Networking & Career / Online Networking / Lesson 11

LESSON 11 · ONLINE NETWORKING

Protect Your Time and Privacy

Eighteen easy tips to protect your time and privacy online, so networking stays safe and calm.

Safe and kind. Boundaries are healthy.

27 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

27 tips that really help

These ideas come from Show Your Work! (Austin Kleon), Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Why safety matters

Online networking is great, but you must stay safe. A few simple habits protect your time, money and feelings.

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Start now.

TIP 2

Review your privacy settings

Choose who can see your email, phone and posts. Share only what you need.

TRY THIS
Check settings.

TIP 3

Use strong passwords

Use a long, different password for each site and a password manager if you can.

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Update one.

TIP 4

Turn on two-step login

It adds a second layer of protection. It takes two minutes and helps a lot.

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Turn it on.

TIP 5

Avoid sharing private details

Do not share your address, bank details or ID with new contacts.

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Keep it private.

TIP 6

Check who you are talking to

Look at the profile and shared contacts. Be careful of brand new, empty profiles.

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Check the profile.

TIP 7

Beware of scams

Be wary of job offers that ask for money or secret codes. Real employers do not ask you to pay.

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Stay alert.

TIP 8

Set time limits

Decide to spend twenty minutes a day. A timer stops endless scrolling.

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Set a timer.

TIP 9

Script: saying no

Thank you for the offer, but I will pass for now. Say it politely.

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Use it.

TIP 10

Script: checking

Could you tell me a bit more about your role and company? Say it calmly.

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Use it.

TIP 11

Script: ending a chat

I need to go offline now, thank you and take care. Say it kindly.

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Use it.

TIP 12

Mistake: accepting every request

Random contacts can be risky, so accept people who fit your goals.

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Be selective.

TIP 13

Mistake: clicking unknown links

Links can hide scams, so check before you click.

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Pause before clicking.

TIP 14

Mistake: sharing your password

Never share it, even with friends, so keep it private.

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Keep it private.

TIP 15

Troubleshoot: when someone is rude

Do not answer, block them and report if needed. Protect your peace.

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Block and report.

TIP 16

Troubleshoot: when you feel overwhelmed

Turn off notifications and take a day off. Rest is part of networking.

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Take a break.

TIP 17

Drill: check your privacy settings today

Spend ten minutes reviewing your privacy settings on two sites.

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Do it now.

TIP 18

Drill: set a daily limit

Set a daily time limit for online networking and keep it for a week.

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Try it.

TIP 19

Check the website address

Look at the web address for odd spelling. Scammers copy names.

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Check addresses.

TIP 20

Search the person

Search the name and company. Real people have a footprint.

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Search first.

TIP 21

Use a separate email for networking

It keeps your main inbox clean and safer.

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Create one.

TIP 22

Report suspicious messages

Use the report button. It protects others too.

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Report them.

TIP 23

Example: the fake recruiter

A message promised a job if she paid a fee. She checked, found it false and reported it.

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Never pay to apply.

TIP 24

Example: the safe call

Sam asked for a company email before sharing any details. The sender vanished.

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Ask for proof.

TIP 25

Mistake: sharing your phone number publicly

Keep it private until you trust the person.

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Keep it private.

TIP 26

Troubleshoot: when you have shared too much

Change passwords and tell your bank if needed. Act quickly.

TRY THIS
Act now.

TIP 27

Drill: update one password and enable two-step login

Do it now. Ten minutes protects you.

TRY THIS
Do it now.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.

PAUSE

“I will think about it.”

CHECK

“Let me check who you are.”

LIMIT

“I only use this for an hour.”

SAFE

“I do not share private details.”

NO

“No, thank you.”

CLOSE

“I stay safe online.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Check settings

DAY 2
Use strong passwords

DAY 3
Limit sharing

DAY 4
Set time limits

DAY 5
Check strangers

DAY 6
Report scams

DAY 7
Take breaks

Further reading

• Show Your Work! (Austin Kleon)
• Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
• So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.