As with any industry there are classic on going debates over a myriad of subjects. You have one group which takes the view that use of all social media is wrong and risky. Then you have another who swears by it. Where do I stand in this on going debate?
Within an absolute mental frame work of reality I could agree with the prospective social media is a bad idea, however I don’t. First of all, I’m not an absolute thinker and few things in life are absolute. We’ve used social media rather successfully, however the latter comparison is an end result. Yet, an end result is not a process.
In my operational philosophy, successful use of social media sites especially Twitter requires attention to the HOW more than the WHAT you do.
You can use twitter safely and successfully as long as you take into account several things:
1) What is your client contact and screening process?
Is it a lose as a Goose, based on your gut instinct and you feeling he /she doesn’t sound like a state employee? Do you go by a vouching system (ie provider references) or by a very strict background check verification method? Never lose sight the easier it is to see you, the higher risk pool you are swimming in.
2) Is your phone number on your ads and you take late night calls or do instant appointments? If you answered yes to all three I would tend to suggest twitter may be a bad idea.
3) Is your face visible in your photos?
If they are, then it would be easy for any hotel clerk to recognize you especially if they are asked and shown a photo in an official capacity accompanied by a $50.00 to $100.00 bill.
All the above has everything to do with your business process.
First maintain stringent business requirements , then limit the specific information you publish. Make sure all photos are face blocked and never say something stupid like : “I’m doing lunch with me and 10 clients at the Homewood Suites in Tysons corner VA“ and you should be fine. Be certain all accounts are done under a consistent business e-mail with absolutely no cross ties to any personal accounts. Never say anything in a tweet you wouldn’t on a public board or could be legally used against you. Remember, once something is Tweeted, there is NO pulling it back. The internet as they say is forever. Do not succumb to the delusion you can just delete it and it goes away. Numerous Celebrities have learned the hard way, that is a false and delusional hope.
One last thing, and this is a personal pet peeve for me. I have NO respect for providers and agencies who throw themselves at celebrities. Case in point a California provider who constantly tweets several male stars trying to entice them in hopes of a future date.
To her I say:
“Honey, you’re 40 but give it up, George C and Charlie S have 20 and 30 somethings offering it up with a hard pelvic thrust for free. The only thing you’re doing is making yourself look desperate the rest of us look professional.”
To each their own.
Lee Dreams
“It’s all about integrity”
The question was posed in a discussion: