Once upon a time, Facebook was a private space where you could share with friends and family.

Then Facebook changed things. You will, of course, recall the uproar. Facebook responded with improved privacy settings followed by more improvements. They’re so “improved” that no one messes with them anymore. We have given up.

Facebook is public now. Everyone knows everything. Maybe that’s a good thing. Whatever. It’s not my problem to solve. Sure, you can try to keep your information private, but you’ll ultimately fail.

Privacy is dead, especially on Facebook.

When the Internet is sharing the information about your secret offshore shell corporation, it’s a pretty good bet that privacy is truly dead.

Things That Don’t Belong on Social Media

Should you stop sharing on social media? Not if you enjoy it. It’s an outstanding way to stay in touch with friends and family. It’s an awesome way to stay top of mind with referral sources and clients. It’s the way people communicate today. Be there, or be invisible.

But, seriously, don’t be so freaking stupid. Unless, of course, your business doesn’t matter to you.

You admire the dude who shot the lion? Keep it to yourself. You want Mexico to pay for that wall? Think it; don’t broadcast it. You want a socialist for President? Tell your buddy at breakfast if you must, but keep it off Facebook.

You get the idea. There’s no good reason to damage relationships with your opinions. You’re here to learn how to grow your business. That’s what we talk about each day. Business growth is important to you, or you wouldn’t be reading these words.

However, if you believe that your voice is critical to the public discourse on these public issues, then go for it. But be aware that you’re valuing one thing over another, and it’s costing you business. Be cognizant of the decision you’re making and the price you’re paying.

Be aware also that even when people tell you they disagree with you but respect you for expressing your opinion, they’re taking their business elsewhere. What they’re really saying is that they think you’re an ignorant lunatic. Civil debate died with privacy. Accept it and move on.

If growing your business is your priority, then use Facebook to show off your kid on graduation day, give us a collage of your family trip, announce a new lawyer in your practice, or, if you must, speak to dead relatives. (Seriously, do they have Facebook in heaven?)

Leave the politics, sex, and religion out of the public forum. In the world we live in today, you can be pretty certain your opinion will annoy about half of your readers. Just keep it to yourself so you can continue to get referrals from and represent the other half.