Debunking Blogging Myths-Which Are You Guilty Of?

Half-truths and myths make for great fiction.
But, if you've set your sights on becoming a successful Blogger, you need to operate from an informed position.
So, listen up.

With all the "expert advice" being disseminated across the Web, it's easy to get caught up and confused.
It's likely that you want to follow all the "words of wisdom" so you can get it right and get ahead. Right?

But, be forewarned: not all advice is accurate or advantageous.
And a "one-size-fits-all" approach can have disastrous results.

If you're ready to work smarter, not harder, and make more money in the process, let's examine some of the most popular Blogging myths that have been sabotaging your success.

1. If you can write, you can Blog.
Not true. Not necessarily. Unless your intended audience is just your family and friends. Though Blogging is not "rocket science," it does require certain skills, traits and techniques.
It takes "ability" to conceive clever Blog posts, to communicate effectively, to build a community, to maintain a following. If everybody could do it well, why do you suppose that there are so few "super stars" among us?

2. To be considered a "serious Blogger" you must operate on a self-hosted domain.
Wrong. Of course ownership is almost always a good thing--whether it's a "virtual" home or a brick and mortar one. But, trust, if your writing is not up to par, or you have crappy content, it doesn't matter what comes after the period in your URL. Period. The proof is in the pudding.
Many successful, accomplished writers and Bloggers Blog with Blogger and Wordpress platforms. Some good examples would be Hope Clark of Funds for Writers, Kelly James-Enger of Dollars and Deadlines, Carolyn Howard-Johnson and several of the winners at the recent Write to Done's Top 10 Writing Blogs do too!

3. Blogging pays peanuts.
It depends. Though you'll find an array of opportunities advertised that pay five bucks for five hundred words, they are not representative of all Blog jobs. Don't be duped. Though my compensation has varied, I typically earn from $50.00 to 100.00 for Blog posts with reputable, established sites. You could too.

4. Blogging can make you rich.
So can the lottery; but it's not very likely. It's okay to dream, but real success comes from being a realist.

5. Comments are not a metric for Blogging success.
Think again. Though they are not the only factor to be factored in, comments show the level of engagement with your readers. If you're not getting many, not many people are "getting" you. Unless you're new to the scene. Revisit and revise. As a matter of fact, at Write to Done's recent contest for Top Blogs, 15% of the total Blog score assigned to winners was based upon the number of comments received at their respective sites.

Keep these five myths in mind as you move forward in your Blogging career, as there is great truth to the adage, "Knowledge is power."

Are you guilty of buying into any of these myths? Any more I might have missed? Do tell.

Image: Stock

How to Conduct Interviews That Resonate With Today's Readers

Pick up any consumer magazine or trade publication and it’s highly likely you’ll hit upon an interview or two.
Interviews are popular reads because our natural curiosity as human beings piques our interest in the private lives and inner-workings of others.

Whether it’s the success story behind power players, or Oprah’s beauty secrets; inquiring minds wanna’ know. As writers, we are entrusted with the important task of telling others’ stories, and being the voice of the impoverished, the afflicted, and even those blessed with the “it factor“.

In my professional career, I have had the privilege of both being the interviewer and interviewee, and based on this experience, here’s what I’ve discovered about conducting interviews that connect with today’s reader.

Timely tips to master the art of the interview:

1. Start out with a clear agenda. In other words, what’s your purpose? (It shouldn’t be just to “parrot” information). Is it to increase awareness of a cause or movement? Promote an event? Educate? Entertain? Provide a noteworthy individual with his deserved 15 minutes of fame? Your agenda will establish your approach, direction and the nature of your questions.

2. Resist rookie questions like “Do you have a dog?” Or “What’s your favorite color?” It wastes valuable time, and adds very little depth or value to your piece. Instead, strive for things that delve into the person’s life philosophy, business strategy, or “ah-ha” moments.

3. Do your homework. Before assembling questions, do a little online sleuth work. Many times, you can find interesting facts and tidbits by visiting the subject’s blog, Facebook page, Linkedin profiles, and even quotes from other articles. Consider interviewing someone who knows or has worked with the interviewee for background information too.

4. Inject a little humor when appropriate. Humor is to writing what spices are to cooking. Find a funny angle from an anecdote shared. Or have him reveal his most embarrassing moment, or a hidden talent. For example, I was watching a program that documented the life of Dr. Phil, and discovered that he enjoyed watching cartoons, (even into adulthood). Who would have thought?

5. Decide the best way to capture the essence of the interview, by knowing your strengths and weaknesses. If you’re a poor listener, have a short attention span, or trouble sometimes deciphering your handwriting, it may be wise to conduct the interview via email questions for accuracy purposes. If on the other hand, you enjoy using imagery, then a face-to-face, where you can assess body language, tone, and use your skills of observation might prove more successful.

6. Put yourself in the readers’ place. What would you like to know about the person being featured? What makes him interesting or different? Why should readers care?

7. Enhance your interview with quality images. There’s great truth to the expression, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

8. Watch and incorporate some of the trademark techniques of talented TV interviewers like Barbara Walters, Oprah Winfrey, and Dianne Sawyer. Oprah, you’ll find, is always personal, witty and compassionate. Barbara is provocative, sharp and unapologetic. While Dianne is no-nonsense and straight-forward. Case in point… Oprah admitted once on her show, that as a young girl she was inspired to become a reporter from observing Barbara Walters decades before.


By following these eight tips you’ll make the most of your next interview and make more money in your freelancing career.

Thoughts? What tips or techniques do you use to ace interviews?

Image: Stock

The Blessings of Discouragement

by Author C. S. Lakin

Okay, no doubt you think I’m nuts. Really, what is so great about getting discouraged? And what does discouragement have to do with the craft of writing? We’ve all heard the admonitions to persist in our writing, to fend off discouragement, to plow ahead with our calling or dream or creative destiny—whatever you want to call it. And that’s what we try to do—year in and year out, if we are writing for life. Oftentimes, writing is a joy—easy, flowing, inspired. But other times it’s a real struggle to keep at it.

Shoulder the Boulder

In Greek mythology, King Sisyphus was punished in Tartarus by being cursed to roll a huge boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll back down, and to repeat this throughout eternity. The word sisyphean means, according to the American Heritage Dictionary, “endless and unavailing, as labor or a task.” Sometimes we work so hard at writing our books, rolling them up the hill to be noticed by an agent or editor, excited to share our boulder with the world, only to have the thing roll back down as we watch in dismay—or, worse yet, as we get crushed underneath as it careens down the hill.

Some People Only Have a Small Rock to Push

I’ve met a few writers who have had an easy course. Within months of writing their first book, contracts were in the mail. Without much effort, their books catapulted to best-seller status, and within a few years, their list of published credits matched the length of my daily to-do list. For we writers who have struggled the long haul to that golden ring, we fight feelings of unworthiness and envy. Perhaps we finally get our books published and chance upon a scathing review, or sales are disappointing. We finally got that boulder up on top of the hill for everyone to see, and then—more discouragement.

All Right—What’s the Blessing?

As someone who had to wait over twenty years for that first publishing contract, I consider myself an expert in discouragement. But the flipside of that coin is persistence. Persistence either leads to determination or giving up. The blessing of discouragement is closely tied to the writing craft. For, if my determination is continually renewed, my calling reaffirmed with each disappointment and rejection, along with it comes the drive to excel and improve my craft. I have found that my passion to reach out with my words grows more urgent with each year passing, and that translates in my writing as honesty, fervor, urgency, and compassion. I am forced to reflect on what I am writing and why. On how I am writing and to whom—and to what end. Perhaps, because of my personality and background, and my passion to reach and change hearts, God has seen fit to give me a season of discouragement as a way to mature and ripen my sensitivities and insights into human nature. I have no doubt that discouragement has played a huge factor in my growing as a writer—not just personally, but in my craft.

A Writer’s Voice That Matures with Time

If we can think of our years of hard effort like a fine wine that deepens in flavor with age, we might take an honest look and see that, had we become the overnight success we had hoped in the first months of writing, we may not have matured in the fine way we have. Our writing may not have developed the rich, complex nuances it now has. May we all look at the boulder-rolling experience in a positive light—we gain strength from the effort, get a glimpse of what’s on top of the hill, and learn to sidestep the discouragement as it comes barreling at us. Eventually, after so many times of crashing down the hill, the boulder will wear down to a manageable size—perhaps one day ending up a pebble we can carry in our pocket as we take in the glorious view from the heights.

Thoughts? Have you found value in the "valley"?

Bio:

C. S. Lakin is the author of twelve novels, including the seven-book fantasy series “The Gates of Heaven.” She also writes contemporary psychological mysteries, including her Zondervan contest winner Someone to Blame. She works as a professional copyeditor and writing coach and loves to teach the craft of writing. Her websites are dedicated to critiquing fiction and building community to help survive and thrive in your writing life: www.LiveWriteThrive.com and www.CritiqueMyManuscript.com. Come join in! You can read more about her and her books at www.cslakin.com.
Follow @cslakin and @livewritethrive. Facebook: C. S. Lakin, Author, Editor.

5 Reasons You Should Kick "Tire-Kickers" to the Curb in 2012!

OR...(How to waste less time in gaining more business)

Prospects. They’re the life line of any thriving business.
Freelancing is no different.
Handled correctly, they can be converted into paying clients and fruitful relationships where mutual needs are met.

In fact, many often become the source of future referrals, as well as the foundation for continued business growth.
But be forewarned: Not all prospects hold promise.

Some unfortunately, are merely “tire kickers” that have no intentions of going the distance.
The more you know about them, the less likely you are to devote valuable time and resources to winning them over and closing the deal. And the more strategic you can become in your marketing and “new business” efforts. Though many of these individuals are lovely people, it’s crucial that you learn to limit your accessibility and interaction.

WHAT ARE TIRE-KICKERS?

“Tire-kickers” is an expression coined by used car salesmen to describe customers that have no real plan of making a purchase anytime soon.
Consider them as the equivalent of window shoppers. No matter how skillfully you handle them, you’re never gonna’ add them to your list of satisfied customers.
Either they can’t afford to pay for your services, their expectations are unrealistic, or they are attempting to squeeze you for free information couched in the form of “consultations” that they can implement themselves.

And I should know. Though I have no documented proof as evidence, I’d venture to say that if I could recapture all the wasted hours I’ve spent on these “wild goose chases,”
I could recapture my youth. No doubt, you could too.

Don't get me wrong; I love getting questions from newbies needing a little direction for forging their freelance careers. I also love the occasional contact to bounce an idea or two off of me for input. Bring it!
After all, where would any of us be without the help of other writers and mentors? But tire-kickers? That's a whole 'nother situation.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE TIRE-KICKERS

Though they come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors, here are a few commonalities:

1. They have a problem that they need your help to solve. For example, they want to know how to monetize their site, or they may need ongoing assistance in identifying market leads for their articles. And they found your info from a Google search. Sometimes they're individuals, sometimes they're businesses.
2. They have no budget or “ limited funds”.
3. They hit you up by email with a lot of questions, or pose a few hypothetical situations of which they request your valued opinion.
4. They never commit to anything.
5. They have a “me” agenda. The relationship is always one-sided.

WHY YOU MUST REJECT TIRE-KICKERS IN 2012

1. Time is money. Although answering questions and providing general advice is integral to establishing your expertise and cultivating new business relationships, there really should be a realistic R.O.I., (return on investment). If not, you’ll be operating “in the red” real soon. Remember that efficiency goes a long way in running a profitable business practice.

2. Tire-kickers can be taxing. They put a lot of wear and tear on you as a result of research you may do to answer their questions, or coming up with creative ideas to assist in their marketing efforts. Not to mention, the back and forth emails that are time consuming and often unproductive.

3. They are tough on the ego. Let’s face it: it’s typically “the one that got away” that usually binds us in doubt and endless thought--whether it’s a personal relationship or a professional one. We’re inclined to wrestle with how we could have done things differently. Or why “her” and not me? Too many of these situations leads to low morale and high stress.

4. Keep in mind the Pareto Principle. Its basic premise is that 80% of results will come from 20% of the people. Translation? Learn to work smarter, not harder. Make sure to nurture existing clients and partnerships and continue to keep them satisfied and coming back for more. As they say “ A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”

5. Consider that writers need to eat, just like other professionals. It's a harsh reality of life. When lawyers, doctors and therapists give their "expert" advice, they expect to be compensated. Why not professional writers?

Follow these savvy tips for 2012 and you’ll kick yourself less for poor time management decisions that sabotage your business success and keep you in the poor house.

Thoughts? Agree or disagree? Any experience with "tire-kickers" on your end?

The Care & Feeding of Long Distance Clients-Tips to Make it Work

Let’s face it: long distance relationships can be challenging.
And in the world of freelance writing, it’s no different.

The advent of the Internet has changed the way we work and revolutionized communication like never before. It affords us the privilege of expanding our reach, our strategic considerations and our bottom line considerably. A simple click of a mouse allows us to connect with clients as close as our backyard, as well as those tucked away in Timbuktu.

But there’s a price we pay for progress. If not managed properly, long distance relationships and related projects, can become costly, time consuming, problematic and impersonal.

With this in mind, here are a few challenges you’re likely to encounter, and some savvy tips to help you overcome common obstacles.

The Challenge: The absence of face to face meetings can often carry the disadvantage of not being able to “read” your clients successfully. Did you know that the majority of our communication is actually non-verbal? Social psychologists estimate that about 7% of communication is verbal, while 93% consists of non-verbal expressions such as posture, tone of voice, gestures, and eye contact. Not properly assessing your client’s corporate culture, values, goals, and communication style can cause you to miss out on crucial clues needed to deliver a winning project. Not to mention what you’ll lose in sweat equity.

The Solution: Get as much as possible in writing. It’s hard to “misunderstand” specifics that are outlined in black and white. Reinforce your understanding by asking important questions on any “grey areas” and clearly establishing expectations.

The Challenge: Time zones. I admit that I am geographically challenged. Not only do I have difficulty reading maps, I don’t always remember and recognize differences in time zones and geographic regions. Not to mention, I’ve had the pleasure of working with people who weren’t even located in the U.S.
One time this caused a mishap with one of my new clients, who had a difference of one hour in our time zones. Ouch. Luckily, it wasn’t major and we were able to move beyond it. But, you can bet your bottom dollar that it won’t happen again soon.

The Solution: Keep a chart of different time zones at your disposal. Memorize the ones that are relevant to your particular client base. Make sure to touch base by email to confirm the specifics before the designated times of important meetings or phone conferences.
Better safe than sorry.

The Challenge: Dealing with the mishaps of lost documents and cyberspace "mysteries".

The Solution: Always keep extra hardcopies of important contracts, photos and files. Things get lost in the mail. Computer viruses can destroy things placed on the system that are stored on your hard drive. And trying to recapture and recover these valuable items can lead to loss time and a loss of your client's confidence.

Thoughts? Anything that I might have missed?

Image: Stock Illustration

More Coffee & Other Announcements

A special welcome to all my new followers! I am pleased as punch to have you join us. You'll find a pretty diverse and welcoming community here. Please feel free to introduce yourself or share any writing related news, as the situation dictates.
And I love comments.

Here are a few brief announcements of potential interest.

1.The Coffeehouse for writers will begin its new, exciting line-up of online writing classes for writers of all levels and genres on Monday, January 16th. Learn at your pace, in your space! Make 2012 the year where you learn more and earn more. After all, didn't you promise? :-) Don't think of it as an expense; think of it as an investment. Credit card and Paypal payments accepted online. See www.coffeehouseforwriters.com for details.

2. In my ongoing efforts to provide you with an array of resources, tips, tools and techniques to enhance your writing experience, I will be doing more Q&A interviews in the upcoming weeks. Look for insight and inspiration from authors and Bloggers such as: Hope Clark of Funds for Writers, Jimmy Gordon, author and retired fireman, and more!

3. I am seeking guest Bloggers for February. Please see the guidelines reflected above. Then have at it!

Enjoy your week.

Any announcements from your corner of the world?


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A Q& A With Author Wendy Burt

Please join me in welcoming Wendy Burt-Thomas. She and I "connected" some years ago, when I penned a review on one of her great books for singles.

Over the years, I've found her to be a great resource and inspiration. And you will too. In today's interview, she shares freelancing tips as well as secrets to her success.
Feel free to pose any questions or comments in the comments section below.

1. Can you tell us a little about who you are and your background?

I’m a full-time freelance writer and editor. I’ve worked out of my home for the last nine years. I write just about everything for clients: articles, blogs, press releases, ads – you name it! I’ve also written four books for traditional publishers, including “The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters.”

2. Describe your creative process. Do you write everyday?

I try to work only Monday through Friday because I have a 4-year-old, 6-year-old and husband who complain if I work at night. (I also have two English mastiffs and a black lab but they like it when I work because they get the crumbs that fall under my desk.) As for my creative “process,” it’s really about butt-in-chair work. If I waited to get inspired I’d never get anything done by my deadlines. I have three hours Monday through Thursday when my 4-year-old is in preschool. I use that time for my high-concentration work and phone consultations. Then I break for lunch when he comes home and use the afternoon for work that needs less focus.

3. How would you define success as a writer?

Doing what you love when you want to do it. Unless they’re self-employed, people don’t understand that writers have deadlines, phone/Skype conference calls, and limited time to work. Yes, you have a lot of flexibility to set your own days and hours, but if I were going to an office every day, you wouldn’t ask me to babysit your kid! (I get this a lot.) Obviously, money plays a role in defining success for many of us, and I am proud to say that I make a great living from home. But I also make a great life, which is more important.

4. What has been your most rewarding accomplishment thus far?

Writing “The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters.” I felt like I had birthed (another) baby and really felt proud of the work I had done. Query letters can be a dry topic so I tried to put some humor and real-life examples in the book, which Writer’s Digest let me keep. I didn’t feel like they altered my voice at all, which was wonderful.

5. What would it surprise others to know about you?

How much I still doubt myself. My friend Christina Katz (author of several books on writing, including “The Writer’s Workout”) and I have talked about this before. I think many successful authors/writers have dealt with the “Imposter Syndrome.” No matter how many books and published articles you have, no matter how many classes or keynote speeches you make at writer’s conferences, there’s this nagging voice saying, “You’re a fraud” or “You don’t deserve to make this much money for creativity.” I think more female writers underbid their worth than males. I try to surround myself with other confident, successful creatives (writers, artists, designers) – even if mostly through emails and social media.

6. In your opinion, how has the publishing/writing industry changed in 2012, and how does it impact today‘s writer?

Much of what I do today is completely different than what I did just a few years ago, even though I still have the same clients. I was doing a lot of writing for magazines and print ad copy until the publishing industry nearly went under a few years ago. Now those same clients have me doing a lot more social media (blogs, Facebook posts, tweets), online PR and copy for ecommerce sites. Most magazines now have a digital version, which means I have to take keywords and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) into consideration when I write articles and do copywriting for websites. I had to educate myself on methods, terminology and changes in online marketing and publishing so I could adapt to the time. Writers today will be hard-pressed to find consistent work that doesn’t require at least a basic knowledge of these things.

7. Who are some of your favorite authors?

Well, my dad (Steve Burt) is also an author of several books (most recent is “FreeK Camp” – a paranormal YA mystery), so I am genetically obligated to mention him. (Just kidding. His books have won countless awards!) I love the humor of Anne Lamott and David Sedaris, but I think the two books that inspired me the most in terms of writing were Stephen King’s “On Writing” and Steven Pressfield’s “The War of Art” (not to be confused with “The Art of War”).

8. What‘s the biggest myth you think others have about writing or publishing?

Can I name two? They’re two ends of the spectrum. One is that writing is easy. (I have an uncle who always says, “I could write a book if I wanted to. I just don’t have time.” Incidentally, I worked a full-time job when I wrote my first two books.) The other is that you can’t make a living as a writer. There are plenty of us that do, you just don’t hear about us because we’re too busy working to complain there’s not enough work. ; )

BIO:
Wendy Burt-Thomas is the author of four books, including “The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters.” Her freelance credentials include more than 1,000 published articles, short stories, essays and poems. Follow her blog (http://askWendy.wordpress.com) to get writing contests daily!

3 Key Ways Knowing Your Weaknesses Strengthens Your Position As a Writer!

---"Knowledge is power."

Positioning is important.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re engaged in a game of chess, or vying for your dream job as a freelancer.
Knowing where you stand makes you stand taller, and helps to approach your goals with a sense of strategy, savvy, and overall efficiency. Simply put, it makes your game plan easier to execute.

In fact, it’s one of the things that I credit for my success in my creative career, in the midst of many obstacles. When I started this journey, (more than a decade ago), I had no formal training in writing.
Truth be told, my degrees are in business.

I didn’t have a computer, (didn’t get one until much later). Had no connections or contacts in the business. And worked full-time while attending night school.

What I did have was a solid business background, a strong work ethic, the belief that writing was my “calling,” the desire to excel, and the willingness to be objective about my work---the good, the bad, and the ugly.

And you should too.

Which is why I’m often amazed when talking to potential clients and other freelancers, that many seem to unfortunately have a real “blind spot” in identifying their creative weaknesses. Matter of fact, once I pointed out a shortcoming of someone whom I was trying to mentor, that caused her to be offended, and ended up doing more harm than good. Ouch. (Note to self: you can‘t help everybody). :-)

Here’s another case in point.
If you’ve ever tuned in to the popular talent-search show “American Idol”, then you’ve witnessed how some creative artists are convinced, (despite the judges’ assessments, and voices that sound like fingernails scratching a chalk board), that singing is their true talent! Huh?

Of course, we’d all like to be good at everything. Right?
Not gonna’ happen.
Instead a reality check is needed. There’s much to be said for the expression, “Knowledge is power.”

With this in mind, here’s why knowing your creative weaknesses can actually be a good thing that strengthens your career.


1. Efficiency
One of the most common complaints from today’s writer is not having enough time to write. Sometimes this is the result of mismanaging time, while at other times it’s the byproduct of pursuing projects or genres of writing that really are not well suited for us. The drawback? Spinning one’s wheels and not going anywhere. For example, mine would be writing for children. Be selective.

2. Strategy
The more in tune you are to what your weaknesses are, the greater the likelihood that you can address them, work to improve them, and operate from a greater position of strength. Or in some case scenarios, it may actually call for you to subcontract work out. Say for instance that you’re great at writing, but not skilled at design, or proofing, or photography. You spend less mental wear and tear on these areas, and more focusing on your true passions and positive areas.

3. Leverage
Like it or not, we all are in a competition of sorts. There are only so many creative jobs, clients, and projects. Not to mention, as Bloggers, we’re competing for today’s busy readers’ valuable time. Which requires that we put our best foot forward. That we know what separates us from the rest of the pack. And that we know ultimately how to pack a punch and how to deliver it.
Trust, you can fool yourself to make your ego feel better. Some do.
But really great Bloggers embrace their weaknesses, just like their strengths. Realizing that it is this combination of good and bad, darkness and light, challenges and victories that makes for an interesting Blogger who is relatable and real.

Thoughts? Any creative weaknesses you own up to?

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6 Social Media Blunders Freelancers Should Avoid

There’s no doubt about it: social media is the rage.
Everybody who’s anybody is on board. From stay at home moms, to pop icons, to politicians.
Even Donald Trump has his own “virtual” real estate and Twitter profile.

For freelancers, it’s a great way to “make friends and influence people.” Not to mention, to increase exposure exponentially.
But, just like money, it can be good or bad depending upon how it‘s used.

Proper discernment is the key to a “profitable” experience.

Take for instance, accounts of a politician who once garnered “unwanted” attention, by allegedly baring it all in salacious activities over the Internet.

Or who could forget in a “Ripley’s-believe-it-or-not moment,” the woman who was identified and subsequently arrested for posting pictures of shoplifted merchandise to her FaceBook page?
Horror stories abound.

With this in mind, here are six sins to avoid, in the interest of reputation management and career maintenance:

1. Being too free with your “freedom of speech” rights.
Think before you comment. Things spouted in anger over the Internet, verbal warfare, and kiss and tell chronicles have a way of hunting and hurting you for years to come. Choose your words wisely.

2. Mixing business with pleasure.
Unless you impose certain privacy settings on your accounts, consider that anybody in the general public can view your activities-- daily, weekly, monthly. This includes potential clients, colleagues, and competitors. Would you want them all to know equally about your private life with your live-in lover? Your “happy hour” escapades? Or perhaps dysfunctional family dynamics? Exercise prudence here.

3. Posing for provocative pictures.
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but all it takes is the wrong one to undermine your professionalism and send the wrong message. You may want to make sure that your “Kodak Moments” are P-G rated. :-)

4. Being too “public” with private information.
Things like your home address, your home number, complete birthday, credit card info, and financial status. Why? Because identity theft is rampant, and you want to err on the side of caution. According to Spendonlife.com, there were 10 million people affected by Identity Theft in 2008.

5. Using profanity.
Not everyone is liberal-minded or accepting of this. To some it’s even offensive.

6. Bad-mouthing clients in public forums and bulletin boards.
It’s okay to do your “garden-variety” gripe a little, or to present a situation that has been problematic in order to solicit support and needed answers. But, never use specific info, or violate a client privilege. The world is smaller than you think!

When social media is used wisely, it can work wonders. Just make sure that your “15 minutes of fame” reflects positively on you and your career. Making good decisions makes good business sense, and ultimately means greater earning potential and longevity in years to come.

Thoughts?

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