Thread by @BDaveWalters

I just wrote a long thread about things you shouldn't put on Twitter as a professional, because Brand == Reputation, and Reputation is everything.

Aaaaand deleted that thread, because I know how to listen to my own advice, lol.

Alright, enough people have asked that imma do it.
Yesterday I had discussions with TWO major decision makers about who we do and don't deal with, and the *#1* disqualifying trait was being hard to work with behind the scenes. Nothing gets you passed over faster than drama

2/

So, you have to decide is your social media presence business, personal, or both? I'd submit both is most effective (mine is) but you still have to be mindful of what you are putting out to the world. Again, Reputation == Brand, and Reputation is everything.

3/

I have a vested interest in letting you know my real, authentic self. It's why I post so much political, and occasionally even spiritual/religious content. But I only post what I can stand by 100%. There are jokes and memes I laugh at and content I enjoy that I'd NEVER share.

4/

As opinionated as I am, there are plenty of opinions I don't voice because I know they don't resonate with everyone in my community. And that's ok. Some things I'm not willing to fight about, others I am. If you get mad about #BlackLivesMatter, I'm not interested in *you* 5/

What I can tell you is a particularly damning habit is if you are using social media in any professional capacity:
DO NOT LITIGATE PROFESSIONAL ISSUES PUBLICLY.

Unless someone is a predator, keep your private business, private. Let me tell you why:

6/

When you get a reputation for being a complainer, everyone starts to believe you'll complain about THEM. If you're putting everyone on blast today, potential partners don't want the headache of being put on blast tomorrow. Notice also how no one is ever outraged just the once.
7/

Someone who feels the need to vent about this or that slight tends to ALWAYS feeling slighted. I have a simple rule: If I meet 1 jerk, it's random. 2 jerks? Something in the planets. 3 jerks? Maybe *I* am in fact the jerk, and need to look in the mirror.

8/

But, what if you DO need to vent? Need support (or more likely) validation? I know LOTS of people with separate private social media profiles they use for just that. It's still a risk, but if you expressly have a venting profile, people can only get so mad at you for venting

9/

So, let's wrap this up:
If you're using social media professionally, don't post anything you wouldn't want read back to you in an interview or in front of an audience, because you ARE in front of an audience. One with the power to make or break your career.

10/

And lastly: Try to avoid complaining and drama. It really hurts you a LOT worse than you think. Say something if you just HAVE to, but say as little as possible. I can't stress enough how much getting a reputation as a complainer costs you. I see it every day, hell I DO it.

Fin/

BONUS: The streaming space is about a sense of familiarity. Parasocial relationships can get weird QUICK. Every thing you post is showing people (at least an aspect) of who you are.

Make sure it's a person you're proud of.

Bonus part 2:
*Multiple* decision makers have hit me up privately thanking me for posting this.

I'm just trying to help, y'all.