Getting Social Means Getting Uncomfortable – At First

In the aftermath of a blessed event, Jason Falls asks the question how personal is too much?

We in the social media space offer our professional lives up as open books. Some of us disclose minimal personal information. Others put up boundaries and clearly separate what is social currency and what is not. So long as our level of comfort is supported by our family and friends, I see little concern.

But how much is too much? >SNIP< All of these questions beckon to be answered as we all grow into this still new dimension of the greater media mix. Personal publishing and the social web give us unprecedented opportunity but with equally as unprecedented exposure. Where will the line be drawn to determine what is and is not for the offing?

As I commented on Jason’s blog, I think this is one of the ways communications is changing. As we evolve from broadcasting our clients’ messages to participating more in the communication process, the walls between business and personal begin to blur. How much personal detail marketers disclose will vary from person to person and culture to culture. When doing business in China, for example, you’ll get much more personally involved.

"Enough About Me. Let’s Talk About You. What Do You Think About Me?"
By the nature of our jobs, most of us don’t want to be the center of attention. It makes us nervous and we have to be careful not to make it all about us. So how much is too much? It will vary from person to person. But as Jason Falls shows us the key to figuring it out is based on personal experience.

Image007 uploaded by wallofhair
tags | public relations | PR | social media | marketing | Jason Falls

Comments

[Jason Falls]

The notion of shifting from broadcasting as agents of clients to real participation as clients is a brilliant translation. Which is why we read you.

Thanks for the mention. Glad I could spark a good thought!

[Ike]

Pretty much everything I put out there is personal in one sense or another. It's all my experience, my perception, my opinion.

Maybe it's a backlash against all the impersonal writing I had to do as a journalist.

[Wendy Bigham]

As for personal blogs, say whatever you want as long as you're not embarassed.So many blogs are out there, probably only you and your friends and family will read it.

But for the personal/professional blogs, one should keep the personal information related to the topic, similar to what we learned in English class. There are things nobody wants to know. And with all of the personal/private blogs out there, I think you'd want your to be as relevant to your audience as possible.

[Kevin Dugan]

Jason - Thank you.

Ike - Your content is always enjoyable and I have no doubt it's because it's personal.

Wendy - I think it's up to the individual. My blog is professional, but I let my own personality show and I think it is still relevant. Or at least I hope it is.

Thanks everyone!

[Mariana Sarceda]

In my opìnion, personal blogs _ as long as they talk about trivial things_ are most likely read by your friends and family. However, professional social network sites such as Facebook or Linked in can be your presentation to the world not only for your friends and relatives but also for potential employers or coworkers. In such cases, a "netiquette" should be followed, at least not to be embarrassed or let everybody know about everything concerning your life.

[Ike]

Big props to Rick Rubin and james, for their heartfelt and selfless comments.

[Kevin Dugan]

heh - Mssrs Rubin and James did not follow policy and were deleted. :-)