To a certain extent, I think it’s a good thing–so far most of the employment or education experiences I’ve had appreciate the fact that I’m not the exact same person at work/school as I am in my daily fun life. It’s actually somewhat liberating, because it leads to more honest discussions with my boss about what I want and need from a job versus what the company wants and needs… not that it’s gotten me anywhere so far, but honesty is always nice. It certainly hasn’t set me back.

I think a lot of the issue here is what you are using social media FOR. Intent is key. My present usage is specifically duplicitous and disparate which is part of what is causing the questions… in my particular case, I think the nature of my specific business requires two focused accounts; whereas a marketing focus would be better served by a single personally branded account.

So, while I will continue with my personal account and work to build some small level of personal branding here (staying light on the professional side), I will likely remain as a contributor to the professional account I help manage (which is company branded, not individually branded) rather than make any attempt at larger professional branding across the board.