Of the many lessons to be learned from the Secret Service prostitution scandal in Colombia, a side lesson is be careful what you post on social media. Not only can the post make the rounds faster than you can say: “Oh no,” but it can come back to haunt you.
It's advice that should be listed on everyone's social media page for networkers of all ages, even a Secret Service agent.
David Chaney, who was forced out of the agency by the scandal, was part of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's security detail during the 2008 campaign. In January 2009, he posted on the his public Facebook page photos of him standing behind or to the side of Palin at events. He commented: "I was really checking her out, if you know what I mean?"
Some might think it's boys being boys, but the agents are not boys and they are involved in serious business. This is not what comes to mind when you think Secret Service. And taken with the scandal, it just piles on the men in black.
While the agent was using his personal account, some organizations do ask employees to promote the business on their private accounts. Even on official accounts, I wonder how many organizations have in place a clear social media policy for each social media platform, or one that addresses employee code of conduct, company and personal blogs, and disclaimers? And is the organization monitoring the posts?
This is not the first misstep on social media that has put the agency in a bad light. Last year, the agency had to apologize for a “rogue” tweet slamming Fox News.
Social media may be considered recreational, but when brand reputation is at stake, it's not a toy.
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