ISP Media Blog

“This post was originally written for and published on the Small Business Revitalization Blog“

Since social media has exploded onto the scene, a new set of cultural rules have emerged to accommodate each tool and it sometimes it can feel like there is a secret handshake to gain access that no-one told you about!

Firstly, it is important to understand that all social mediums were not created equal! Socialising approaches are different for each channel, for example, I would not post on my blog in the same tone that I tweet, and I would utilise a different approach when updating my Facebook page in comparison to updating my LinkedIn account.

The manner in which you relate to your followers, fans, friends, tweeps, readers, contacts and associates, should mirror the social sophistication of the platform you are communicating through. Now, I can almost feel you breaking out into a cold sweat and asking yourself not only how you are going to figure this out, but when could you possibly find the time?

If you are just beginning, don’t be afraid, embrace social media with open arms, revel in your newbie status and take the time to learn the ropes as you go!

To get you started I am going to share with you some universal rules that span all platforms. Then as you ease into each of your chosen social mediums, your confidence will begin to soar and you will be wondering how you ever lived without them!

Give and Ye Shall Receive

Sharing is all par for the social media course. Sharing your expertise, your ideas, your thoughts, yourself and your business with others, is a great way to get noticed. Answer questions, offer solutions, suggest someone that can help if appropriate – by giving as much (if not) more than you receive – you will be well on your way to social media stardom.

Avoid Becoming Known as a Keyboard Cowboy

While the term is reasonably new, the “type” is as old as the hills. Remember the old adage, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Well this is one saying that for the most part, should be adhered to. Trashing people or companies online is a sure way to get noticed for all the wrong reasons and you are sending it global – so the whole world will know to avoid you!

Cheats Never Prosper

Do not forward Mafia War invites to your professional contacts, do not send them links to test their IQ, and for the love of all things digital, do not offer to reveal the secrets of getting thousands of Twitter followers with one easy click – you will become very unpopular very quickly! Phishing and spamming your followers, friends, fans and tweeps is just not on!

Don’t Throw Stones in Glasshouses

The online community may be separated by distance, dots and digits, but they do tend to look after their own – you never know who knows whom online. Forgive those who may have wronged you in a previous life and move on, build a bridge, seriously – just get over it! Don’t air your dirty laundry out on the world stage for all to see, it is very unbecoming and is generally frowned upon in social circles!

Be Your Own Value Add

Before you hit the send live button, you should consider asking yourself, “Am I adding value in any way by sharing this information?” Try to share more than just a never ending list of your product or service specials, provide hints, tips, and suggestions, and physically interact through meaningful dialogue with the people in your chosen community. Do this and they will return the favour. Social media is about participating not advertising!

Practice Active Listening

Some people will use social media to vent at you, to you, about you, or your business. Before you shoot back a heated or defensive response, take a minute to actually listen to the real motivation behind their barrage. If you take the time to listen, you may actually learn something new about your business, resolve the issue amicably and potentially gain a client for life! 

Show Some Respect

This is the easiest rule to follow and probably the most critical. Be professional and polite, if you would not want it done to or said about you, then don’t do it or say it within your community. Consider this – If you would not direct your comments about people in a face-to- face situation, why would it be appropriate to do so online. Use your offline moral compass online – it’s that easy!

It’s all about the Relationship

The final overarching rule is to use social media the way it was intended. Build quality relationships with the people you interact with through your community, engage your readers and be engaged by others! This medium is a fantastic way to grow your network of quality professional and personal contacts, some you will most likely never meet in person, but that won’t stop them from referring you to a friend, offering quality advice when you ask for it or brainstorming with you to help get you over a hump!

Happy socialising!