SHARK!

Yesterday I received an email that was forwarded from a lady that I had posted some listings on Craigs list for. The gist of the message was that if you wanted your listing to appear on the site you needed to follow this link because something had gone wrong. The sender had also copied and pasted scam warnings that DO appear on Craigs list to make it appear legit. I called the person and said, "Please tell me you did not open this!" (She hadn't but had just forwarded it on to me.)

When you post things on these type of sites, they will tell you right away that it posted. You can also check to see if your posting is appearing by going in and searching for it. Don't open links to things when you don't know what they are. This is a new scam method to get you to link into a site.

The internet can be used safely, but we have to be willing to think before we press the mouse. Surf safely and watch out for sharks!

POSTING AND JOINING IN

Drawing comments and likes are the important thing when posting on your social networking sites. Think about this. Isn't it the conversations that you are the most drawn to when you are looking at a page.
Some you loose interest in after the seventh or so post, but most become like checking on a soap opera to see what someone said next. This might seem like something you don't want, but the next time you get on, guess who you start looking for? Right, to see if anything else was said. It is human character.
If you would like to see some interesting exchanges, check out Confident Christianity on facebook, MaryJo Sharp is an apologetic expert which by definition is a defender of the faith. The debates are not only controversial at times but also informative and very interesting, plus they encourage others to join in.

DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT

Do you keep your passwords to everything in a file on your computer? Don't even think about it. Print out the file, secure it somewhere safe (outside the computer) and get the file and anything on the computer that links to the file out of the computer. If a hacker got by your firewall, which they do all of the time, they would have everything they needed to clean you out. This is very important, I have had friends that had their bank accounts wiped out because of something this simple.
Second, do not allow your computer to remember your passwords. This is self explanatory if you read the first paragraph.
Third, do you use the same password for everything? Change that habit right now! You become an easy target when everything you do is under the same password. Let's say for example your dog's name is Spottie. You love Spottie and everyone you know and everyone on your social networks know that Spottie is one of the highlights in your life, so Spottie is going to be one of the first guesses a dishonest person is going to put in as a possible password for you. Yes, and then Spottie1, Spottie2 and so on. Be creative and use different combinations to accomplish passwords. Then keep them in a safe place (NOT your computer, cell phone, iphone, ipod, any portable devise, or your wallet).
This advise is free and you certainly have a right to take or reject it, but I do hope you will think about it and keep Staying Tuned In!

DON'T PANIC

Your public information, whether on facebook or any other location on the web, has always been public. Hence the word p u b l i c. Politicians and news media can get people going about things at the drop of a hat.
The wonderful thing about most social networks and other sites is that you have an option of what you make public. Of course if you are not in business or you are hiding out for some reason, this could really be an issue. However, if you want your name out, what better mode of free advertising can you think of.
My paranoia comes in what they are using the propaganda being spread to cover. What are we taking our focus off of when we are panicking over things that really mean nothing.
Think about it and remain in control. Don't let someone else control you!

MY FIRST WHAT?

Do you ever walk away from an encounter and wonder what someone was thinking? I think, truth be told, we all do. Last week on one of my other blogs I told how my grandmother used to say "First impressions are everything!" She was definitely correct and it applies big time with business pursuits. Regardless of your occupation the card you hand someone may be all that keeps you on top of the pack for a final choice on who to hire or do business with. People are impressed with nice things and that includes nice presentation pieces.
High gloss finishes and high definition photos say that you believe you value yourself, leaving the impression (even if subliminally) that someone else should value your services as well. A good provider will be able and willing to give you references of their work.
No, you can't judge a book by it's cover, but sadly that is what happens. Present yourself well, it WILL be remembered.

BUSINESS CHOICES CHANGE YOUR TOMORROWs

Some social media networks let people know that you have blocked them. This could be a problem only if the person you block is someone you (a) care about (b) cares about you (c) could help you in business or politics (d) could hurt you in business or politics.
To find out if a media shows the person that they have been blocked, work with a friend through each of your groups and block and unblock each other. Simpler yet, ask someone that knows the answer if you cannot find it on the sight itself.
The decisions you make on this type of media WILL make a difference in the way that others see you. Remember that just because a person is in a business like yours, or someone else you like and respect, does not mean you should show them disrespect. Often like business play off of each other very well.
Have a great day today expanding your network!