4 Things Freelancers Should Never Share On Social Networking Sites

Social media is a powerful platform which is an integral part of our daily lives. Millions of people are flocking to social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Quora, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, receiving the latest scoop on almost everything in and around the world. This seems pretty awesome as it has connected us all like never before. This connection enables us to share trending stories with one another which we wouldn’t have done otherwise. Internet is the lifeline for freelancers, be it searching for clients to doing research for projects. Such social networking sites have changed the dimension of liberty of expression in the literal sense, but to what extent should one go? But you should know where to draw the line between social and personal profile. Here are 4 things that freelancers should never ever share on social networking sites, come what may!

1. Be sure to taste your words before you spit them out

Information spreads as quickly as fire on social networking sites. A small slip of the fingers will be retweeted or shared by millions of readers in just one click. Even if someone puts up something that is factually correct, well-researched or a simple post, there will always be a few people whose remarks will be conflicting with the remarks made by 50 other in support of the post. It is not necessary for everyone to agree with a view, but there is a distinctive difference between constructive criticism and a remark fuelled by anger and hatred. Whenever you find yourself disagreeing with something, opt for a sensible approach to express your views. Once a malicious statement is made, you can never take it back. This will damage your reputation to a large extent, even before you know it.

2. Creating a fake persona

With social media being a rage in the modern era, people are keen on creating a false persona. They select which pictures they want to post, the witty status they want to update and they like groups and posts that they feel best represents who they want to be perceived as. It creates an ideal you which is very different from the real you. Instead of creating a fake identity that is bound to crumble one day, when faced in person, why not make use of the social networking sites as the perfect platform to promote your work and connect with likeminded people? “What’s the whole point of being pretty on the outside when you are so ugly on the inside?”

3. Posting things to grab attention

Likes, retweets, comments, shares, pins and any other fancy signs of approval are enjoyed by all, especially when it comes in response to a pleasant post. But when you post things solely for gaining approval or grabbing attention, it becomes a major source of concern. The intention is to get you all to reflect on what your true intentions are. There is no need to look for things externally to make you feel better. Rather, look internally and try to learn to love yourself for who you are, regardless of whether or not anyone accepts it or not. As a freelancer you have to always remember that such things will lower your guard and hamper your reputation.

4. Unverified information

As a freelancer it is your primary duty to research any matter in depth and verify them from a number of sources. When you share posts containing unverified information, it raises question on your versatility. Clients will refuse to hire you for any project and your friends will turn down from sharing your posts. Sharing unconfirmed information may also aggravate sentiments of some people. Unverified information includes anything from public opinion to news  that may impinge on other people’s lives. Anything you share can go viral so take each step cautiously.

Social media is a powerful platform and you should use it in the right way to promote your work. If you create an image that is negative, you will lose out on clients. You will be hired for projects only after the client runs a small investigation to check your background. They will check your profile on social networking sites and form an impression based on what you post and share. So think before you do something. It can either make it or break it.