With the entire world being connected anymore, it’s hard to “get away” with anything. Not that you should be participating in unfavorable activities, but it means that something as simple as a thought can and likely will be read by millions.

Why is this a bad thing? Well, it’s not in theory. That’s the appeal of the social networking world is that you can reach millions of people without ever leaving your home. However, there are many disgruntled employees out there with social networking sites that can easily get them into trouble. Having proper etiquette online is really something that people don’t think about when they are mad. It may seem like a semi-private comment, but in reality it can get into the wrong hands.

The person you’re talking about doesn’t have an account? Doesn’t matter. Remember when your mother said if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all? It’s really important to remember that, especially when dealing with something that is projected across the world. Just because they don’t have an account doesn’t mean they can’t get one, or they can’t find it somehow. And, just because your profile is private does not mean those people won’t find out. You have to be careful.

How do you avoid internet/real life embarrassment? Just think before you post anything. If you’re angry about something, write it down on paper or something if it makes you feel better, but don’t post it. Talk to someone you trust about it. There are many more tactful ways of dealing with these situations. Use your head.

Why am I even bringing this up? Since the internet has become such an efficient method of communication, it’s really more important than ever that you project everything about yourself online (and of course in person), in a professional manner. This includes those crazy drunken night photos. Many of you out there starting up your businesses, and you are still working for other companies. Until you becoming completely established and are raking in the dough, you shouldn’t burn any bridges before you need to cross them. You need that job right now, and quite frankly in today’s economy, what’s certain? Even if you’re not happy there (within reason), you should be careful not to jeopardize what you have. Yes, you could end up losing your job over comments on a networking site. It’s happened several times. Teachers talking about their students, or employees mad at their bosses.

What does all of this have to do with SEO? It’s about the ability power of search. The SEO on these sites is incredible, and can be so easily searched by anyone. That’s why they exist, is to network. If you don’t want to be found, then it’s a good idea to stay out of these places. It’s especially a good idea to not say something that you might regret later on. Oh, and don’t talk about clients either! They too will find out. They are likely to search for you to find out more about you, so you have to be careful.

I’m sure you get the idea – that’s enough “mom-talk” from me. This might be a good time to search for yourself and see what comes up! Time to clean those skeletons out of your closet.