The Social Media Mullet
According to Wikipedia, a mullet is a unisex hair style that is short in the front and long in the back. The mullet began making appearances in the popular media in the 1960s and 1970s but did not catch on with the masses until the early 1980s.
Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and job seekers can learn from those that sport this fashionable cut when managing their online brand. A popular saying when describing a mullet comes to mind-
“Business in the front. Party in the back.”
Wise words when considering your online brand as a business professional no matter what your industry, position, or responsibility level. Keep your business and professional profile in the forefront and in plain view of recruiters, prospective employers. and customers. Keep your personal life and party in the back. Users of social media need to be mindful doing your best to maintain a professional image while showing your creative and unique qualities at the same time.
Business in the Front.
Social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogs, and Twitter are great mediums in which to develop relationships and grab the attention of hiring managers and recruiters. Share your expertise and lead with the business in all you do. Your posts, pictures, and tweets should be at least 70% business related. Lead with interesting articles, tidbits, and information that is industry specific or related to the job in which you currently work or aspire to.
Party in the Back
The remaining 30% of your social media content can be related to your personal side but be weary. I have visited FaceBook profiles with one too many drunk pictures and tweets leading me to search for talent elsewhere. If you are unsure if something is inappropriate, ask yourself if your mother would approve. Items that your mother would approve and/or tolerate are generally appropriate to display on your social media profiles. Social media is all about interacting and developing relationships. I encourage you to tweet or post comments seeking input and feedback from others. Commonalities make you interesting which lead to engaging conversations with persons from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Unfortunately, for Dog, the Bounty Hunter, this advice has come a little too late. He is a good example of why your social media mullet is so important.
**To vote for Jessica Miller-Merrell’s blog post, please leave a comment below. You can learn more about Jessica and her job search and social media blog at www.blogging4jobs.com.
Tags: dog the bounty hunter, Jessica Miller-Merrell, mullet, personal branding, social media, tweet & shout, Twitter
Sep 02, 2009
Compelling. Good articlcle Jessica.
Sep 02, 2009
Go Jess!
Sep 03, 2009
Good article Jess, keep up the fantastic work.
Sep 03, 2009
Will written article I think Dog the Bounty Hunter is Hot but not for an interview for a job.
Sep 07, 2009
Great article, JMM!
Sep 07, 2009
You go girl! Business to the front and party in the back!
Sep 08, 2009
Thumbs up…
Sep 09, 2009
Excellent post. Rock that mullet.
Sep 09, 2009
I vote for Jessica!
Sep 14, 2009
[...] winner with 59 votes or comments for her blog post, “The Social Media Mullet” is Jessica Miller-Merrell of Xceptional HR. Jessica’s secret to her success (in [...]
Sep 20, 2009
Great article, very informative, straight to the point! Bravo!!! We’re supporting you. candice hood Lifestyle and Wellness Coach/Mommy Fit Expert