If leveraged properly and consistently, Social Media can be an incredibly powerful tool for developing and furthering your career – and this is especially true if you offer services.  But like any form of networking, you need to begin building your presence (your brand) well in advance of your needing it – because it takes time and effort to create and maintain.

For careers and career building, I would suggest you use Linked-In (www.linkedin.com). Make sure to build-out your profile as completely as possible.  Join relevant groups and make sure to engage the membership by adding thoughtful discussions and comments (not to mention, mining the “Jobs” board).  Get “connected” to those who you know or engage on the site.  Above all, get “Recommendations” from your connections; especially those with whom you have engaged professionally, and not just friends and family.

However, there is one simple rule when it comes to Social Media, “Don’t ever write or post anything that you would not mind anyone in the world reading.”  This is actually a good rule that can be applied to any form of communication.  This is not to say that you can’t engage in debate or discourse, nor does it mean that you should shy away from engagement or an expression of an opinion.  All of which can be done with a level of civility, intelligence and politeness (not necessarily “Political Correctness”, which I personally abhor).

Some of the things that people write and post really amaze me – especially today, since there have been countless stories and warnings regarding the perils of posting before this one.  Some things that should never be posted include (but are by no means should be considered an exhaustive list);

–          Threats of any sort against anyone, anywhere

–          Rants against your employer

–          Cursing, slurs and hate-speech

–          Bragging about sexual conquests, being drunk, or getting high (pictures are worse)

–          Being chronically pessimistic, cynical or otherwise being the “perpetual victim”

–          Personal financial, legal or health issues

Remember, the internet never forgets – and all of these are career killers.