Lisa Robbin Young

We've all had those moments where we've gone a little overboard and shared too much information - with a friend, colleague, or perhaps even a client. My cheeks still burn from the embarrassment I felt the day I "earned" the "overshare badge" on the old Foursquare. I was just so enthusiastic about the platform, that I checked in to everyplace I went that day.

Whoops!

It happens. sometimes innocently enough we let things slip that are better left unsaid. But sometimes we involve others in drama, or share sensitive information that just isn't meant for public consumption. If you're a chronic over-sharer, it could even be jeopardizing your business.

How much sharing is "oversharing"?

This week's episode of Creative Freedom (with a little help from Joan Jett) provides some clarity on how you can minimize oversharing and focus your marketing message for maximum success on any online platform.

3 Tips to avoid oversharing

1. Remember that oversharing is relative. If you're typically a very private person, anything you share has the potential to be T.M.I, whereas someone who sees life as an open book has latitude to share more fully.

2. Know your audience. Your online community has an expectation of what you are like. Whether you like it or not, you are constantly crafting an image (and training others how to treat you) by what you accept from them and what they come to expect from you. Consistency is one of the most important tools you can use to establish your brand.

3. Check your settings. Every online platform has some type of privacy settings. Know them and use them to your advantage. But remember that anyone can copy and paste your content (or take a screenshot) and email it all over the internet in a matter of seconds. If you don't want the world to know, keep it to yourself.

Bonus tip: Know your platforms. Each platform wants different types of content. Some people hate food in their Instagram feed, but have an entire board dedicated to food on Pinterest. Where you choose to show up in the online world makes a big difference in how you (and your business) are being perceived.

What are your over-sharing experiences?

Have you been accused of oversharing? Have you seen a really bad case of oversharing in another business? How did you handle it? Share your thoughts in the comments and be part of our Rising Tide Community.