Online Communication Etiquette

I've been reflecting on one major trend from last year that I feel will be hard to ignore in 2025: Gen Z’s relationship with brands and social media. This generation doesn’t just consume content, they drive it. And they do so with a level of authenticity and transparency that demands our attention. For Gen Z, brand loyalty isn’t built on flashy ads or influencer endorsements alone. It’s about values. It’s about knowing what the brand stands for and aligning with causes they care about: be it sustainability, inclusivity, or social justice. Here’s how I’ve been thinking about this shift as an entrepreneur: For Gen Z, being true to themselves is really important. They want brands that embrace uniqueness and support personal expression. To connect with them, we need to be authentic and offer products and messages that let them express who they really are. Social Media is the New Word of Mouth: If you’re not engaging in the conversations Gen Z is having on social media, you’re missing out. They trust their peers and online communities more than traditional advertising, and their feedback is immediate and powerful. Experience Over Projection: For this generation, it’s not just about seeing an ad but engaging with a brand in a meaningful way. Whether through personalized experiences, interactive campaigns, or exclusive content, creating a connection is more valuable than ever. Gen Z is not just shaping the future of business but is redefining what it means to build loyalty and trust. Is your brand ready for this shift?

Each post we share is a conversation inviting others to speak. Much like real-life conversations, if we want to be understood - we need to follow certain principles. Have you ever wondered why some conversations (posts) leave you feeling understood while others simply don't? The answer lies in how we communicate. The Cooperative Principle, developed by British philosopher Paul Grice, provides a framework for effective communication: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙡𝙚 → Goal: To communicate effectively so that the speaker is understood and the listener understands. → Basic Rule: Make your contributions appropriate to the context of the conversation. 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙭𝙞𝙢𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙪𝙨: 1. Maxim of Quantity: Provide enough information for others to understand, but not too much to cause confusion. 2. Maxim of Quality: Speak truthfully. Avoid misleading information. 3. Maxim of Relevance: Keep your content relevant to the topic. 4. Maxim of Manner: Be clear. Avoid unnecessary complexity and be logical. If each post is a conversation, it must embody these maxims. 𝙇𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 Much like in a real-life conversation, we need to provide space for others to "speak." This means making it easy and inviting for people to share their thoughts: → Ask Questions: End your posts with questions that encourage responses. → Invite Feedback: Encourage others to share their opinions and experiences. → Engage: Respond to comments and create a dialogue. Show that you value others' input. By treating each post as a meaningful exchange, we not only communicate more effectively but also build stronger connections with our audience. To be understood, speak truthfully and relevantly, be clear and concise and be open for an exchange. Which of these maxims do you find most challenging to apply in your content or real life conversations?

Most people don’t realize this: Poor LinkedIn etiquette damages your reputation silently. No one calls it out. You just stop getting replies. You stop getting noticed. And slowly, your credibility fades. Here’s what actually works and what every professional should keep in mind: 1. Keep your posts focused on value → Share industry insights → Offer actionable tips → Celebrate others' wins → Skip the personal drama 2. Master the art of commenting → Read posts thoroughly before responding → Add meaningful insights → Avoid self-promotion in comments → Stay respectful, even in disagreements 3. Handle connection requests properly → Include personalized notes → Don't connect just to sell → Respond to messages within 48 hours → Be selective with who you connect with 4. Message with purpose → No copy-paste outreach → Keep messages concise → Follow up respectfully → Accept "no" gracefully 5. Maintain content standards → Check grammar and spelling → Use professional photos only → Credit others' work → Post consistently, not constantly LinkedIn isn’t just a platform. It’s your digital business card. And every post, comment, and message adds up to your professional brand. Treat it that way. What’s your #1 LinkedIn etiquette rule? Drop it below. #LinkedInTips  #LinkedInEtiquette #Networking #PersonalBranding

Bluesky (Twitter competitor) just hit 20M users. Here's what every CMO needs to know about Gen Z's mass exodus from traditional social platforms: Young audiences are done with traditional social media. The mass migration tells us 3 key things: 1️⃣ Trust is everything Gen Z would rather start fresh on a new platform than stay where they don't feel heard. They're not loyal to platforms. They're loyal to authenticity. 2️⃣ Community > Scale Bluesky's appeal isn't its size. It's the quality of conversation. Your audience would rather be part of a smaller, engaged community than lost in a sea of noise. 3️⃣ Control matters more than convenience Gen Z will trade easy content discovery for better content control. They want to curate their experience. Not have it curated for them. This is a HUGE signal for brands: ❌ Stop chasing platform metrics ✅ Start building genuine communities Platforms will come and go, but culture is constant. That's why the best brands don't chase platforms, they chase culture 🤷♂️ And let their audience lead the way 🫡 Agree? ♻️ Repost to help a marketer in your network. _ 👋 I’m Jolyon Varley, co-founder of OK COOL, strategic and creative partners to the hottest brands on the planet. I drop insights on culture and entrepreneurship every day at 8:30am EST 🔔

You can't reach Gen Z unless you're on TikTok. Is something I hear over and over again in conversations about how to reach younger audiences. Or - let's do a trend / post a meme / become 'unhinged' (yikes). This approach lacks any strategy. And, more importantly, does a HUGE disservice to Gen Z's. Yes, TikTok is Gen Z's number one platform for entertainment and discovery. But did you know that: 👉 YouTube is the most used platform overall by Gen Z? 👉 Nearly three-quarters of Gen Z use Instagram DMs for messaging (way more than TikTok)? 👉 LinkedIn is Gen Z's fastest-growing professional network All of this goes to say that, yes, Gen Z loves TikTok - but that doesn't mean your entire strategy should live there. Like all age groups, they show up differently on each platform. If we're trying to build trust and loyalty, you need more than a trending audio. You need channel-specific, authentic storytelling. Social media colleagues, how are you reaching Gen Z audiences?

Are you fascinated by how easy it is for some to embrace negativity online when it's entirely unnecessary? 📢 I've been reflecting on the power of kindness, especially in the interactions that I see on LinkedIn. 🌟 Remember the age-old wisdom: "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say it at all." 🌟 Today, this is more relevant than ever. 📧 As someone who supports businesses with their social media content as well as frequently sharing my thoughts and ideas, I love it when I get or see feedback that's thoughtful and engaging. It helps me learn 💡 In the same vein, I look to be mindful of this when I'm offering my perspectives to others. However, it's intriguing how often I see messages or comments with an unkind tone, especially when they are uncalled for. So, here are some best practices to consider before sharing an unkind comment or message: ⏳ Wait 24 Hours: Never hit send when you're in an emotional state. Give yourself time to cool off and review your message with a clearer mind. ⁉ Avoid Assumptions: Instead of making assumptions, ask questions. It's a more constructive way to get the information you need. 🔫 Don't Rush to Shoot: Before assuming someone's intent, it's worth doing some research. And when you receive new information, acknowledge it graciously. 🔎 Reflect on Your Reactions: Ask yourself why you are reacting so strongly to something. There's a time and place for criticism and feedback, especially in trusted relationships and research shows that praise is essential, and an imbalance of criticism can have adverse effects on our relationships and personal brand. If I can see these comments, so can your boss, your team, your clients, or your prospective employer 👀 So, before you send that unfriendly message or comment on someone's, do a quick self-check and if it's leaning towards negativity, it might be time to adjust your communication style - for your benefit and those around you. Connect with me if you're interested in discussing this further or share your thoughts in the comments below 💭 💬 🗨 🗯 Wishing you all a fantastic weekend! 🌟 ___________________________ 👋 Hi, I'm Graham. Thanks for checking out my Post. Here is what you can do next 🔽 ➕ Follow me to see me in your feed 🔔 Hit the bell on my profile for Post notifications 💬 Share your ideas or insights in the comments 📚 For anyone who DMs me ‘SUCCESS’, I'll share a library of eBooks related to generating sales leads on LinkedIn Thank you! ___________________________ #sales #marketing #socialmedia #strategy #business

Some thrive on drama and they will try to drag you in. The colleague who knows exactly which button to press. The boss who throws curveballs without context. The relative who never fails to provoke. People will bring their chaos but how you respond is entirely up to you. You can’t control their triggers, but you can control your own response. Responding is a strength. Reacting is just a habit. Most situations don’t need a reaction. They need reflection, clarity, and conscious choice. Here are some ways to learn how to respond, not react: 1. Pause and breathe – Give your nervous system time to settle. 2. Label the emotion – Name what you're feeling to tame it. 3. Reflect before replying – Ask, “Is this worth my peace?” 4. Practice empathy – Understand their lens before defending yours. 5. Build the habit – Practice in low-stakes moments so you're ready for the big ones. Because your energy is too valuable to waste on unnecessary drama. What helps you stay grounded when someone tries to push your buttons? #Possibilitariangauri #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfLeadership

Quality Content > Quantity of Content What’s more important: posting frequently or posting with purpose? Flooding your feed with low-value content does more harm than good. It weakens your brand and leaves your audience disengaged. Instead, take a step back and follow this 5-Step Process: STEP 1 - Post with intent. > Every post should serve a purpose. > Focus on adding value instead of filling space. Example: A post that answers a common client question builds trust. STEP 2 - Prioritize conversation over visibility. > Create posts that encourage interaction. > Ask questions or offer insights that spark discussion. Example: Instead of an update, pose a challenge your audience faces and offer solutions. STEP 3 - Focus on consistency, not frequency. > Don’t feel pressured to post daily. > Consistent, thoughtful content builds trust over time. Example: Weekly posts that go deep on a subject can generate higher engagement than daily surface-level content. STEP 4 - Analyze what works. > Check which posts get the most engagement. > Use that data to guide future content. Example: If a post about solving a client problem resonated, create a series based on that. STEP 5 - Engage meaningfully with responses. > Reply to comments with intention. > Build relationships through thoughtful replies. Example: Turn a comment thread into a real conversation. 1 powerful post can lead to deeper connections than 10 superficial ones. Even if it means posting less often, you’ll make a bigger impact. Remember, the goal isn’t to post more— It's to start real conversations.

“I can’t tell that story!” My client protested. “That’s too private!” “Is it private or is it personal?” I asked. She opened her mouth to speak and then paused. “Oh, it’s personal,” she says. “You feel uncomfortable because you have to be vulnerable,” I said gently. We were debating about is sharing some of her interests that’s outside her profession. 🌟 Unifying Personal and Professional: The Art of Discreet Storytelling on Social Media 🌟 In a world where authenticity is key, how do we balance being our whole self at work while maintaining discretion in our stories? 🔹 Once upon a time, the professional world demanded a strict separation between personal and professional personas. But one day, we realized the power of authenticity in the workplace. Because of that, the idea of presenting a unified self became not just accepted but celebrated. As an advocate for authenticity, I believe in showing our whole selves, yet with a mindful approach. Here are some pointers for sharing stories that are true to you yet appropriate for a professional audience: 1️⃣ Relevance is Key: Ensure your stories connect to your professional journey or insights. Whether it’s a challenge you overcame or a milestone you achieved, the focus should be on growth and learning. 2️⃣ Reflect on Value: Before sharing, ask yourself, “What value does this story add for my audience?” It could be inspiration, industry knowledge, or a common challenge many face. 3️⃣ Practice Discretion: Not all personal experiences need a public platform. Stories involving sensitive topics, extreme opinions, or overly intimate details might be better shared in a more private setting. 4️⃣ Remember Permanence: Social media has a long memory. Once a story is shared, it’s out there forever. Ensure it’s a story you’re comfortable being part of your digital footprint. 🌱 Speaking of authentic storytelling, I’d like to invite you to ‘Seed to Stage’ on January 20th. It is an opportunity for professionals like you to delve deeper into the art of blending personal narratives with professional presence. We’ll explore: • Techniques to craft compelling stories that resonate in a business context. • Strategies to maintain professional discretion while being true to your personal story. • Interactive sessions to practice and refine your storytelling skills. 🔹 ‘Seed to Stage’ is more than just a workshop; it’s a transformative experience for anyone looking to enhance their personal brand with authenticity and impact. Join us to unlock the power of your story in the professional world. 💬 Have you found ways to be authentic while maintaining professionalism? Share your insights and experiences in the comments – let’s learn from each other! #authenticity #storytelling #personalbranding #LinkedInStrategy P.S. What’s a personal story you’ve shared in a professional setting that made a significant impact? Share your experiences!

How does GenZ use smartphones differently, and what does this mean for content creators and marketers? Generation Z's extensive smartphone usage and preference for shorter content compared to older generations can be attributed to several factors, including their early exposure to technology and evolving digital consumption habits. Generation Z has a penchant for shorter, more digestible content. Platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, known for their brief videos and posts, are popular among this cohort. For instance, the appeal of TikTok lies in its short-form video content, often ranging from 15 seconds to one minute, catering to Gen Z's preference for quick, engaging content. Due to their high smartphone usage, Gen Z often engages with various gadgets. They use multiple screens, like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops, simultaneously or interchangeably. This multi-screen behavior facilitates more interactions with gadgets, establishing a fluid digital experience. The terms "Cyborgs" and "Centaurs" (Dell’Acqua et al. Navigating the Jagged Technological Frontier, Harvard Business School Technology & Operations Mgt. Unit Working Paper No. 24-013, 2023) metaphorically depict the contrast between Gen Z's seamless interaction with technology and older generations' more deliberate switch between digital and non-digital engagements. Like 'Cyborgs', Gen Z effortlessly merges their lives with technology, making smartphones and other gadgets extensions of their identities and experiences. In contrast, older generations, likened to 'Centaurs', tend to have a more compartmentalized approach, switching between using technology and not using technology based on specific needs or tasks. Gen Z's seamless use of technology and preference for shorter content has implications for content creators, marketers, and app developers. The demand for brief, engaging content and user-friendly, visually-driven app interfaces will continue growing, influencing digital trends and the development of platforms and applications catering to Gen Z's preferences.