Your Guideto S.M.A.R.TSocial Media5 points to ponder beforetweeting, posting or pinning.

By David Sheets, regional director,Society of Professional Journalists

To most people, social media is mere fun andgames ― a means ofkilling time and staying in constant contact whether they need that contact or not.

But it’s serious stuff inthe workplace. Sayingthe wrong thing online,even one word, canharm your reputationand bruise youremployer’s image.

That’s why employers are busy creating policyto protect themselves and their workers fromassorted threats andintimidation.

But policy is useless in combatting ignorance.

People misuse social media mainly becausethey misunderstand it.

They think social mediais just technology.

In fact, it’s a windowothers reach throughto influence you, justas you influence others.

That’s because social media “sees” you.

It does this by drawing a picture based onyour willingness to tell everyone where you are,what you’re doing and what you’re thinking.

Thus, the more you interact with it, the moreit knows about you.

And the more everyoneelse knows about you.

So, keep in mind, responsible social behaviorisn’t a matter of policy. It’s a matter of maturity.

The more mature youare, the less likely youwill get yourself, andyour employer, intotrouble.

Think of itthis way,becauseit’s true:

The best guide to good social media policystares at you in the mirror every morning.

So, be S.M.A.R.Tabout social mediaby observingthese 5 guidelines:

S = Separation ― Keep your professional mediause separate from your personal media use.

For example, connect to friends and family withyour default Facebook page, but create abusiness page for work-related posts.

Try to maintain distinct Twitter, Pinterestprofiles, too.

M = Meaning ― Make sure you say what youmean, and mean what you say.

Don’t type and send right away. Type and stop,and wait for a total of 2 minutes.

Re-read what you’ve written, think about howit’s written and whether it says what you want.Remember, you are your own best editor.

A = Attitude ― Measure your mood becauseit will come through your writing. Don’t usesocial media when you’re:• Angry• Sleepy• Hungry• Drunk

(Four behaviors when you’re most vulnerable.)

R = Responsiveness ― Answer promptly, ordon’t answer at all.

If you can answer within a minute or an hour,great. Being prompt is a measure of respectand politeness.

After 24 hours, others perceive the long delayas an insult, no matter your excuse.

T = Timing ― Be aware of what’s going onaround you. Pay attention to office politics,current events, anything that shapes apublic conversation.

Then, be ready to respond ― or not respond― to what’s happening in the proper context.

Say the right thing at the right time.

Another “T” related to Timing …

T = Taste ― Context is king; taste is queen.

Minding the formerhelps assure thelatter. And timingis crucial to both.

Your Guideto S.M.A.R.TSocial Media5 points to ponder beforetweeting, posting or pinning.

By David Sheets, freelance editor and writerdksheets@gmail.com / 314-971-0073