Blog Post: What not to "tweet"

I saw an update from one of my social media networks the other day that just astounded me.  A newly promoted senior executive was asking for help to restructure his group and published his some of his company's confidential financial information in the request. This notice was posted on the discussion board and was sent out in the weekly updates all network members receive.  I could not believe my eyes! As a former finance professional, publishing something this sensitive was strictly monitored and prohibited! But it occurred to me that some people may not even realize this is harmful or inappropriate.

So I decided to write this blog to help people out. The social networks make it so easy to post comments about anything and everything, and people truly may not understand the full consequence or impact of their innocent writings.  Look at the fury over the off-the-record comment a reporter posted from President Obama regarding Kanye West's appalling behavior at the MTV award show. Even if you're not a fan of Kanye West or MTV, you've probably heard about the incident by now.

Here are a few tips - what not to "tweet" -

1. Anything that is proprietary or confidential. This means that if the information is not public knowledge or easily obtained from public records, don't post it on the social networks. Financial information, particularly from privately held companies who do not publish their financial records, is an example of proprietary and confidential information.
2. Information about products or services that are not yet available for sale is another sensitive area.  It's true we need to market the products or services and explain what they can do for a potential buyer.  But too much information could prevent a patent or trademark issuance or give away secrets to others who are developing similar products or services.
3. Personal details that might cause harm to an individual.  I don't want to hear about the details of someone's messy divorce, or sharing information that destroys someone's chances of getting a job!  I also don't really want to know that someone just rolled out of bed and was brushing their teeth now... that's just TMI (Too much information.) And you might just end up defending yourself in a lawsuit!
4. Anything you would not want to see broadcast on the nightly news. I remember starting a new job and attending an orientation program that started out with just this advice.  The trainer reminded us we were corporate representatives, and so any action we took was subject to scrutiny because it could affect the company's image. This applies not only to all of us as employees but in our personal lives as well. If you don't want the attention that media coverage brings, don't write about it!

These are just a few of my thoughts.  Hope they help!