Making a Digital Impression

By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco

Mother, May I has been bombarded with the netiquette faux pas—It seems that not a day goes by without someone losing their job or causing a big stink when it comes to hitting the wrong key..

Here is the Least you need to know:

Think before you Tweet-Your Digital Impression may be destroyed with one Bad Tweet. Doing the right thing when you are tweeting is very simple—and you must be mindful (ahhh—that is the tough part)…Follow these six simple rules:

1. Do not Spam. Spam is unsolicited information. Why send something that no one asked for?
2. Stick to the 140 characters. Be courteous on the time people spend reading your tweets.
3. Be nice and follow people that follow you. Demonstrate respect and mutual understanding by following those that follow you.

Our digital impression is as important to our professional development as is the impression we give when we open a door.

Whenever we write an email, reply in a text, send out a tweet –we are creating our digital impression.

On the Net-Observe and be mindful of these simple rules:

1. Rules of Grammar and usage may not be suspended for email. Exotic punctuation, such as dashes, slashes, and dots, makes the copy hard to read and gives it a juvenile look. USE your spell check!
2. Do not go up in flames. Flaming is sending vulgar or insulting messages to someone you think has make a mistake, revealed ignorance or expressed an opinion you find distasteful. A response that is pointed, well reasoned, and brief is much more powerful than an emotional tirade.
3. Ask for  permission before forwarding a message.

These rules are the simplest to remember-Manners on the net do make a difference in how others perceive us. Be cautious at all times, and if time doesn’t permit you to be mindful of your emails—then walk away until you are able to type the appropriate reply.

Call on Mother, May I for additional advice on improving your digital impression. We welcome all comments and love to hear about things that annoy you. Email MMI at mmipgh@gmail.com–or pick up for phone to talk-412-531-2050.

Making a wrong digital Impression is simple. Crossing your t’s and dotting your i’s is more important today that yesterday when it comes to your digital impression.

Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco are the Co-founders of Mother, May I-a premier company that trains and teaches proper behavior, common courtesies and social skills updated. MMI is licensed to train professionals in Protocol and Corporate etiquette.  MMI provides customized presentations for all audiences. MMI’s Mission  is to share valuable information for everyone to improve their world–“Changing your manners, may change your world”