Three levels of sharing: Authentic - Transparent - Intimate.

Successful bloggers must be Authentic.

Write the way you talk. Don't pretend to be someone else and don't pretend to be perfect. I'm a Midwest country girl. I don't have city polish. I have a cat. I love chocolate and funny cat videos. I build websites for bloggers and businesses. I like to encourage entrepreneurs and bloggers. That's Authentic.

My pastor says that we aren't authentic on social media. We pretend to be perfect. We only show photos of the kiddos if they're clean and neatly dressed. I do that a bit. I have my office set up so that when I'm on a video conference with my clients they see bookcases behind me. Those bookcases are neat and attractive - and often the cleanest part of my office. Is that fake instead of authentic? Am I allowed to put my best foot forward?

You may, if you want, also be Transparent.

Transparent is when you share some personal stories but only if they don't reflect poorly on someone else. You write about struggles, but in a general way. You let people see your ups and downs without boring them or shocking them with details.

I'm Transparent when I encourage others who are going through grief. I've been there. I'm Transparent when I write about making money online because I do that. I can talk about money in general, about begin frugal, about what works and doesn't work in my business. I don't want to be Transparent when my office is cluttered and I don't have to be.

The digital world doesn't need to know every detail of your life. Sharing too much information can put you and your family at risk. It can negatively affect your future employment and your future clients if you're self employed. Don't share details about your family, your finances, anything about your children that would embarrass them. Don't disrespect other people. Don't attack just because you're anonymous. Stop judging others.

I no longer tell my Facebook friends when I'm traveling. I wait until I get home safely and then post photos. I don't talk about family struggles or conflicts. I try to resist sharing my political views, not because I don't feel strongly about principles but because social media is for Friends and I have friends that I lovingly disagree with politically.

Intimate Sharing is Rare

Intimate sharing is reserved for real life, for the people who you know and love, for the very few who are close enough to you that you can stop pretending to be perfect. I wish for you... a spouse, friend, or family member that you can tell your secrets to. It's rare. It's also freeing.

These are my personal guidelines. I am intentional about them. I've given them much thought. They fit who I am.

As a blogger and business person, you set your own sharing guidelines. Have a strategy for your blog. Decide what you will share and with whom. Be real... but be careful.