Selfies as profile photos. Snarky memes. Sexy poses. As we spend so much time online, it’s not uncommon to start feeling so comfortable that we let it “all hang out” so to speak. Unfortunately, this can have a massive impact both a reputation and a brand. Today, I am sharing eight (sadly common) moves that can come across as creepy.
LinkedIn is not Match.com. A few days ago, I opened my LinkedIn account and came across a message from a CEO of a major company in which he detailed his appreciation of my looks, what he liked to do in his free time and that he would like to meet up for dinner when he was in NYC. After sharing my disappointment with my coworkers (who all had their own tales of LinkedIn lothario’s), I informed him this wasn’t Match.com and blocked him. This happens quite often to a lot of us and it never ceases to amaze me that others think this is OK. Hitting on someone on a professional site is like coming onto a stranger in the office. It’s not cute, it’s harassment.
Selfies as professional profile photos are a no-no. Everyone knows someone who can take a photo for us (and if you’re looking to come off as a professional, it makes sense to pay for a shoot with a professional photographer. Save the selfies for snapchat and post a polished shot instead.
Do not let your mood dictate your posts. If you’re mad at your ex, a client or a colleague, keep it offline.
Be careful what you post on other pages. Beware: Innocent comments can come off creepy (and even scary). An editor I know once posted “it looks like the ____ dance studio on 34th street” on the account of a dancer who was excited to show off her new moves. The Instagram account holder owner was rightfully alarmed that a stranger was not only pinpointing where she was, but sharing it with her followers.
Avoid the “Me, Me, Me” gallery. Posting like a Kardashian is great for their brand but will likely come across as self-absorbed to followers.
Use proper spelling, avoid sexism and sharp language. This is important not only in your notices, but your memes as well. Translation: You can like Drake’s post, but you don’t need to share it with your clients. Have fun and showcase your humor, but keep your content smart and professional in order to avoid being guilty by proxy.
Avoid all caps. Please look at Cher’s Twitter account for the full story.
Do not post when you have been drinking. We all laugh, but you all know what I am talking about.
What common creepy behaviors do you think deserve a mention?
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