Last week I had the honor of attending the Disney Social Media Moms On The Road Event.
It was a wonderful event that was filled with networking, learning, and laughing. Three things that all business and blogging moms need!
There was a huge amount of information I was able to glean off the speakers, and I took notes to share with all of you! It was clear during the sessions though, that I would need multiple posts to cover all the tidbits! Today I will present my first installment.
Michelle Stepney, the Global Content Manager for Disney World ended the event. At first, I had some trouble connecting with how her advice on ‘Being on Camera’ could relate to me, a small-time business mom and blogger. I will likely never be ‘on camera’ or even interviewed by significant media. But the more I thought about it, the more it did relate to me.
As a social media influencer, I reach thousands and sometimes tens of thousands of moms every day. With Facebook fans, Twitter followers, Pinterest Pinners, and blog readers, I reach lots of people. This is TERRIFYING! I am a woman, with emotions, and some days, some comments and news get to me.
I started thinking of ways that ‘being in front of the camera’ really applies to me, and how I could help you protect yourself from negative events.
1. Choose your words carefully. Type, read, and re-read before hitting ‘post’. Think about each word you are using and how they will make others feel. This does not mean that you can’t have any controversy surround you; in reality controversy can be good for publicity. I wrote more on this topic here. I would simply suggest that the words are chosen specifically to not hurt anyone’s feelings.
2. Remember that NOTHING IS OFF THE RECORD! Michelle showed us examples of this and it really stuck with me. Private groups and forums are great places to share struggles and frustration, but keep in mind, that anything online can be shared. Even in private places, all it takes is a ‘print screen’, copy and paste, and your words are public.
3. If in doubt, don’t say it! Or better yet, say it, but in the comfort of your own home, or to your best friend. We all have different beliefs on sensitive subjects, and the last thing you want is to be disliked by fans or customers.
4. Remember what your purpose is. If you own a business and want to sell things, then focus on making customers and finding ways to meet their needs. If you are a blogger and want regular, consistent readers, then write in a way to keep them reading. Controversial posts can be good at getting someone to read one specific post, but will they come back and read every post?
Overall hearing all about Walt Disney World, the joys and struggles of Mindee Doney (the creator of Boogie Wipes), and the panel of experts at the Disney On The Road Event was an amazing experience and I hope to share more about it with you in the coming weeks.
Does anyone have any stories about ‘being off the record’?
I think when you have a business, you are always on show. Whether it is driving in a vehicle with your advertising on the side or how you are with your kids in public. People take notice if something is not quite right.
Absolutely! I want to get my new business’ info on my van, but have to remind my husband to drive slow!
I know that I always wonder if my in laws will read my posts if they were to find my blog, so I am always careful what I write about.
That is a very good way of looking at things.
You’re right. All it takes is one off-color comment to come back and bite you in the backside. I confess, this is why if I’m really irritated about something or whatever, I prefer to talk in the phone or in person rather than to text or PM.
Yup! You got it. One bad day can seriously affect your reputation!
Positivity is a great thing to strive to in all your posts. I have unliked/blocked some pages/groups/people that were “bringing me down” which is unfortunate as they sold great products or where great friends. Thanks for sharing your insights. I will definitely take this to heart in my next post. 😀
You’re absolutely right, we all like to follow pages that make us feel good, not bad or uncomfortable.
It’s so hard to put yourself forward in the spotlight like this. It’s so true, though. I really struggle about finding subjects to write about that are interesting but inoffensive–you can’t please everyone, I’ve found. I try hard to, though, anyway.
Yes, you can’t please everyone, and often times people turn words around, but doing your best is still usually good enough.
I really love how you took this session and made it applicable to your own life! I thought some of the same things about relating to it, but your synopsis really makes sense for me. Thanks!
Thanks mindy for your comment, I appreciate the affirmation!
Kind of an intimidating thought. I used to work in an industry/company where this was frequently brought up and I have discovered it more and more in my personal life as well. I have become a lot more private with what I share and where I share it.
Another thought: I know that I lose respect for people when they attack or belittle someone or a certain situation. There is a difference between attacking/insulting/belittling and stating your opinion on something. Tact.
I voice a lot of it things/thoughts to my husband but try not to let it go past there.
I try to remember that one day my kids may google my name or our last name and I want to make sure that I am not embarrassed by anything they may find.
Very good takeaways. Sometimes I feel that I come across very impersonal online because I am very, very careful with what I say – partly because I realize my British sense of humor wouldn’t always translate in 140 characters and could come off very differently than I would intend. 🙂
These are important tips!
I think it is important to be professional, on and off the record. Your business is only as trustworthy as you are!
These are really great tips, thank you so much for sharing them!
As a working woman I appreciate the post and suggestions. Everything is on the record is very true…your e-mails can be seen by anyone and everything online is up for the taking. Just be careful and concious of your words written or said.
I sometimes wonder if blogging anonymously really is the way to go. It must be incredibly freeing..
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Funny, I was thinking about that today too. I could say exactly what I wanted, how I wanted and it wouldn’t matter! Then I realized I didn’t really have that much to say that I don’t feel comfortable saying as me, so I dismissed the idea….