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How One Facebook Status Can Destroy Your Reputation

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Services for Real Estate Pros with RealeFlix(R)

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I came across this a little earlier from a picture posted by Caveman Circus and thought it really displayed the amazing effects of a Facebook status update.

WARNING: the following image does provide a few instances of foul language, so if foul language offends you in any way, I recommend you simply ignore the graphic and read everything below it.

That being said, here is a perfect example of how one simple status update led to a person getting fired from their job.

status

Now granted, many people may not use the kind of language that was used by this girl in her status update, but it provides a very important lesson, which is this: When you post anything on any social network (or any public place for that manner) that is directly tied to you, consider any repercussions or consequences that may occur from posting it.  In the above example, this girl seemed to completely forget that she added her boss as a friend, meaning he could real all of her status updates.  Now, she is fired from her job.

But it’s not just your direct connections you need to be concerned about.  Remember, a lot of real estate professionals receive referrals through word of mouth marketing.  This means that while your new clients may not be directly connected to you on your social networks, the person that referred them to you might be.  So, if you ever make a comment or post about how irritating or difficult it is to work with a specific client, just keep in mind that you never know who will read and distribute your comments.

So even though everyone has those moments where they just want to vent all of their problems in the open, make sure to always stay professional and positive on your social networks.  Not only do negative vibes tend to spread and impact other people, but staying positive and professional will help eliminate any risks you may encounter from any negative comments you post on your social networks.

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Debbie Walsh
SHAHAR Management - Middletown, NY
Hudson Valley NY Real Estate 845.283-3036

This is the perfect post for all of those people (and you know who you are) who use facebook for just that purpose.  Complaints, gripes and anything else that upsets you-social networks are not the platform for that!  Being professional is the only way to go with something that stays out there "forever."

Jun 18, 2010 07:20 AM
Jeanna Martinez
RE/MAX Access - Schertz, TX

Josh - That is so true!  People often forget how easy it is to get in trouble with social media!  Hopefully this girl learned her lesson :-) Thanks for sharing!!

 

Jun 18, 2010 07:30 AM
Kristen Correa, Broker
Kristen Correa Real Estate & Reedy Creek Realty Services - Keller, TX
I love coffee & real estate. I am out of coffee!

Whoopsadaisy. Hope her foot is little, because her mouth is big and her foot is in it.

Jun 18, 2010 07:34 AM
Gina Chirico
Lattimer Realty - Fairfield, NJ
Real Estate Agent - Essex County, New Jersey

Josh, what great points to point out.  I have to admit I got a chuckle over the boss' response!  Especially about the sh*t being her job!!  I've often thought twice before posting things - nothing like this but just things that are more meant for friends than clients, colleagues, etc. 

Jun 18, 2010 07:58 AM
Jean Hanley
Coldwell Banker Kivett Teeters - Hemet, CA
Specializing in Folks Who Want To Buy/Sell Homes

OMG....that was funny.  But oh so true.  What you post anywhere is subject to being seen by the entire world.  I am so, so cautious on what amd where I post anything!

Jun 18, 2010 08:01 AM
Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi Josh.  Nice reminder...

I enjoyed the exchange!

Thanks for writing,

Ken

Jun 18, 2010 08:22 AM
Lisa Bosques
Burien, WA

Oh, man that was funny.  Talk about natural consequences. The boss got her good.  And then he fired her! On Facebook...I wonder how many people have actually gotten fired via a status update.  How embarrassing.

Jun 18, 2010 08:53 AM
Marian Goetzinger
Pine Knoll Shores Realty 252-422-9000 - Pine Knoll Shores, NC
Crystal Coast Real Estate NC

Before you open your mouth or hit the comment or send button, stop!  Ask yourself; what would my grandmother think of this? 

Jun 18, 2010 09:02 AM
Dave King, GRI, ABR, Green
Long and Foster Realtors - Reston, VA
wow - technology can be our friend or our enemy... Thanks for the reminder.
Jun 18, 2010 09:12 AM
Dan Chapman
The Legacy Group - Santa Clarita, CA
Dan Chapman Mortgage Pro

Wow that was a wild one, sounds like a young girl who will hopefully learn a big lesson. How is good ole Washington state? I lived in Kirkland for 25 years.

 

Dan

Jun 18, 2010 10:20 AM
Bryan Robertson
Los Altos, CA

The internet as a whole, inclusive of every social networking site, is the embodiment of the idea that "anything can be used against you."  Thinking before you speak or post is a good sign of professionalism.

Jun 18, 2010 10:48 AM
Randy Dodd
Rosanna's Realty - Abilene, TX
ePro, GRI, TAHS

In the case you stated, I don't feel it was a bad thing. The young lady mostly  collecting a paycheck and not working.  With that said I'm leaving my vid's music on my Facebook.

Jun 18, 2010 11:04 AM
Steve Roake
Freedom Group Global - Naperville, IL
Make Moving Easy!

Fantastic story.  That post definately came back to bite her. 

Jun 18, 2010 12:00 PM
Wendy Rulnick
Rulnick Realty, Inc. - Destin, FL
"It's Wendy... It's Sold!"

Josh - I just had a short sale where my seller googled the negotiator's name.  Found a very revealing site on myspace, etc. Put it this way, if I were Wells Fargo, I would go for damage control asap.

Jun 18, 2010 12:11 PM
Nadine Larder
www.PrinterBees.com - Dublin, CA
Real Estate Marketing Expert/PrinterBees Founder

That is too funny.  You always have to be careful about who is listening or could be privy to your on-line comments.  Wow...and she was lucky to have a job in this economy...even if she thought she had the "s*&t" work.  :-)

Jun 18, 2010 01:03 PM
Johanna Roy
BRIX Real Estate - Saint Paul, MN
The Name Friends Recommend

Josh - good post! I think she had it coming to her - duh, you don't know who your friends are because you just add everyone and anyone! Serves her right - boss did the right thing!

Jun 18, 2010 02:12 PM
Frank Castaldini
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Realtor - Homes for Sale in San Francisco

As the Rolling Stones say in "Fingerprint File."  "Somebody's watching you."  Now it's even easier than ever.

Jun 18, 2010 05:54 PM
DEBORAH STONE
Balboa Real Estate San Diego, CA - San Diego, CA

"1984" by George Orwell. Big Brother is watching you!

I sometimes am amazed at the things people say on Facebook--I had to warn a couple of friends of mine to watch their comments, and PLEASE don't announce you will be on vacation during certain time periods. WHAT are they thinking?

Jun 19, 2010 04:51 AM
Terry Lynch
LAR Notary and Closing Services - Saint Clair Shores, MI

I wonder how long it will take her to find a lawyer to sue the boss for his comments about her? As bad as her comments seem. the response from her boss isn't very well thought out either. I'm not taking her side, just playing the devils advocate.

Jun 22, 2010 05:21 PM
Bobbie Harris, CRS, GRI, ePRO
Coldwell Banker United - Tyler, TX

I am constantly amazed at what shows up on Facebook.  Makes me very uncomfortable to see someone make a fool of themselves with possibly millions watching!

Oct 16, 2010 05:13 PM