In his book, Promote Yourself: The New Rules for Career Success, published by St. Martin’s Press (September 2013), Dan Schawbel provides a wealth of information, insights, and counsel for those who have no clear career roadmap and are willing to invest time and effort to advance their career.

“No matter which social media platform(s) you’re using, there are certain do’s an don’ts you should observe. Some are pretty obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many otherwise smart people make stupid, damaging mistakes. So as you foray into the world of social media, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind”:

o Never badmouth your former or current company, boss, or colleagues.
o Never share classified information about your company
o Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want to see on a bulletin board in the cafeteria — or in court.

o Do add to the conversations.
o Do offer great advice and free insights.
o Do review everything you write to make sure it represents you in the best light.
o Do promote your company.
o Do promote other people.
o Do ask for help.
o Do share your story with the media.

* * *

I presume to add another reminder: Everything you say and do provides evidence of who you really are.

Schawtel discusses all this in much greater detail (Pages 115-118), concluding his book with these observations:

“Do one thing every day — add a new skill, share a new idea with your group — that will advance you. Developing this ‘One Step Forward a Day’ habit will keep you current, make you feel more fulfilled and confident, and increase your value. It also will make you more creative and fulfilled when you’re not working. And it will ensure that you do 365 things during the next twelve months to improve yourself.”

Dan Schawbel‘s comments remind me of how the new leaders of the LEGO Group saved their company: “one brick at a time.” They also remind me of a proverb from China: “When is the best time to plant a tree? One hundred years ago. When is the next best time? Now.”