Q: While on vacation, I don’t like being caught by a bunch of candid photos. But when I say, “Please Stop. No photos.” I am surprised by the rude responses I receive from people I don’t even know. What can I do?
A: Avoid the Alec Baldwin reaction to paparazzi and respond with a firm communication. With smart phones in everyone’s pockets these days, protecting your brand can feel like a 24×7 activity, especially if you are under 30. In an instant your vacation photo appears on social media sites and, shortly thereafter, facial recognition ensures that your name appears too. And with a few more clicks your address appears. Voila! There you are for all to see in a bathing suit with a drink in your hand.
Consider the following questions:
- When your vacation photo appears showing you in a pub or wearing a funny hat, will it enhance or tarnish your brand?
- If you are traveling, is your home secure? Will you be secure when you return?
- If the photo of you goes viral will it support or harm your brand?
- What is your social media strategy?
- Do you want to maintain boundary between vacation mode and work? Is this possible for you?
Finally, you don’t want to be the stiff at the party or the one missing from every group shot. So put down the drink (even if it’s during a toast), look around to ensure that others are well behaved and SMILE.