Chic like Chanel: How to protect your on-line reputation

Legendary couturier Coco Chanel is reputed to have offered this advice to her chic clients: Right before you walk out the front door, take a twirl, look at yourself in the mirror, and remove one accessory – you likely do not need it. 

In my work with patients and clients alike, I often witness people paying disproportionately high penalties for speaking carelessly on-line. When we speak in person, the only trace our words leave behind is in the memories of those present. Complete with context. On-line, nothing spoken seems to vanish, or to survive in its original form. At the worst possible moment, a devil’s advocate rant from four years ago shows up in a search performed by a hiring manager at your dream job – ripped out of context, looking to a fresh eye like a horrible personal worldview. Bye-bye, dream job!

Safeguarding yourself against damaging on-line misrepresentations is very easy. Just follow this simple sequence. 

1. Type in your comment or statement. DO NOT hit send yet!
2. Go do something for a minute. Get a glass of water; do a stretching exercise; visit the restroom. This is a cognitive equivalent of Mlle. Chanel’s twirl.
3. Re-read what you wrote.
4. Delete the most unpleasant, inaccurate, or unhelpful thing you said.
    4a. Repeat 4 until the text reflects both your true opinion and your preferred on-line persona 
    4b. If you are down to one thing, and it’s unpleasant, untrue, or unhelpful, ask: “Must I really say this?”
5. Go ahead and publish the statement that represents your true, thoughtful view!

Happy Monday, my image-conscious friends! 

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