Importance of Online Safety
The safety and security of women in the online business world cannot be overemphasized. While the Internet offers numerous opportunities for networking, client acquisition, and business growth, it also exposes us to potential risks and threats. It is important to take precautions and remain aware of potential dangers, as demonstrated by a recent personal experience of mine.
Personal Experience: A Cautionary Tale
In the pursuit of expanding my virtual assistant business, I recently encountered a situation that served as a stark reminder of the need for online safety.
A man who initially reached out to me via my business page gradually began to overstep boundaries in our online conversations, making inappropriate comments despite my clear communication about being happily married with children. When he made a threatening remark towards my husband, I immediately expressed my disapproval. However, this did not deter him, and he continued with inappropriate comments. As a result, I stopped communicating with him.
Unfortunately, he took it too far and sent me a screenshot of my location on a map, along with a statement about how I did not know where he really was. (Yes, I have since taken steps to protect myself and my family.)
This experience was extremely unsettling, as it highlighted the potential dangers that can arise from our digital interactions. To be honest, I am still very shaken by this.
Tips for Ensuring Online Safety
In light of this disconcerting incident, I feel like it's essential to reinforce the significance of prioritizing online safety. Here are some crucial tips for women navigating the digital sphere for business purposes:
Maintain Firm Boundaries: Establish and maintain professional boundaries in all online interactions. Communicate your personal boundaries and do not hesitate to assertively address any overstepping of those boundaries.
Protect Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing personal details online. Avoid disclosing sensitive information such as home addresses, personal phone numbers, or specific daily routines.
Utilize Privacy Settings: Familiarize yourself with the privacy settings of your communication platforms and social media accounts. Optimize these settings to control who can view your personal information and posts.
Trust Your Instincts: If any interaction or conversation feels uncomfortable or inappropriate, trust your instincts and take the necessary steps to distance yourself from the situation.
Establish Safety Measures: Consider implementing safety measures such as using a virtual private network (VPN) for secure browsing, using two-factor authentication for accounts, and regularly updating passwords.
Seek Support: If faced with any form of harassment or intimidation, do not hesitate to seek support from relevant authorities, legal professionals, or support networks.
This unsettling encounter serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of prioritizing online safety, particularly for women in business. By staying vigilant, setting clear boundaries, and implementing proactive safety measures, we can strive to navigate the online realm with confidence and resilience. Let us collectively work towards fostering a digital environment that is conducive to growth, professionalism, and, above all, safety for all entrepreneurs.
Remember, your safety is paramount.
Stay safe, stay vigilant, and continue to pursue your entrepreneurial endeavours with unwavering determination.