Virtual vs Real World Conversations

There are differences between what people say on the internet and what people say in the real world.

The main difference is what people feel they can say to someone online compared to face to face.

Somehow people feel they can be slightly more rude and abrupt people feel they can be.

Because they are having these conversations online rather than to their face, then they feel less inhibited.

At some point the backchannel will backlash and the person you are talking about could make you stand up and take responsibility for your discussions.

Think personal reputation
Managing your own personal brand online is important for your own credibility and authority online. How would you come across twittering on the back channel at a conference slating the presenter? Getting a reputation as someone who’s trigger happy and lippy on twitter and other social media sites will damage your personal reputation.

Think the wider picture
When doing business these day’s people will research who you are and judge your integrity, honesty and credibility online. People will ‘Google’ your name and company. The ‘private world’ of the conference is long gone and your tweets are a reminder of your harsh opinions.

2 Tips to manage your Reputation Online

• Only say to people online what you would say to their face. At some point the virtual and real world will collide. You may have to justify what you have said, it’s easier to have the same beliefs and values online and offline.
• Keep track of what is listed in Google for your name and company name. Managing your profile and what’s in the news is important to your profile. Use something like Google Alerts, TrackUR or Alterian are useful tools for achieving this.