Litigation

More and more people are using social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn with work contacts. For some it's a way to show a different side of yourself than "all business" and can be very effective. Personally I enjoy reading about my business contacts families, travels and experiences, what movies and sports teams they like, books and music they like and hobbies they choose to disclose in the forum.

As the lines cross however, some people may get so lost in informality of such settings that they say things that they might never say in a business situation and may not be aware of how their reputation, career or grad school application might be affected.

As a piece of friendly advice to those who elect to friend business contacts, one should consider  that what you say may paint you as someone who is fun and outrageous OR it could paint you as someone who might not possess the appropriate decorum or judgment in a business setting. Further remind yourself daily that many of these comments may be posted to your wall, walls of your friends (from your feed) so that your friend's contacts see this stuff.

Some examples I've seen from a variety of people who have business contacts as "friends" on Facebook:

1. Posting the latest "dramatic" reports of your infractions or violations of the law, however minor. There comes a point when you look irresponsible.
2. Telling everyone about all the losers you are dating.
3. Actually displaying the results of such surveys as  "what swear word are you? "
4. Announcing the oral sex that the person expected to get that night (some classless twenty-something yo yo insurance broker actually posted this on his Facebook wall). His profile also prominently displayed the name of his insurance company. How proud they must be!
5. Using profanity
6. Over the top politics.

Sites like Facebook allow you to wall off certain contacts so that certain material can be seen only by a group of friends or family.  Facebook also permits you to take a survey but not display the result publicly.

The bottom line is enjoy free speech BUT use discretion wisely!