Be careful what you post on your Facebook or Twitter wall….

Consider Bob.  Bob is in debt up to his eyeballs.  He owes everyone and their brother money, he owes the credit card companies, he owes his credit union, he owes his mortgage company, heck he even owes Cousin Ralphie for that thing with the guy and the rabbit AND he keeps asking his boss for a big fat raise. Bob loves the finer things in life…. Lavish dinners, the latest Apple Products, a nice cigar now and again, weekend getaways, fine wines and whiskey. Bob also loves bragging about all of his purchases on his facebook wall:

Example:
“Bob Smith just spent the night at the Gaylord Palms, ate dinner at the Ritz Carlton, visited Disney, drank a pint of Johnnie Walker Red, smoked a case of Cubans, went to the clubs, tipped the doorman a few bills, bought Trixie a new diamond necklace, and visited the Apple store to pick up a new AppleTV and wants his Boss to know that I think he is a doofus.”

What Bob doesn’t know is that everyone of those bill collectors are paying attention.  They read Bob’s Facebook posts. They are annoyed that Bob hasn’t ponied up or taken any of their harassing phone calls. Even more fun, Bob’s boss is a friend of Bob on facebook and sees all of his posts, so while Bob is whining for a raise, Bob’s boss can see why. Bob’s bill collectors and Bob’s boss are building quite a case against Bob and could use it against him to collect debt or even fire Bob. Bob could be in trouble.

When you post your compelling wall updates on Twitter and / or Facebook please note the following: People are watching, listening, paying attention, taking screen shots and will use it ALL against you.  A bit of common sense goes a long way, a bit of self control can help you keep your job, can help you not irritate your bill collectors, could help you not instigate cousin Ralphie.  Just remember to use discretion and be aware that people are watching.

Be sure to catch me tomorrow, January 28, 2010 on The Daily Buzz (Nationwide) at 6:15 as I discuss social media with Mitch English and the dangers of inappropriate self disclosure!

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Tags: social media