Whether we like it or not, in our modern digital age, we are individual brands.  Many companies monitor our online and real life lives in order to market even more specifically and appeal to our likes, and also our dislikes.  You may not appreciate it or like it, may feel it infringes on your rights, but you can get ahead of this curve.  Most social media platforms offer a form of privacy, and you can do the ultimate in privacy and simply not post anything.  We see countless news articles of people losing their jobs, or can’t find a job due to their opinions expressed over social media.  Also, we see big names in the media losing money, fame,  and power due to their negative opinions; whether sexist, racist, or homophobic.

We can post our resume and network connections online, we can share family photos, share personal information, but have to remember the over-sharing can either make or break your chances at advancement.  A lot of employers have added a Facebook clause to their employee contracts, meaning you are giving them the right to monitor and use whatever you do and say against you.  It makes you wonder if you can even have a private life anymore along with a professional life?

Absolutely!

Learn to keep your life private.  Take time to learn about privacy measures on each social network.  Stop tagging yourself, especially tagging your locations, utilize common sense – it’s a lot easier than we realize.  For any online daters out there, stop putting your kids pictures on your profiles too.  It’s just creepy.  The more steps we take in taking control of our online presence enhances our private lives.  Utilize having a professional email for work and other professional correspondence, have a personal email for family and friends, and a junk email for all those giveaways or stores that ask to send you endless bulk email.  There are plenty of email servers that can link these emails together so you only have to check one inbox.

Isn’t technology amazing?

Start taking the time and steps to get your life back – You will be successful!