While he has since apologized and taken down a social media post that trivialized the deadly floods in the Houston area and much of Texas and Oklahoma, Colin Kaepernick’s remarks reminded me of that old PR maxim that I have tried to follow and certainly have advised clients to be reminded of the same.
In case you are unfamiliar with what happened the San Francisco 49s quarterback, used the hashtag #7stormsComing to purportedly warn opponents and observers alike of his improved game. Clearly this was not done in malice but nevertheless, it was still done.
Don’t get me wrong, I think there is great value to social media. But like I tell clients, before you tweet, post, whatever read it one last time and think if it will offend anyone (unless that is your intention). We all do things in the spirit of anger at times but it’s often best to count to ten and hold our breath before saying, posting, etc.
So the next time an issue comes over you that you want to post, tweet, etc., think about it! Are you just coming up for air or spouting!