Social Network Etiquette When Building Your Business

I read an article today posted by the Associated Press about how Facebook is suspending or disabling accounts because of suspected fake names.

Naturally, Facebook has to protect the integrity of their site, no argument there. Anyone who has had their account hijacked by the malicious activity of some miscreant can support Facebook’s efforts to keep those criminals out.

Not only does Facebook suspend accounts for suspicious names, but they will also suspend your account for breaking other rules of their Terms of Use, like spamming.

Many, many people working a home-based business use Facebook, and other social networks like MySpace and Twitter, to network with current and potential business associates.

The problem lies in home based business entrepreneurs treating the social networks as a free for all “throw your biz opportunity” at people. Just because someone friends you and says they would like to “know more about you”, it doesn’t mean you should send them a detailed message about your business.

Of course we want to reach as many people as possible in expanding our businesses, but we must follow proper social networking etiquette.

Get this tattooed into your brain…PEOPLE JOIN PEOPLE, THEY DO NOT JOIN PRODUCTS OR OPPORTUNITIES. No matter the business, people will associate with other people they Know, Like and Trust.

Why do I shop at Safeway, Sears and JCPenneys? My parents shopped there. They did business with the same clerks and cashiers for years. I know, like, and trust those businesses.

Those of us who use social networks primarily for our business activities, all know that the people “friending” us are looking for business associates and contacts…just like we are. So there is no need to put on a fake front that we are forming bosom buddy friendships with everyone we meet there.

Certainly, there are some people I’ve met on Facebook who I have become friends with because we hit it off. That is what’s fun about using social networks…meeting people you like and enjoy chatting with from all over the world.

This is no different from face to face relationships.

So a few guidelines are in order…

1. Maintain cordial, professional relationships with your contacts on social networks. Actually read their profiles to learn something about them as a person. I’m always more interested in what friends who are gardeners are doing. Put in some effort to find something besides business to talk about. Everyone relaxes and no one will feel they are going to be “pitched” or hunted down by “used car salesmen”. Let the topic of business come about naturally.


2. Remember when you decide to post something…a note, a link, a video, a blog post…that you need to be adding value to the business community you are networking with. And not everything you post needs to be about business. Include inspirational stories, amusing events in your life, etc.


3. Use your real name, not some snappy handle like ‘MLM MegaMama’. And for heaven’s sake, post your real photograph on your profile! YOU are NOT a product, a company, your favorite pet, beautiful scenery, or an animated character. You are a brilliant human being with a warm and friendly smile!

Be the Real Person Facebook wants to see using their site. Be the Real Person your contacts want to see so they can relate to you.

Wishing You the Success of a Lifetime!
Karen
k.j.miller.777@gmail.com