Hi All,
Maybe it's the fact I am originally from New York City, but as I am networking on Twitter, I am truly surprised at the number of mistakes Twitter users are making in using this hot new social media tool that could affect their personal safety.
Here's how to avoid common Twitter mistakes and safely use Twitter:
1. Do not tweet that you are heading out somewhere.
If you want to share some insight into your life, tell people that "you just got back from..." especially when people know at least the city and state you live in (or city and country for those who are outside the United States as Twitter is certainly worldwide).
You'll achieve the same purpose without telling someone your residence may be empty.
2. Especially do not tweet that you are going away for the weekend or on a trip!
Yes, you probably have a great alarm system, but no need to invite people to test it. Also not a good idea to tip off others that wives are likely home alone with kids while you are off on a business trip or speaking at a conference. I see this one all the time on Twitter from some of the top movers and shakers in New Media and Internet Marketing.
Again, tell them what a great trip "you just came back from".
3. Don't let the world know if you live alone.
I recently noticed a follower of mine tweeting about a roommate canceling out on her, and asking if anyone knew of someone looking to rent a place in her city/state. A good-hearted person that immediately set off an alarm in my head. I sent her a direct message about this and she thanked me and removed the tweet.
4. It's about being sociable, not divulging every secret of your life.
I remember someone once telling me that having a web site is like having a billboard on the highway for passers by to check out. And on the internet, the Twitter highway has an infinite amount of lanes and cars whizzing by. So don't tweet anything that you wouldn't be comfortable with if it appeared on a giant billboard you would pass driving down a highway.
Feel free to follow me on Twitter and see how I leverage this powerful social media tool at http://twitter.com/melaniejor
More Twitter: See my previous blog post Twitter Infopreneur Friend Or Waste Of Time? And listen to my infopreneur podcast episode Why Twitter Is Definitely An Infopreneur's Best Friend
Happy Infopreneuring!
--Melanie R. Jordan, Everybody's Infopreneur Coach and Host of What You Know Is Worth More Than You Know(TM), The Podcast Available 24/7 at http://www.WhatYouKnowIsWorthMorePodcast.com
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Check out more of Melanie's empowering publications on work-at-home lifestyles, healthy eating and foreclosure investing, and learn about her Marketing and Infopreneur Coaching Services at http://www.SunLoverPublishing.com
Check out Melanie's Other Blogs:
The Healthy Food Review where healthy eating with favorite comfort foods is deliciously possible! at http://www.TheHealthyFoodReview.com
Vegas Inside Scoop for Las Vegas locals and Las Vegas visitors at http://www.VegasInsideScoop.com
Copyright SunLover Publishing LLC 2008
