We caught up with Ted Rubin this month and asked him about the theme of this month’s issue, specifically the blurry lines on social media as we blend our personal lives and social connections with our professional passions and the work we do. His response is typically Straight-Talking.…
Here is what my take is now, and what it has been for the past 10+ years…
Who made anyone but you the arbiter of what does and does not belong on your personal Social Media channels… or anywhere you communicate?
Social media is a place to share and for a conversation that the person posting wishes to foster. I am the person, and this is the conversation I wish to foster. This is incredibly relevant to business relationships, I want people I do business with to know how I feel about a myriad of topics… that sharing, engagement, and conversation is what builds relationships and relationships are at the heart of my business, and hopefully yours too.
I want to reach as many people as possible with my message therefore I post to every network where I have followers. I do not believe in limiting myself to a ‘personal only’ and ‘professional only’ platform… and for the most part, under the majority of circumstances, I advise those I work with to do the same. There are always exceptions, and like I said it’s your social media presence, handle in the way that works best for you.
Finally… my blog, TedRubin.com, is called “STRAIGHT TALK” because I say what I mean and mean what I say, and speak from my heart. That is my Brand and Reputation… and I do it professionally, and with all due respect where and when possible.
A Brand is what a business/person does, a Reputation is what people Remember and Share.
As Dr. Seuss so aptly stated (or so we believe), and a quote I have repeated to my daughters over and over again…
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”