According to Wikipedia, a mullet is a unisex hair style that is short in the front and long in the back. The mullet began making appearances in the popular media in the 1960s and 1970s but did not catch on with the masses until the early 1980s.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and job seekers can learn from those that sport this fashionable cut when managing their online and social media based personal brand.  A popular saying when describing a mullet comes to mind:

Business in the front. Party in the back.

Wise words when considering your online brand as a business professional no matter what your industry, position, or responsibility level. Keep your business and professional profile in the forefront and in plain view of recruiters, prospective employers, clients, and customers. Keep your personal life and party in the back. Users of social media for personal branding purposes or business growth and engagement need to be mindful doing your best to maintain a professional image while showing your creative and unique qualities at the same time.

Business in the Front

Social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogs, and Twitter are great mediums in which to develop relationships and grab the attention of hiring managers and recruiters. Share your expertise and lead with the business in all you do. Your posts, pictures, and tweets should be at least 70% business related. Lead with interesting articles, tidbits, and information that is industry specific or related to the job in which you currently work or aspire to.

Party in the Back

The remaining 30% of your social media content can be related to your personal side but be weary. I have visited FaceBook profiles with one too many drunk pictures and tweets leading me to search for talent elsewhere. If you are unsure if something is inappropriate, ask yourself if your mother would approve. Items that your mother would approve and/or tolerate are generally appropriate to display on your social media profiles. Social media is all about interacting and developing relationships. I encourage you to tweet or post comments seeking input and feedback from others. Commonalities make you interesting which lead to engaging conversations with persons from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Unfortunately, for Dog the Bounty Hunter, this advice has come a little too late.   He is a good example of why your social media mullet is so important.  In 2007 when Facebook was literally just spreading its wings, Dog the Bounty Hunter’s reality show production was suspended after a recording surfaced on the internet of a series of racial slurs along with very public family infighting and drama that ensued as a result of the reality show suspension.