There’s been a lot of talk lately about the changes that Facebook has made to its default privacy settings. Essentially, more and more of the info that you share through Facebook is being shared with advertising partners and application developers. What started as a closed network where you only shared what you chose with your friends, is quickly turning into a behemoth that owns your data and is sharing it with the world.
Now I don’t believe that completely avoiding Facebook is the answer if you’re a direct seller. After all, exposure is a good thing when you have something to sell. However it does mean a strategic approach to WHAT you share, so that your privacy isn’t compromised. Instead of relying on the constantly-changing privacy settings that Facebook provides, I recommend this approach instead:
- Only share what you’re comfortable with the whole world seeing. Just assume that anything you post will go further than you think.
- Be careful with info that identity thieves can use. Don’t share your birth date, for example, and never use words on your profile that are included in your passwords.
- Draw a careful line between personal and private. You can’t completely avoid sharing personal information, and be effective at promoting yourself. Direct sales is ABOUT personal relationships with our clients, and that means sharing a bit about ourselves. But you can choose what you’ll share. For example, I share pictures of my kids, but not their names. I share my love for cooking, but not my home address. Really think about what you can share that reveals your personality and interests, without crossing the line into invasion of privacy.
Rather than relying on constantly-shifting privacy settings on Facebook, take control of your privacy through the BEST privacy setting…don’t post it if you don’t want everyone to know.
Your thoughts?
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I have my kids and parents as friends on my page….so if I wouldn’t want them to read it….I shouldn’t be posting it
Wise words Jen… they seem to change their privacy settings almost as often as we change our posts.
It’s good to know that you’re out there keeping us updated. Your expertise is greatly appreciated!
I wonder how long until the just sell all of the information? I suppose that would be a huge money maker for them. At the same time the power of facebook is the ablity to find that long lost friend. I recently became friends with someone I went to pre-school with. Its just nice to know that she is still around. Of course I never post anything too personal because I certainly dont know her very well any more.
Love the blog posts…keep up the good work.
Thanks for always sharing awesome info with us.
You are the Fabulous Facebook Guru – a.k.a. the Fonginator!
Thanks Jenny!