Michelle @Synthesio

Totally get you. And yep, it's like David Thomas' post I linked up there. TGIF can be "wahoo, looking forward to a fun weekend with the kids" or "man, my job is a drag and this week can't end fast enough." Same sentiment, totally different impression.

I'm not an advocate of over sanitizing everything we say, because the dimensions of people and personalities is exactly what makes social media WORK, even in a business context. But being mindful is good, and advised. Works offline, too.

The other thing that's important to remember: we have one definition for what WE think is professional, and then the people we work for and with have THEIR definition. The trouble is when those two are in conflict. If everyone is laid back and casual, great. No problems.

If, however, you've got a conservative customer base and a social media pro who's far more outspoken and generous with their boundaries, you're going to have an issue, no matter if that individual is being "professional" according to their own definitions.

So there's one part standard for yourself, and one part consideration for how you're representing your company and meeting the expectations of your customers and community. Therein lies the real balancing act.

So personal choice, yes, but the same choice doesn't work for everyone.

Fantastic and very thought provoking as when I read this as well as a previous post on a similar topic, I stop and think about the image I wish people to have of me and the actual one that they have. This I realize that people will form their own opinions but giving them the bait by going too far is not advised.

I think a big part of it is how you say it. One can say that they are curling up with a good book blanket and a nice glass of wine where someone else can say Wow, I just inhaled that 1st glass of wine, now onto glass 2. Big difference. It is not to say that the person inhaling is wrong but do not expect to think that people are not thinking you are the one who is the life of the party.

Maybe this is not the best example of what I am trying to say here but how you say it sometimes is as important as what you say.

@SuzanneVara

I used to think there was some universal standard for "professional," whether it be your blog or website or dress or online presence. And then I realized we all have to decide for ourselves what's too personal and what's not; what's unprofessional and what's not. One person's professional suit is another's stuffy, out-of-touch suit. Depends on the audience.

I think your best point is "when in doubt, leave it out." Last week, two prominent food bloggers in Atlanta got into a huge, nasty and downright personal fight–over Twitter. Honestly, it made them both look unprofessional and immature.

Not to say we can't have personality–I love talking about running and reality TV and wine and cheese dip, and I think I connect with people BECAUSE I'm so comfortable being myself, especially online. But it's also important to not alienate existing and potential customers. I hate negativity in the online space. And while I occasionally weigh in on controversial topics (I'm also quite opinionated!), I try to keep it to a minimum and do so in a conversational/thought-provoking way.

Great post.

All good ideas. I think the best bet for me will be to blend the two (personal & professional), especially concerning Twitter, as my long-time account has always been geared toward educational & media news/ideas. It won't be too much of a stretch to open that space up to also engage w/ current & prospective students and the Beacon Hill community. As long as a strategy is spelled out in advance along w/ the tying of business objectives to my efforts, I think blending will be most effective (& fun!)

Thanks again,
Adam P. Coulter
@AdamSuffolkU

Taking the pulse of your audience is valuable. You might learn something you didn't before, and they might be very willing to share with you their impressions, opinions, and ideas for what THEY are expecting from you. Then it's up to you to decide whether what they're looking for and what you're hoping to do are in line with each other.

Last bit: Follow your instincts. We all make lousy judgment calls sometimes, but that little voice in the back of your head will sometimes point you toward valuable insight.