Being online has its advantages and disadvantages. Public relations practitioners are expected to be the most up-to-date on the latest forms of technologies so they are able to advise their clients most effectively and be cutting edge. However, there are some disadvantages of being online if you do not know the risks and challenges that may arise from it.
For example, I find it interesting to see all of the the recent articles that are appearing in the news and on traditional PR and Business outlets on how people need to be aware of what they are posting online. Isn’t that a given? From being aware of what you post on Twitter to your Facebook status to even your own web site and blog – people are finally recognizing that this is public and open to the world, and whatever they post can dramatically impact their own reputation as a professional, scholar, and even as a person.
I have to agree that people need to be forward thinking into what they are posting online. People are making really quick impressions of others online just based on what is being said about them on these online sites, and this is a risk and a challenge for a public relations professional to keep track of. However, if the PR professional is current on what is being developed in certain technologies and knows the correct social media tools, they will be better off.
I have had personal experience in this area in public relations. I have had my personal web site for about 14 years now, and I used it to promote myself in high school and college as a track and field athlete at SMU, Florida, and USC. Being a track and field athlete definitely taught me the valuable PR lessons that I am currently using today to manage my reputation online effectively.
So, my point is that I believe that PR professionals need to not only know the traditional practices that have been taught in our PR classes about how to manage our reputation, but also explore and think outside the box and trust our gut instinct – if you don’t want something to be seen by others around the world, don’t post it. Think about how today’s actions will look one year, five years down the road. And of course – what will my family and friends think if I posted this? These are just some things that I believe people today need to consider before posting on these social media sites.
Hope you all are having a great day! 🙂
Best Wishes,
Karen
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