We’ve all been there. Mishaps with texting, status updates and Tweets. Some of us have even sent a text to the wrong person. As I write this article I recall a time when I sent a text to the person the text was ABOUT rather than sending it to the person the text was FOR. It’s times like that one wishes a box would pop up asking, “Are you sure you wish to send this message to this person?”

However, texting isn’t the only issue these days. With more of us using the likes of Facebook and Twitter – especially for business purposes – it’s easy to get a little confused and finger-happy when one is updating and messaging in haste. But what’s the worst that could happen?

It's a trap!

Again, I’ve fallen into this trap. The times I’ve intended to privately message someone on Facebook and then realised I’ve actually posted the message onto that person’s wall. Fortunately, I’ve managed to quickly delete the post before anyone has noticed. But Twitter is another world completely!

With Twitter, if you make the same mistake – Tweet someone rather than send a personal message – before you get to hit delete, the message has been retweeted, favourited and screen-grabbed before you’re able to do anything about it. One top executive recently discovered this, much to his embarrassment. Usually, one would say “there’s really no excuse”. In this case though it really is true, as he’s a top executive of … Twitter!

Noto-rious

Anthony Noto is his name and Chief Financial Officer is his game. He meant to send a personal message to a colleague. However, he actually Tweeted the message instead. The Tweet read: “I think we should buy them. He is on your schedule for Dec 15 or 16 – we will need to sell him. I have a plan”.

You may wonder, “What on Earth is that all about?” But when you discover that he was discussing the takeover of another company, it really is quite a serious blunder. Business and tech journalists have suggested it could be the selfie app, Shots or the young persons’ news site, Mic.

Weiner Worries

Mr Noto is in notorious company though. A US politician with the ironic name of Anthony Weiner once accidentally Tweeted a photo of himself in his underwear. Inevitably and unsurprisingly he later admitted it was supposed to be sent as a personal message.

It’s not just doing the wrong thing that one has to worry about though. It’s also making bold statements without proof-reading that can be a problem. Soulful warbler Mary J Blige once famously Tweeted; “Why is it that people always try to understand estimate my intelligents?!”

Problems Surface

Ultra-Conservative US politician Dan Patrick wanted to make his anti-gay marriage stance public on Twitter. However, he Tweeted: “MARRIAGE = ONE MAN & ONE MAN. Enough of these activist judges”.

Oprah Winfrey once attempted to plug Microsoft’s new Surface tablet via Twitter. Her Tweet was earnest enough: “Gotta say love that SURFACE! Have bought 12 already for Christmas gifts”. However, at the top of the Tweet we could all read the legend: “via Twitter for iPad”.

Breast is Best

Alleged “celebrity” Kim Kardashian – who sprang to fame thanks to an infamous sex tape – Tweeted: “EWW I’m at lunch, the woman at the table next 2 me is breast feeding her baby”. It’s occasions such as these when it’s probably best to keep one’s mouth shut. Or one’s app unopened.

This brings us neatly to inappropriate business Tweets and status updates. These are the occasions when it’s always good to check who is using your company’s social media. Also, whether or not they still have access once they’ve been fired.

Sound of the Crowd

When music retailer HMV encountered financial difficulties and sadly had to close stores and lay off staff, a series of Tweets began to emerge on their official Twitter account. Legendary Tweets such as: “We’re Tweeting live from HR where we’re all being fired! Exciting!!”

London Luton Airport once Tweeted a photo of a passenger aircraft at another airport, having crashed in Wintry conditions. It was accompanied by the text; “Because we are such a super airport … this is what we prevent you from when it snows… Weeeee [smiley face]”.

Stubsucking

New York eaterie, Epicurious decided to show support for the victims of the Boston marathon bombing with such fascinating marketing statements as: “In honour of Boston and New England, may we suggest: whole-grain cranberry scones!” Here’s another gem: “Boston, our hearts are with you. Here’s a bowl of breakfast energy we could all use to start today”. Both Tweets were accompanied by helpful illustrations of said items.

Travel ticket supplier, Stubhub once welcomed the weekend with the following Tweet: “Thank f*** it’s Friday! Can’t wait to get out of this stubsucking hell hole”.

Vomit

Our final two disastrous Tweets follow two different ways to embarrass either yourself or your organisation. Whilst out drinking, make sure if you’re Tweeting something personal that you’ve switched from one account to the other. The American Red Cross once Tweeted: “Ryan found two more bottle packs of Dogfish Head’s Midas Touch beer … when we drink we do it right”.

Finally, when applying to the renowned Ivey Business School, do not Tweet your frustrations at their application process. One applicant Tweeted: “This Ivey application makes me want to projectile vomit into the Head of Admissions’ mouth”. Ivey Business School saw this and replied: “Duly noted”. The panic-stricken applicant then Tweeted the response: “I take it back. OMG. Accept me please”.

Lessons

So after this marathon of mayhem and Twitter traumas what do we learn?

If you’re messaging someone personally, always check that the photo or text you’re sending is DEFINITELY going to them and not to the rest of planet Earth.

Always check your spelling, punctuation and grammar.

If you’re endorsing something, don’t do something that leads to people questioning your loyalty to that product or business.

Take a good look at yourself before displaying outrage at someone else’s behaviour.

If you assign someone the responsibility of representing your company on social media, make sure they have the mental ability to do so. Otherwise, check what they’re Tweeting before it’s sent.

If the person that deals with your social media leaves or is sacked, change your company’s social media passwords.

If you are the person that deals with your company’s social media, check which account you’re using before sending personal Tweets or updates. Especially when drunk.

Finally, if you’re trying to impress a company or organisation, do not Tweet anything unpleasant about them. It’s not difficult to search for any reference to any company on social media.

Here endeth today’s lesson. Oh and here is the original article that inspired this one… http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-30192331

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