicating and meeting the goals that you've set for yourself, it doesn't matter if you have ten followers or ten thousand. If you're using Twitter to reach journalists and you've successfully contacted several, then you've met your goal. It doesn't matter if you only have 20 or so followers.

3. You think the more platforms, the merrier without evaluating the communication potential. You might not need a Youtube account if you don't really have relevant videos. If you're working for a certain company, for example, having a Youtube channel of just your commercials is straight marketing, and not something that will foster communication. As the article says, social media is "about engagement in two-way conversation" - so just having a profile to be on that platform without something that will create a dialogue, is really just a waste of your time.

Are there any other sins or blunders you see new people or uninformed corporations make? What's the worst mistake you've made, and what lesson did you learn from it?

Don't Fight the Conversation! Brands on Social Media

This article by Brian Solis details that on average, one in three people are talking about brands on social media every week.

Now I don't love statistics because sometimes, they confuse me. But findings show that one in three people is seeking advice; one person is making a recommendation and finally, one person just has that brand on the tips of his fingers for discussion. That's pretty powerful stuff.

For brands like J.C. Penney, who are realizing now they need to tap into this market and meet their customers where they meet. By meeting that one person in three, they can reach the other two.

How long until every company is required to have a Twitter? I'm giving it six months. For the critics saying Twitter is temporary, I'm curious to see where the platform will evolve from here.

Words of Wisdom from Dan Edelmen (via Culpwrit)

Every once in a while, a blogger makes a "top ten" list that actually has some really insightful points that people should hear. When I was reading Culpwrit, I came across a list of keys to success by Dan Edelman that was definitely worth reading. For the too-long/didn't-read crowd, here are the points I found most relevant to us as students:

1. "Celebrate your victories but be quick about it so you can get back to the game." This is especially applicable to our recent NSAC victory. We've been celebrating our win for almost a month now. However, while we've been celebrating, our new account executives have been strategizing, coordinating and learning to prepare for the new year. I hate to predict the outcome of any competition I'm a part of, but I will say that I respect the dedication of our new leaders who, while the excitement hasn't faded, already know they have to work even harder to keep our team innovative and creative. Thanks Anna Duffy, Simon Blockley and Lexi Vanni!

2. "There are three legs to the stool - family, work and community." It's hard when your work becomes your life, your co-workers your family and your office your community. But I think, as long as you're aware of all of these elements, you can still provide for a good work environment that can transfer itself into the world beyond the office doors.

3. 'Woe to the young person who fails to take notes-sure to prompt a “never do that again” comment.' My memory's already going - that's why I keep my notebook (and my blog!) consistently updated with pertinent new information, things I want to keep close and possible topics for the future. Write it down, or else you'll forget it.

This article has inspired me to look for another professional to interview, since I got such great information from Joy Donnell when I interviewed her a few months ago. Any suggestions or connections out there?