Social media isn’t just for keeping in touch with friends and family, it can also be a viable networking tool for professionals within any industry. But when using Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, and of course, LinkedIn for business purposes, the rules are much different than they are for personal online socializing.

Here are six guidelines for using social media in the working world:

1. Separate your Sites: Don’t use the same accounts for business and personal communications. Also, be careful about allowing work friends to be followers on both sites. Even though you may be friendly with certain individuals outside of the office, keep in mind that they are still your co-workers, and should be categorized as such on social media.
2. Protect your Professionalism: Keep your tone and focus professional on your business site. Never post or share offensive, crass, crude, or controversial statements or jokes, even if you think theyre all in good fun. Photos should be limited to those related to work accomplishments, functions, or affiliationsnothing of a personal nature.
3. Stay on Point: Keep your messages succinct and on-point so you dont end up diverting you focus away from your intended perspective. Going off on tangents and veering your posts in too many directions can cause you to appear scattered and disorganizedwhich is not how you want to be characterized in business.
4. Nix Negativity: Refrain from negative comments, complaints, or gripes. Never use social media to vent, argue, or gossip about co-workers, competitors, or higher-ups. Its best to assume that everything you say can and WILL be used against youso be sure to keep what you say positive, affirming, or at the very least, neutral.
5. Stay off the Soap Box: Don’t use social media as a platform for your own personal agenda. While you may feel strongly for or against a certain workplace issue or business stance, publicizing that voice may not be in your best interest career-wise. Resist the temptation to preach or vocalize your personal politics. Once you begin offending, ostracizing, or off-putting those in your business circle, your networking branches will quickly begin breaking.
6. Invest in Interaction: Take the time to comment, like, and otherwise interact virtually with those in your business social media network. Show your interest in what others have to say and not just in your own postings. That way, you’ll not only be viewed as a team player, but you’ll also be boosting your Internet visibility.

Social media can be an effective, easy way to make and keep business contacts, but only if you use the tool in a smart, responsible, and professional manner.

–Sheri Staak