Social Screening: Where to draw the line on social sharing

I am a private person by nature. I enjoy having a personal life and keeping it personal. With the growth of social media popularity and platforms, privacy became seemingly less normal, and people became more comfortable sharing every detail of their lives.

There is a reason for passwords to bank accounts, curtains on voting booths, locks on doors and zippers on britches. Everything is not meant to be shared with everyone. Save some details and experiences for yourself and people who are a part of your personal life. “Social surfing” becomes exhausting when strolling down timelines and moods change within seconds based on the information consumed.

As I turned the page to Chapter 24 last week, I was grateful for the opportunity to relive memories and experiences that I was able to share with my social media family, friends and followers. I was also relieved that there were people and elements of my journey that I chose not to share with the world.

Although information shared is ultimately a matter of preference, it’s definitely smart to be an objective gatekeeper of your platforms and how others perceive you based on what you release. While it is sometimes hard not to share, I try to remember five rules before posting.  

1.       Share experiences and accomplishments versus feelings. Most people enjoy following your journey more than your drama.

2.       Call a close friend or family member and avoid social media when you’re emotional. Keep your anger and frustration away from social media.

3.       Protect your personal space like its personal information. If you wouldn’t allow a complete stranger into your home or bedroom, don’t give them a virtual tour.

4.       Make sure your social media presence is a reflection of who you are. What do your posts say about you?

5.     Keep your finances, controversial discussions, sexual preferences and relationship issues offline. People often misinterpret meanings and will remember judge you based on your posts long after you've moved on.  

It's more important now than ever to be responsible and accountable for your social media thumbprint and what you post. Once you publish posts can live on forever whether you like it or not. 

Where do you draw the line when it comes to sharing with your audience on social media? Share below.

XX,

Jasmine

Falling Again

Excitement overwhelms me each October as we enter the last quarter of the year. Its celebration season, and I must admit I’m ready to let the fun begin. The most wonderful time of year follows my favorite season and then comes the start of a new year. Before we get to resolutions, let’s enjoy the final months of 2016.

Outside of my birthday and the opportunity to reconnect with my classmates, campuses and peers, below are five things I fall for each year.

1.       Family: Without them, holidays and celebrations are not complete. Those who travel from many miles and across state lines are an added bonus.

2.       Football: Although the season is in full swing, Homecoming takes the celebration to the next level. Fortunately, I’ll get to roar and soar this year. The Lions and Golden Eagles will host their opponents back to back during the last two weeks of the month.

3.       Fashion: I’ve never been a fan of Louisiana heat and humidity, but a proud supporter of the transition to fall trends complete with boots, scarves, hats and more.

4.       Fair: The best thing about the small town at the tip of the boot is the annual event that draws visitors near and far. The fair in Washington Parish is the world’s largest and a Franklinton tradition I have yet to miss.  

5.       Food: From crawfish and snowballs to gumbo and cocoa, nothing beats hearty meals and sweet recipes.  

What is your favorite season and why? Share below.

XX,

Jasmine

Tripping on Tips

When seeking job opportunities outside of your current state of residence one of the biggest challenges is securing and participating in interviews. Although video and phone sessions are sometimes an option in the early stages of the selection process, most employers will eventually want to meet the potential newest addition to their team face-to-face. After a recent four-hour commute for a five-minute interview, I decided I would make more of my traveling opportunities moving forward.  

Last week I took a trip to Houston, TX and returned home with many memories, lessons and budding relationships. I extended my stops in the city beyond the locations of the interview building and post office and opted for a more rewarding experience. While exploring the city I discovered several interesting facts and bragging rights of the most philanthropic city in the country, which also houses America’s largest airport and rodeo.

After securing my spot in Super Bowl LI festivities, I’m excited to extend my Houston experience while visiting for training and the big event. Below are three simple tips to make the most of your future road trips.

1.       Research and visit popular attractions and dining options in the area.

2.       Schedule informational interviews with other businesses of interest in the city.

3.       Visit family and friends along the way.

What are your favorite things to do when traveling to new places? Share below.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate

Expressing Gratitude

Thank you notes are nothing new. Employers and professionals at all stages of their careers note the exercise as a best practice and one that often distinguishes peers and sets candidates apart from their competitors.

The late Betsy Plank, a pioneer in the public relations industry and the Godmother of the Public Relations Student Society of America, is commonly cited for her advice to upcoming PR pros to “leave a trail of thank you notes, certainly at the beginning, but throughout your career, too.”

Because technology is more convenient, an email is often used as a substitute for a written note of thanks but unfortunately does not build the same feeling of sincere gratitude.

After hearing and experiencing the excitement of receiving a hand-written thank you note by mail, it became a habit and practice that I enjoy. Here are five tips to overcome a perceived hassle of written thank you notes and use them as a consistent way to express gratitude more frequently.

1.      Keep a supply of thank you notes and stamps. Books and bulk are your friend; personalized stationary is a nice added touch.

2.      Address the envelope and apply the stamp prior to interviews.

3.      Write the note ASAP (immediately after an interview, thought or act of kindness).

4.      Drop the note in the same city of the recipient’s mailing address, if possible. This allows the note to be delivered more quickly.

5.      Include thank you notes on your to-do list.

When did you last receive a note of thanks in the mail, and how did it make you feel? Share below.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate