Don’t play with fire… or a blog.

March 6, 2008

So, yesterday I was feeling pretty good about myself. I had just closed a potentially sizable deal with a company that wants to–get this–refer business to me and essentially ask for nothing in return.

I could get used to this.

I had a phone call, I met with a representative of the company, I called to confirm the deal was closed the next day, and then I set fourth to announce (and brag) to the world that I was one lucky mofo. I was going to be partnering with a company that plans to have up to 20 people on the street hocking my wares and all I have to do is show up, do what I do best and get paid. Leave it to me to find a way to screw it up.

So, how did I essentially hang myself with my own mouse cord? I simply took my mouse in my hand and made a blog post.

You see, I learned a lesson today. Blogs can be dangerous. Before you post ANYTHING on your site–before you even THINK about what you’re going to say on your site–make sure that you know what you’re talking about. Make sure you have permission–and if necessary–make sure that you have a contract in place. Most importantly you need to be aware that a blog is a tremendous way to get the word out and people will hear you–and yes–they will be PISSED if they don’t like what they hear.

A blog (if configured properly) can essentially announce your message to the world in a big way. I’ve been blogging for years and I’m still not sure I quite believed it until today. If you use a person’s name, a company name, a product name or a brand name within one sentence of your post, you could have that company’s lead attorney calling you direct within the hour. An hour after that, your name is on the voice mail or within the inbox of the CEO; and now HE’S pissed.

My point here my friends is that a blog is a tremendous tool, but we have to know how powerful it is. You must be careful what you say AND how you say it. In my case, I made a casual, light-hearted announcement about a partnership. Well, to an attorney of a growing national company, a partnership is NOT something that a small company like mine announces; EVER. Especially without a contract, an official press release–and probably–a mention on the BIG company’s site first.

The moral of the story? Be careful what you post. We’re all carrying loaded weapons that are very powerful tools if you don’t stop and think about what your typing, announcing, reviewing, or spewing. People WILL know about you and your blog sooner or later and that could come as quickly as an hour after you hit the publish button. You don’t want to regret hitting that publish button. It’s like firing a bullet that you can’t get back.

photo credit: chez_worldwide