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Mixing Your Business and Personal Lives in Social Networking
A commentary by: Jeff Solomon, MAS

I've discovered that it's difficult to keep my business and personal lives separate, so I've resigned myself to the fact that these two elements of my life will collide in social networking situations.

My life is relatively boring so this is not a big deal for me.  I'm involved with many social networking groups, but tend to be most active on Facebook, with LinkedIn, Plaxo and Twitter following behind.  I have people following me on Twitter, but to date, I've yet to be an active "tweeter."  There are only so many hours in the day!

Reflecting on the old Seinfeld episode that humorously referred to "Colliding Worlds," it's important to note that your business and personal worlds can collide through social networking.  Knowing this, it's not a great idea to post a picture of your Friday night at the bar slamming shots.  This "might" have a negative effect on your business. The key thing to remember is that what you post will be seen by everyone.  Enjoy this classic Seinfeld clip:

Since I'm visible in the industry, I often get requests from people I don't know in the industry that want to be my Facebook "friend."  Generally, I accept these "friends," but am aware they will have access to my "wall."   This isn't necessarily bad…you just need to think through what you post. 

Recently, an industry leader stopped me at a trade show and let me know how much he appreciated my Facebook posts. Typically, these will revolve around things I do with my family.  Pictures of my son and I at the desert on our dirt bikes or hanging out at Laker games.  Sunsets from our family vacation in Hawaii...although some folks "lovingly" let me know they had seen enough.  They were just kidding, but these pictures were beautiful...and are much nicer than the smoggy sunsets we see in Los Angeles. 

In some ways, revealing some of your personality can be positive for business.   People learn more about whom they are doing business with, but you need to make sure what they see is positive.  Avoid the urge to post things that may be considered inappropriate. 

My advice would be to not show involvement with extreme groups.  You may be a member of an anarchist group who wants to have a military takeover, or be a part of the formation of the all bacon restaurant. (This group is odd, but actually exists).  Involvement with such groups, "might" have a negative effect on your business. Be yourself, but be aware of what people see.  If you are comfortable with it, that’s what is important.

One thing that bugs me…but I’m too nice to say anything, is when my industry friends post promotions for their business that end up on my wall, to be seen by my Facebook friends.  I’m not threatened by it, but it’s one of the things that got me thinking about this “Colliding Worlds” issue.  Think this through plea-a-se!  Is it cool to try to sell my clients?  My understanding is that businesses should have Facebook “fan pages” for their business, which is where clients and business associates can go.

Social networking gives your business a great opportunity to share beneficial information with your "Twitter followers" or "Facebook friends."  These days many e-news bulletins give you the ability share their articles through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. with a simple click.  Perhaps the greatest value of social networking is the ability for your business to be positioned as a valuable resource.  Sharing this type of information will be helpful for your business.   

Jeff Solomon, MAS, BCF (Business Construction Foreman), is the president of
All American Marketing Group, affiliated with a large national distributor, and creator of www.FreePromoTips.com.

As I’ve noted, my thoughts are just the beginning of this article.  We would like your input to add to the story.   Have at it below: