Social media is a valuable tool for marketing and spreading your message, but it can also easily tarnish your reputation if misused, particularly in the private security indutry.
In this editorial, I will guide you through the Dos and Don'ts to help you avoid the same pitfalls that many others have experienced.
Due Dilligence
Recruiters and employers conduct a process known as "Due Diligence." For those unfamiliar with the term, this involves the recruiter performing a background check by searching your name on Google.
They then carefully examine the results, which may include reviewing your social media activity.
Therefore, it is important to be mindful of what you post on social media, as it could be seen by your current or potential employers.
While everyone has the right to free speech and their own opinions, expressing them openly can sometimes hinder opportunities like securing an interview or advancing in the hiring process.
Marketing v Bragging
In the private security industry, many individuals are eager to openly showcase their activities or the licenses they hold, typically in close protection (CP), by extensively sharing such information on their social media profiles.
From my perspective, if you are a company owner who posts content retrospectively and ensures that any sensitive details are removed, then this falls under the category of "Marketing," which is acceptable.
However, boasting or bragging about these matters not only portrays you in a negative light, making you come across as arrogant, but it also creates vulnerabilities for operational security (Opsec) and personal security (Persec) to become compromised and questioned. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from engaging in such behavior.
Operational Security - Opsec
In simpler terms, during the Second World War, there was a popular saying "loose lips sink ships," meaning that careless talk could jeopardize missions or jobs by potentially alerting the enemy. This essentially encapsulates the concept of Opsec.
Similarly, discussing a project you are involved in can have serious consequences, possibly resulting in its compromise or cancellation.
Ultimately, this could tarnish your reputation in the industry, making it difficult to secure future work opportunities.
Personal Security - Persec
During my time in the military, I made the decision not to commute to work in uniform. This way, my neighbors remained unaware of my occupation, which I preferred as it ensured the safety of myself and my family.
By refraining from sharing personal details on social media platforms, you are safeguarding your personal security and that of your loved ones.
It is essential to take Operational Security (Opsec) and Personal Security (Persec) seriously, as neglecting these measures could jeopardise not only your financial well-being but also the safety of your family and colleagues.
Thumbs Up
I have always maintained a close-knit social circle, and I recommend you do the same. With fewer than four hundred friends on my Facebook page, these are individuals whom I trust, and who know and trust me in return.
One observation I frequently make is that people tend to share bits of information like breadcrumbs, which our friends, akin to birds, like to pick away at.
Most of the friends on our friends list are trustworthy, but there may be a few who do not always have our best interests at heart, and when they like our posts, it may not necessarily be because they genuinely like the content we shared, but rather to provoke us into posting more for them to scrutinise.
It is crucial to be cautious when adding people to your circle and to question whether they are truly supportive or simply provoking you.
Politics and Religion
While we have the freedom to hold our political beliefs and practice our religion, I recommend refraining from sharing them on social media.
Recently, a close friend of mine was uncerimonously removed from a security team because his social media feed revealed political views conflicting with those of the client.
It's best to keep your views private and maintain your position within the team.
What is the best social media to use
Personally, I use three or four platforms: Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Facebook, in my view, is the leading social media platform, therefore, it's essential for me to have a Facebook page for my friends, colleagues and potential clients to connect with me to promote my business and the services we offer.
When deciding to add someone on Facebook, I always consider if I am comfortable with them knowing everything about me. If not, I simply don't add them.
Twitter is also valuable as it provides a quick overview of what's happening and sparks interest for people to explore further by linking to our Facebook page or the James Consulting website to learn more about our activities and offerings.
For me, LinkedIn serves as an online resume, allowing individuals to learn more about my professional background, industry experience, the services I provide, and enables networking with like-minded individuals who can contribute to my growth as an educator.
I recommend that anyone starting out in the industry create a LinkedIn account and follow the steps I outlined above.
In Summary
In summary then remember this, anything you post could be seen by your current or future emplyers so chose carefully what your going to say, don't post anything that could compromise yourself your family or your colleagues, don't talk about or post about your current task or assignment and when people click the like button or the thumbs up icon they are not always doing it to support you.
Have you had any issues before while using social media if so drop your comments in the box below and get the conversation started.
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