Summary:
There is no doubt about it-social networking is all the buzz. A report just out by
Forrester's Research indicates that 51% of online Americans have joined a social network.
Some people are using it for personal reasons. Business people are using social networking
sites to build their careers, promote their business and grow their reputations. Learn the
top twelve business etiquette tips for social networking.
There is no doubt about it-social networking, or social
media if you prefer, is all the buzz. A report just out by Forrester's Research indicates
that 51% of online Americans have joined a social network. Another 73% are consuming some
form of social content on a regular basis. People are connecting with, listening to,
following and collaborating with each other online at an amazing rate.
Some people are using it for personal reasons. They are
sharing their recipes, their photos and their ideas to stay up to date with their friends
and family. Business people are using social networking sites to build their careers,
promote their business and grow their reputations.
The most popular social networking sites are Facebook,
MySpace, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Each one of those sites is uniquely positioned and serves a
particular population or purpose. There are other online networking sites, numbering in
the thousands, so at this point, they shall remain nameless.
The purpose of this article is not to provide information
on which networking sites you should choose and why, but to provide you with tips on the
etiquette of social networking. Once again, as with e-mail, cell phones, Blackberries and
other technological devices or technologically driven communication, we got the technology
up front and we have backed into the rules for using it with courtesy and consideration.
I am starting with a list of twelve tips on the etiquette
of social networking for the polished professional. The list will, no doubt, grow with
time.
#1. Fill out your online profiles completely with
information about you and your business. Use your real name and your own photo. Your cat
may be adorable, but unless you are a veterinarian specializing in the care and treatment
of felines, don't get cute.
#2. Use a different profile or account for your personal
connections. Business and pleasure do not mix in this medium.
#3. Create a section on your main profile detailing who you
are seeking to befriend and ask that visitors abide by that information. Everyone need not
apply.
#4. Offer information of value. Don't talk just about
yourself and your company.
#5. Don't approach strangers and ask them to be friends
with you just so you can then try to sell them on your products or services. You will
quickly lose credibility and your so-called "friends."
#6. Pick a screen name that represents you and your company
well. Don't call yourself "Loser1" unless you want to be known by that name.
#7. Don't send out requests for birthdays, invitations to
play games or other time-wasters for those using the site.
#8. Don't put anything on the Internet that you don't want
your future boss, current client or potential clients to read.
#9. Check out the people who want to follow you or be your
friend. Your mother was right when she said that people will judge you by the company you
keep.
#10. If someone does not want to be your friend, accept
their decision gracefully. They have the right to make that choice and you have to accept
it.
#11. Never post when you're overly-tired, jet lagged,
intoxicated, angry or upset.
#12. Compose your posts, updates or tweets in a word
processing document so you can check grammar and spelling before you send them.
The world of online networking is new to most of us, but
there is little difference in connecting with people online and offline. The same basic
tenets hold true. Trust and authenticity remain high on the list.
© 2010, Lydia Ramsey. All rights reserved. |
