📺 Stream EntrepreneurTV for Free 📺

People Are Bombarding the Wrong George Papadopoulos With Notifications The most recent instance of social media virality shows why you should always do your research.

By Nina Zipkin

entrepreneur daily
George Papadopoulos | Linkedin

Social media can be a great equalizer. You can use it to connect with customers, fellow entrepreneurs and people who you admire. But there's also a distinct downside to anyone with a Twitter account being able to reach out to you.

On Monday, amid an ongoing investigation, President Donald Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort and campaign aide Richard Gates were indicted by a federal jury on 12 counts, including conspiring to launder money, acting as unregistered agents of Ukraine, providing false statements and failing to file reports on foreign bank accounts. Manafort and Gates both pled not guilty.

Related: 5 Common Mistakes You Should Avoid When Posting on Social Media

However, it was also revealed that earlier in October, former Trump foreign policy advisor George Papadopoulos pled guilty to making false statements to the FBI about his contact with Russian officials.

This was news that a Michigan-based financial planner and CPA also named George Papadopoulos found out about while he was on vacation, when strangers started contacting him.

While many people took to Twitter to share their opinions with this Papadopoulos, he did receive some support from fellow internet denizens who were lucky enough to be saddled with famous names.

Which is to say, regardless of the situation, if you're going to express your feelings about anything to someone on social media, do your research and due diligence. You don't want to disturb what could be an unassuming financial planner just trying to have a nice trip to see his family.

Nina Zipkin

Entrepreneur Staff

Staff Writer. Covers leadership, media, technology and culture.

Nina Zipkin is a staff writer at Entrepreneur.com. She frequently covers leadership, media, tech, startups, culture and workplace trends.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

These Coworkers-Turned-Friends Started a Side Hustle on Amazon — Now It's a 'Full Hustle' Earning Over $20 Million a Year: 'Jump in With Both Feet'

Achal Patel and Russell Gong met at a large consulting firm and "bonded over a shared vision to create a mission-led company."

Productivity

Want to Be More Productive? Here's How Google Executives Structure Their Schedules

These five tactics from inside Google will help you focus and protect your time.

Business News

These Are the 10 Most Profitable Cities for Airbnb Hosts, According to a New Report

Here's where Airbnb property owners and hosts are making the most money.

Side Hustle

How to Turn Your Hobby Into a Successful Business

A hobby, interest or charity project can turn into a money-making business if you know the right steps to take.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Starting a Business

This Couple Turned Their Startup Into a $150 Million Food Delivery Company. Here's What They Did Early On to Make It Happen.

Selling only online to your customers has many perks. But the founders of Little Spoon want you to know four things if you want to see accelerated growth.