How to create a good reputation in social networks

Erik Qualman in the book "Safe Network. Terms of saving face in the era of social media and an all-out publicity "tells what you can and can not do on the Internet and how it will affect your relationship with the world.

Erik Qualman

Boston University professor and author of books and lectures about the work and communication in social networks.

1. Do not post things for which you would be ashamed in front of parents

If you are looking to create a good reputation for yourself or your company, avoid causing content.

Remember the rule: If something would have embarrassed your mother, do not do it offline and then publish on the Internet.

Erik Qualman "safety net"

2. Focus on your target audience

Decide for what audience you are doing publishing in social networks. Decide what goals you are pursuing. The answer to the question "Who and what I want to demonstrate?" Will help to simplify the existence of the web.

Often we want to be "all things to everyone." Select your people and to focus on them - it's much easier and more productive.

3. Do not publish gossip

Do not replicate the Web unverified statements or rumors about co-workers and acquaintances. The reputation of the gossip is very difficult to get rid of. In addition, if the rumor is disproved, you will find yourself in an even more embarrassing position.

If offline, you talked about this in a whisper, do not post it.

Erik Qualman "safety net"

4. Be honest

Lies on the Internet exposes quickly. Do not try to embellish the event, take credit for those extra years of work experience or appropriate the fruits of others' labor.

Also, the concept of integrity includes honesty and the courage to show their true beliefs and not to hide behind a mask of feigned. Do not seek to build a false image of the beautiful. Sooner or later the truth will reveal. It is better to emphasize its real dignity and worth. Or gradually acquires beneficial advantages. But do not imitate.

Honesty - this is what you do behind closed doors or when you think that nobody is watching you. Integrity - is the true essence of you, your beliefs and values.

Erik Qualman "safety net"

5. Do not complain

Spare subscribers of complaints about the weather, health, political or impolite seller. Any nagging translates negative energy, delays in meaningless arguments, and just infect other bad mood.

6. Praise and thank someone every day

Do not skimp on the positive comments and posts. Like the service - praise the company. A colleague helped with the chores - Write a thanksgiving post, stressing how important it is for you.

The internet is so much negativity, be one of those rare people on the Web that publish a lot of positive information. Take small compliments, put huskies cheering friends in social networks - all this you will create a positive reputation and nice person.

Research has shown that publication of positive information about others makes you happier than themselves.

Erik Qualman "safety net"

7. Do not criticize publicly

If you praise or thanksgiving post and can be published, the criticism is best left to a personal meeting. Any comments on the text format may seem harsher than you realize. Nonverbal signals that we send in person, soften criticism.

Nobody likes to be criticized, even the most constructive, especially in public. Forget about faultfinding to comments, correcting spelling mistakes and other small and useless comments.

8. Correct mistakes, and do not try to hide them

If you make a mistake in the network, do not deny it, and does not justify itself, shifting responsibility to others.

How do you deal with negative situations on the Internet seriously affect your reputation.

Erik Qualman "safety net"

They stumbled and did something inappropriate? Then follow four steps:

1. Write a post with an apology, taking responsibility for a bad deed.
2. Let us know what you are willing to do to make amends.
3. Follow the promise.
4. Remove from the lesson of what happened and draw conclusions.

Internet knows more than a dozen cases in which an attempt to hide a small mistake led to a big scandal with revelations. Admit it and smooth out the situation at an early stage.

9. Put a personal contact in the first place

People regard with favor to those with whom you meet in real life. Do not limit your communication with customers or subscribers only internet. If possible, hold group meetings or just go for a coffee with the pleasant man.

If it is difficult to overcome the distance, use of video and audio calls, people to hear your voice, intonation, we saw your face and took non-verbal cues.

10. Do not create separate profiles for work and friends

Many users have multiple profiles on social networks: one for work and another for friends. In the end, as it were, split his identity to the official and often simulated image to customers and partners and to present for friends and family.

Should not start two profiles for at least two reasons:

1. You run the risk of losing myself, hiding behind an assumed "right" way. Such a split network takes a lot of energy.
2. Personal account easy to find. Once subscribers understand how your official image different from the present, will create an unfavorable contrast. So try to combine and skillfully intertwine their interests and informal working image. Do not store on the Internet that does not fit in this portrait.

If you want to know about the rest of the rules of creating and maintaining a good reputation on the internet, read a book Erik Qualman "Secure Network. Terms of saving face in the era of social media and an all-out publicity». The author illustrates the rules of behavior in social networks, real life stories of individuals and large companies. From the book you will learn what mistakes the web made famous brands and high-ranking government officials, as well as the findings and begin to improve your reputation on the Internet today.